Despite Storm Brian Alton 1st XV Win Against Southsea Nomads

With Storm “Brian” blowing in from the South West along the length of the pitch Alton were a little surprised that the visitors elected to play the first half up the hill with the high gusting wind behind them.
Alton were the first to disturb the scoreboard keepers when after just 3 minutes they created space for skipper Adam Hoxey who chose an excellent line of running to clear the defence out of his way, unsurprisingly Aaron Harrington’s conversion was held up in the wind. This was to be his misfortune the whole afternoon.
By 10 minutes Alton had doubled their score through scrum-half Mark Crowther who was the grateful recipient of a pop-pass from Ryan Capes following some good lineout work and reinforce the lead.
However, Alton relaxed and allowed Southsea Nomads to capitalise on a quick penalty move which resulted in a try close enough to the posts for the wind not to affect the outcome of the conversion, 10 – 7.
4 minutes later Alton found themselves parked on the visitors’ line, but a couple of misdemeanours led to both sides receiving yellow cards. Then some good approach work by the Alton pack gave second row Tom Smethurst his first try of the afternoon.
Just before half-time a dropped pass allowed Nomads to steal a further try, which again they converted, following up with a successful penalty to lead at half-time 15- 17.

Alton had survived the weather onslaught quite well being only 2 points down and now, with “Brian” behind them they soon recovered the lead when Smethurst claimed his second try off the back of a lineout. 20 -17.
Yet again the home side relaxed and allowed the visitors to draw level through a penalty for offside.
Ryan Copes then claimed a try of his own following another lineout in which discipline Alton were superior all afternoon.
10 minutes later Alton increased the gap to 10 points when Ryan Beal set a fine example, for a prop, he showed a fine pair of heels, and a lovely pop pass to release Ross Newman.
Poor passing gave 2 Nomads players the opportunity to run from their own 22 to claim yet another converted try.
Finally, as the heavens opened Tom Smethurst took it upon himself widen the points gap when he claimed his 3rd try of the afternoon, a change of kicker to Mike Robson, meant Alton were back to 12 points in front. In fairness to Harrington, Robson’s kick was in front of the posts and wind assisted!