Alton Under 14s Win Hampshire County Cup

Finals are never matches enjoyed by the nerves. Prior to the County Cup final versus Bournemouth RFC, Alton had received video messages from World Cup Winner and England legend Matt Dawson, International referee Wayne Barnes and the entire Wasps Rugby squad. Whilst all the message were a bit of fun for the Alton squad they all had a common message 'Go Hard', 'Leave everything on the pitch', 'Enjoy It' and 'Never Give Up'. Message heard loud and clear!

These were perfect conditions for rugby, firm under foot and a bright cloudless sky. The only fly in the metrological ointment was the strong breeze off the Solent running North - South straight up the pitch. Alton had the benefit of the wind on their backs at kick off.

Both teams were nervous and as result kept it tight using their stronger forward carriers, however both were equal to each other's task in defense, and both guilty of conceding penalties for holding in attack and breaching the offside line defense; ironically they were both guilty of perhaps not using their talent out wide. But it made for a compelling, very tight and nerve shredding 50 minutes.

The first points of the match went to Alton, Will Pack kicking a penalty from 25 metres out an front of the posts on the 7 minute mark. Little was anyone to know how important the only 3 pointer of the match was going to be. However Bournemouth fought back punching their way back into Alton's 22. After a sustained period of pressure and penalties it seemed inevitable that Bournemouth would cross the line. They did! On the 15 minute mark and under the posts. The try was converted and Alton trailed 3-8.
Their opening try gave Bournemouth the further motivation they had been seeking and the period of Bournemouth dominance continued attack after attack after attack. However the Alton defense was epic and supremely committed and did extremely well to concede only 1 further try just before half time. Into the wind and from out wide the conversion was missed. Bournemouth 12:3 at half time.

If Alton were going to win they could not afford to concede anymore points, more importantly they were going to need to play all their rugby in Bournemouth's half. But first they had to get there and into the wind!

It felt like Alton had their backs to the wall for the entire second half, and despite their best efforts all clearance kicks were hampered by the nagging wind. The cliché is true however 'a kick is as only as good as it's chase' and the two occasions Alton ventured into Bournemouth territory were the results of pressure applied by the kick chasers. An Alton attack was stopped 10 metres out from Bournemouth's try line, and then Alton showed what they can do when they distribute the ball wide. Through 6 pairs of hands the ball found its way to Charles Milne, who has impressed all season with his direct and strong running, Charles bulldozed his way over for a brilliantly taken try with a little over 10 minutes of the match remaining. Into the wind and on the far right hand touch Will Pack narrowly missed the conversion. Bournemouth lead 12:8.

The final 10 minutes were much like the first 15 of the second half. Bournemouth played the conditions well, keeping Alton pinned back in their half, knowing that any score would almost certainly seal the match. This was excruciating for coaches and spectators on both sides alike!!

Until that second kick chase! This gave Alton a sniff. A brace of penalties at the breakdown and offside gave Alton an opportunity to get back into Bournemouth's 22. Alton picked and went punching their way to the 5m line until the referee blew and for a further breakdown infringement. This was the moment! The front row hovered over the ball... tapped it and drove for the line. The carrier were tackled just short of the line, Will Osman was quick to react collected the ball and pounced! Try!! Alton 13:12!

All Alton needed to do from the final restart was take the ball into touch. However as they had done all match Bournemouth snatched the ball at the breakdown and despite every effort to launch their own final attack were finally ushered into touch much to the relief of half of the onlookers and the match was called.

Sport can so cruel at times and on this occasion particularly for Bournemouth! They too played hard they also never gave up! Tight matches compliment both teams. But the beauty of sport, and in this instance for Alton, is that you can hang in there never give up and claim victory in the final moments. It was as beautiful to 21 Alton Under 14 players on Sunday as it was for Michael Jordan's 'Last Dance', or Europe's 'Miracle at Medina' or Italy's last gasp win in Cardiff the day before!

Well done Alton Under 14s County Cup Champions 2022