Alton Silverbacks Finally Lose Their Unbeaten Record

Alton Silverbacks were beaten for the first time this season by a side, whose performance belied their recent form and league position. This may have been due to a recent a change in team management and coaching personnel.
Bognor soon realised that their heavier forwards could dominate in the tight scrummaging and on 8 minutes won a scrum penalty. From the resultant touch they worked the ball out to the right where Freddie Burgess put the ball down in the corner. Strong winds forced the ball wide on the attempt at the posts, 5-0.
Bognor scored again on 20 minutes when, following poor line-out work by Alton, their well-built, athletic number 8, Chris Webb was fed the ball and bulldozed upfield to score, again the conversion was missed.
On the half-hour the Silverbacks eventually found some momentum and persistence in attack led to a penalty. It was taken quickly, and the ball moved down the line finding Ryan Bale who touched down in the corner. Joe Gwyther’s impressive conversion from the touchline followed to add the extras. 10-7 and the game was all to play for.
Alton realised that their backs could dominate but Bognor's aggressive defence forced crucial errors. Bognor’s pack though continued to relish the opportunity to prove their dominance in the tight. They were awarded another scrum penalty, which Newton Young kicked to take the halftime score to 13-7.
Playing with the same urgency as the first half, Bognor forced Alton to kick under pressure and a charge down by winger Ben Luxton allowed him to score under posts, this time the conversion successful, 20-7.
A number of injuries to both sides eventually meant that scrummaging became uncontested however the home forwards continued to dominate and another drive led to Tom James converting good build up play to take the score to 25-7.
Despite losing a player to a red card Bognor had the final say, again through their pack driving forward to register the final try, 30-7.
Although the game was won Alton Silverbacks continued to try all they could to find a consolation score. They had a good opportunity out wide but gave away a vital turn-over and the ball was kicked into touch and the final whistle blew.
Despite this loss Alton Silverbacks still head up the Hampshire Premiership, and on Saturday play the first return fixture against local rivals Alresford, Alton will be looking to regain their winning ways. Kick-off is at 2 p.m. in Anstey Park.