MATCH REPORT: 20th Jan 18

This rearranged fixture between Alton and Southampton was a tale of the two ends of the table, Alton second to last and Southampton 3rd. It was a bleak day with rain and mud playing a large part in the disruption to the core skills of the players, knock-ons were understandably abundant. It was a fairly even start both sides having possession for short periods of time before turn overs or handling errors returned possession back to the other team. It was clear to see Southampton had the overriding dominance in the scrum with a much heavier pack and walked the 8 men of Alton backwards. This should have been a strong weapon for them had we not had the Masters manager, ex club captain, and rejuvenated Tony Hopkins playing Number 8 for Alton. For a quick as they were to get ascendancy Tony had the ball out of his second row's feet and was breaking around the flanks, making ground and hanging up great ball for George Pantry the Alton 9 to distribute.

The No 8's shining point came when Alton had a scrum five meters on their own line and pressure was on. Tony again picked up a bobbling, wet ball, carried out towards the 22 popped to the immaculate Joe Gwyther at 10 who nudged the ball a cool 45M down into touch over the half way line. It was Joe's boot that scored all of Alton's points on the day with continued indiscretion at the break down by Southampton and a great bit of jackling by Ryan Bale over the top of the Southampton number 6, made it 6 - nil to Alton after 20 minutes. If the scrum was one sided to Southampton Leo Gardner's efforts ensured the lineout was dominated by Alton on the day. He collected his own ball at the front with great efficiency and stole numerous of theirs, really putting their Hooker's arm under pressure.

With 15 mins of the half to go they went off their feet and were caught crossing in midfield under their own sticks, Gwyther slotted both penalties again, taking Alton to 12-0. Southampton who were getting exceedingly frustrated with the conditions stopping their usual wide flowing rugby, did in the end put together a few nice phases and their pack, going round the corner a few times, managed to flop over the line before half time to take the scores to 12-5.

The second half saw the type of coordinated and whole hearted defensive effort from Alton rarely witness this season, with 1-15 putting in a shift and our Captain (12 / second row) Adam Hoxey turning over balls on the ground in the tackle with ease. Frustratingly George Pantrey went off with a hamstring injury after 10 minutes but we had a more than able replacement in Mike Robson move from Fullback to 9, although that left Alton out of subs with half an hour left to play. Matt Chapman, who previously left the pitch in the first half with injury returned, foot and boot taped up and on, ready to pick up where he left off punching holes around the breakdown earning Alton valuable meters.

Chipping in with defensive clearing duties was Harry Devonshire this time carrying for a good 30M out from his own goal area and eventually being hustled into touch. Alton had 15 minutes left to hold on to this game and Southampton were not going to make it easy for them. Constant pressure in the scrums lead to 3 quick penalties in a row with the last under the posts 5 meters out, but needing more than 3 points they sensibly elected to scrum again. Through poor conditions and with such a weight advantage Southampton buckled one of Alton’s stalwart props Ian Thorn who went down and did not move. He remained in the same position on the floor for 10 minutes remaining conscious but in vast pain. In the end with barely a minute left on the clock the referee took the sensible (if not frustrating for Southampton) decision to call the final Whistle.

This was a great win for an Alton side who is getting used to reacting to last minute changes in the line-up and mixture of starting XVs from one week to the next. Tacklers of the day were many but special mentions go out Ali Dow, Matt Chapman and Leo Gardner. Next week Alton have Southsea Nomads away who are just placed above so a position jump in the table will be up for grabs. Happily Ian Thorn was checked by the paramedics and although has no doubt done some damaged it is a lot better than first thought.