A SPIRITED Rugby Welsh failed to complete a second-half comeback as they fell to a 26-20 defeat to visiting Aylestone Athletic.
The Leicestershire visitors did not take long to open up their account with a converted try but there was quick response from Welsh as Wayne Grant crossed the whitewash.
However, their joy was short-lived as Aylestone hit back with two converted tries to race into a 21-5 lead.
Rugby reduced the arrears just before the break when Jack Taylor bundled over for an unconverted try.
After the break Welsh raised their game, with Loz Galleno crashing over midway through the second period.
Next over the line was Robert Gibson as Welsh pulled to within one point of Aylestone who then managed to seal victory in the final moments with an unconverted try.
Welsh make the trip to Aldridge in the last 16 of the RFU Junior Vase on Saturday.
