This was an afternoon dominated by the weather, a strong wind and heavy rain swept across Anstey Park continuously from the first to the last whistle. Both teams can take credit from their efforts to play quality rugby in such grim conditions.
From the kick-off both teams tried running the ball but with the Inevitable knock-ons because of the greasy ball the game was played mainly either side of the halfway line. After about 20 minutes Alton were awarded a scrummage some 10 metres out, a well-controlled heel by hooker Luke Parratt was held at the back as the Silverbacks drove forward giving No 8 Ed Pasfield his first try of the afternoon, Joe Gwyther converted; 7-0.
!0 minutes later the scenario was repeated, Pasfield collecting his second try which went unconverted; 12-0. 30 minutes gone Alton and did manage to complete a good handling move with prop Alex Hankins finishing it off; 17-0.
Fordingbridge though had the final say of the half when they put pressure on the home defence which eventually conceded a penalty. The visitors took it quickly and scored through their centre Matthew Norton, who converted his own try taking the half-time score to 17-7.
6 minutes into the second period Fordingbridge had a scrummage close to their own line, Alton drove them backwards, the scrum was reset, this time with an Alton put in. The ball was picked up, but the carrier was held up over the line. Yet another scrummage, and another drive, and Ed Pasfield scored his 3rd of the day, Gwyther converted, and Alton Silverbacks had another try bonus point.

Unsurprisingly, given the worsening weather conditions, the match was peppered with mistakes by both sides, and became bogged down for the next 20 minutes.
Eventually the Silverbacks managed to secure the ball and good interchange between forwards and backs eventually put Ollie Burden in under the posts, Gwyther collecting the further 2 points; 31-7.
Almost inevitably Ed Passfield finished off the scoring with his 4th try on the final whistle, Gwyther taking his number of conversions to 4 on a difficult day; 38-7
Next Saturday the Silverbacks were to visit Ellingham and Ringwood for a Hampshire Plate match, but as the teams are scheduled for a league fixture, at the same venue on 23rd November, this will be played as a League and Cup double header.
The Silverbacks next league fixture will be Saturday 9th November when they are away to Havant 2nd XV.