Alton 1st XV Lose Out to League Leaders Despite Better Possession and Territory Stats

The result and outcome of this match away at Romsey, who were demoted last season but who have headed this league all season, does not truly reflect Alton's commitment. Alton's coaches estimate that the percentage, in terms of possession and territory for Alton, was in the region of 65% to 70%. In fact, one of the home team backs was heard to say late in the second half "how come we are so far in front when we haven't had the ball?!"

Alton adopted the continual pick and drive tactics they had used successfully in their last game, taking the match to their surprised hosts and quickly forced a penalty which centre Cameron Wicks cleanly converted, 0-3. Unfortunately, one of Alton's frailties was immediately exposed when their defence was bamboozled by a neat cross field kick into Romsey's winger's arms, he raced over for a converted try, 7-3.

Alton resumed pressurising the league leaders but minor handling errors and positional mistakes prevented a further score. Alton's dominance at this stage lasted for 20 minutes. However, in the following 10 minutes they allowed 3 tries by Romsey, one of which was converted, 24-3. On the stroke of half time Alton were finally rewarded for their efforts when George Pantry helped himself to a typical scrum-half's try which Wicks converted taking the score to 24-10 at half time.

Alton were shaken out of their half time slumbers 4 minutes into the second period when again Romsey's backs outflanked them for another converted try, 31-10. During the 10 minutes following there was more field domination by Alton and prop Nick Stoffel forced his way over, Wicks again converted, 31-17. Regrettably, Alton again relaxed allowing Romsey two converted tries in 8 minutes to take the score 45-17. The last 15 minutes of the match was totally Alton's, a mazy run from his own half, by stand-off Ed Thomas released his backs into open field, Wicks being the one to touch down and then converted his own try, 45-24. Alton kept pressurising trying to get their 4th and bonus point try but it wasn't to be. Final Score 45 - 24.
To sum up, this was a committed and at times a skilful performance by Alton against the league leaders and probable champions, which was better than Alton's league position would have predicted.
Alton 1st XV are next in action in the league on Saturday 3rd March when they host Fawley who are just one place above Alton, kick-off will be in Anstey Park at 2:30 p.m.