ALCESTER'S promotion prospects were blown off course when they crashed 27-17 to second placed Old Leamingtonians in Midlands 3 West South.

In what proved a tough and physical contest, Alcester had to thank Frazer Jackson for preventing Leamington from taking an early lead when he produced a tremendous diving tap tackle to avert a certain looking try.

Alcester suffered a harsh blow when Josh O'Connor was yellow carded, knocking-on while trying to intercept the ball, which the referee judged to be deliberate.

With an extra man at their disposal, Leamington took the lead with a try following a quickly taken tap penalty move.

Phil Birks crossed the line soon after to level the scores before a cracking conversion kick from Matt Ashby which curled over off the wind put Alcester two points in front.

Alcester increased their lead when Steve Mason dragged several defenders over the line with him before dotting the ball down, but Leams then struck back right on the stroke of half time to level the scores.

Jack Green continued his scoring spree after the break to put Alcester 17-12 in front but Leams soon struck back by scoring twice in quick succession.

It put Alcester on the back foot before they started to apply pressure, only to see a looping pass intercepted as Leams ran the length of the pitch to score under the posts.

Alcester couldn't recover from this setback as Leams ran out clear winners.

Head coach Keith Beech and his assistant Brett Allard will step down at the end of the season.

Beech has been a coach at Alcester for more than 10 years, the last six of which have seen him involved with looking after the senior sides.

It has coincided with Alcester enjoying two promotions which now means they are playing at the highest level of rugby.

Alcester are now on the lookout for a senior coach, or coaching team to take charge at Kings Coughton.

Anyone interested in the role should contact chairman Andy Flynn on 07923-436184 or at andy.flynn@rocketmail.com