Match Report - Egham Hollowegians 10 - Alton 33

Report by Tom Mills

The first ever meeting between these two sides didn’t start too well for Alton when after 10 minutes they conceded, one of many penalties throughout the afternoon, for handling in the ruck. The home side gladly accepted the 3 points on offer.
2 minutes later Alton drew ahead when following some good recycling work second row Chris Gregory made one of his trademark “bullocking” runs to touch down near the posts, Aaron Harrington made a simple conversion; 3-7.
The rest of the first half was marked by good defence by Alton, although they gave away a couple of kickable penalties, both of which were sliced clear of the posts. Alton tried on many occasions to get their backs moving but unsympathetic passing, poor ball control, and carelessness frustrated their efforts.
The second half was much more productive for the visitors and within 5 minutes a move involving virtually the whole team forced a penalty by Egham. Scrumhalf Mike Robson, who was busy and involved the whole game, caught everyone by surprise with a quick tap and scampered over for his first try of the afternoon, Harrington collected the further 2 points; 3-14.
Alex Hayward was the next to score when, following another flowing backs’ move, he used his body mass to force his way over in the corner, this time Harrington failed; 3-19.
29 minutes into the half Robson claimed his second try, finishing off some good work by the forwards and Harrington was back on form; 3-26.
Unfortunately, Alton reverted to their earlier passing problems allowing an interception which although they defended well on the line Egham forced their way over for a converted try; 10-26.
The last action of the match saw Alton’s forwards steal an Egham line out ball, flanker Winston Carter, who had been everywhere all afternoon, broke free and although he was tackled just short of the line he managed to reach out for a well earnt try. Harrington capped off a good afternoon for him with a convincing conversion from the touchline. Mention should be made of hooker Ali Dow who took at least 4 against the head against a much heavy pack, and of Tom Smethurst who, time and time, again attacked the home defence.

Alton 1st XV welcome Southsea Nomads to Anstey Park next Saturday 21st October 2017 for a Snows Group Hampshire 2 fixture whilst the Second entertain Petersfield’s 3rd XV in Solent 4 Merit Table. Both games kick-off @ 3p.m.