WING wizard Ross Gard raced over for a hat-trick of tries as Alcester recorded their first victory against local rivals Woodrush in over a decade.

Impressive Alcester proved 36-18 winners which enables them to leapfrog Wythall-based Woodrush in Midlands League Division Four West South to take over seventh spot.

Jamie Harland opened Alcester's account with a try following a catch and drive move before Jack Green grabbed a second score.

Gard then scored the first of his trio to put Alcester 21-6 ahead at half-time with Max Biltcliffe kicking all three conversions.

Alcester stretched the lead further in the second half with Gard completing his hat-trick while Woodrush secured a couple of tries of their own, one of which was an excellent effort from the visiting outside centre.

But it was Alcester who had the final word with a sixth try snapped up from the last move of the match when hooker Tommy Wright threw in from a lineout and then got himself on the back of a driving maul to score.

It signalled Alcester's third consecutive league win and they'll look to make it four this Saturday when they take on fourth placed Balsall and Berkswell at Kings Coughton.

Alcester 2's lost out 44-10 to a strong Stratford Vets who had the luxury of a large squad at their disposal and were able to bring on plenty of fresh legs in the second half as both teams tired.

Scott McGhee and Ross Bayliss both bagged tries for Alcester.