Alton 1st XV Avenge Earlier Defeat With Committed Performance

For the second time in 2 weeks Alton avenged an earlier defeat at the end of November when Fawley won 42-14.
The game was played in the freezing wind and snow travelling on the back of the “Mini Beast from the East.” The conditions ensured that this was not a very skilled affair with the low temperatures effecting handling and mobility on both sides.
For the second week running Alton faced a team with good defensive skills and although much of the game in the first half was played in Fawley’s half scoring was nigh on impossible.
Alton were rewarded with a penalty by Cameron Wicks after 10 minutes; full back Fran Williams hoisted a high up and under, followed it up when it landed just on the goal line. Fawley’s full back knocked it on, the scrummage was held but when Alton broke free Fawley were deemed to be holding on.
14 minutes later when the forwards drove for the line, Alton’s scrum half flipped the ball up into Williams’s safe hands, he flicked it on the winger Sam Bridger who forced his way into the corner, the conversion was missed; 8 – 0 Close on half-time Alton’s forwards drove over the line to claim what seemed to be a fine try but the ball was deemed to be held up. Half Time score 8 – 0.

The second half was a somewhat dour affair with the honours about evenly split, although Alton thought they should have been awarded a penalty try following a head tackle immediately under the posts, but it was not to be.
This was another excellent committed performance by Alton, but the conditions took the edge off both sides’ performance. Alton are now level on league points with Nomads and only 2 behind Aldershot & Fleet in 6th place.
Alton are next in action in the league on Saturday 24th March when they are away to Chineham. Alton hosted the earlier meeting between the 2 sides as Chineham did not have a pitch available. Full Time score 8 - 0