Trojans secured a comprehensive victory by 77-5 against an error-ridden Alton Silverbacks in their final league game of the season at Anstey Park
The result means that Alton will finish second from bottom of Hampshire 1 Counties league. However. this was an out of character performance from Alton who have largely competed well against those teams around them this season and who have finished on the same number of wins as Portsmouth, Bournemouth II and Trojans.
Alton coaches and players will have no need to review the video to determine what went wrong, but from the wry smiles from the players that left the pitch at the end it was clear - just about everything.
They started well enough with Ed Pasfield bursting off the back of a rolling maul and claiming a try in the opening moments, but the official adjudged that it was knocked on over the line and it was an early reprieve for Trojans.
There was little sign of what was to prevail, as Pasfield was once again brought down 7 metres out and Alton were competing well in the breakdown
The match had the feeling of an end of season encounter as both sides ran the ball at every opportunity, However it was Alton that gambled once too often with a long raking pass by Joe Gwyther being intercepted for Trojans to score under the posts in the 11th minute
Two minutes later, Trojans took a quick tap penalty, cut a good running line, and scored again, and from that moment Alton were always chasing the game.
Gwyther tried to inspire the backs, that were bolstered by the return of Oliver Burden in his first game of this season, with his usual adroit mix of kicking and passing but the openings never materialised.
Trethewey came close after latching on to a clever Gwyther pass, but far too often the Alton players were left isolated and Trojans were quick over the ball. James Norris combined well with Harry Thomas in the lineout on a few occasions, but the Trojans lineout was never under pressure as they began to dominate possession.
The Trojans fly-half lead by example with an imperious kicking game and after a fine 50:22, Trojans winger cut inside to score a well taken try. 21-0
Trojans took advantage of every Alton mistake, and they closed the half strongly with 3 further tries after several calamities from the home side. 42-0 at half time.
Alton looked to salvage some pride in the second half and started it well. Again, though they were undone by their own defensive mistakes as they gifted Trojans further tries off the back of another interception and failing to secure the ball after another aimless kick through.
Trojans appeared to have not retreated to behind their line as Alton took a quick tap penalty just 6 metres out as they went in search of a consolation score, but this was the exception as chances were few and far between for the home side.
With three minutes remaining they were eventually rewarded with Alistair McGregor touching down in the corner.
It was a disappointing way to end to the season but overall, Alton have rallied well after losing their opening 7 matches. That sequence of games coupled with many injuries and absences could have potentially impacted the morale of the squad, but results like this have been the exception rather than the norm.
Clearly the inclusion of strong sides like Jersey and Winchester at this level has distorted the look of the league table, but Alton should reflect on competitive performances throughout the season and wins against other top half sides such as Gosport and Andover, They should look forward to next season with some renewed optimism.
As the players and fans of both sides retreated to the warmth of the clubhouse, at least they could “enjoy” the England match.
Gary Brench