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Sat 15 Feb 2020 · Hampshire Premier
Fordingbridge
Alton Silverbacks (Men)
18
7
Tries: N StoffelConversions: C Hamer
Fordingbridge Assisted by Storm Denis Defeat Alton Silverbacks
Steve Jenkins18 Feb 2020 - 11:27
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Report created using report on Fordingbridge RFC website
In only one of two matches played on Saturday in the Hampshire Premier League, Fordingbridge welcomed Alton Silverbacks to a very wet and extremely windy Recreation Ground. The wind and rain were so heavy at times that it almost looked like a fog was rolling in. This was only Alton’s third loss of the season but means that they still hold second place in the table.
After winning the toss, the home captain wisely elected to play with the gale in the first half. This was never going to be a game of flair and high-speed rugby but more one of attrition. Five minutes in, Fordingbridge opened the scoring for the home side with a long range, wind assisted penalty.
Both sides played with determination and resolve in a very much forward orientated match. Mark Hammond, in his 150th appearance for the home side, was next to score for Fordingbridge with a fine try from the base of the scrum, the extras were added, and the half finished with the score at 10-0..
With the weather not easing at all, the match got underway again. As in the first half both teams relied heavily on their forwards and the Fordingbridge pack delivered. Mark Hammond scored the home side’s second try. Not surprisingly the conversion was missed but at 15-0 the Silverbacks had to score at least three times to take the lead.
After a maul on the twenty-two Fordingbridge’s fly-half found himself in the pocket and went for a drop goal. With the wind dying down a little for a critical few seconds the ball crept over, and with ten minutes to play they were very much in the driving seat.
Alton Silverbacks, however, had other ideas and kept up sustained pressure in the home twenty-two, Nick Stoffel finally going over in the corner. With a well taken conversion by Cameron Hamer the final whistle announced the end of the game with Fordingbridge running out 18 – 7 winners.
With the after-match pitch formalities kept to a minimum both teams rushed back to the changing rooms for a hot cup of tea and warm shower.
(Alton RFC acknowledge that this report is based Fordingbridge RFC’s version as published on their web site)
This Saturday, 22nd February, Alton welcome Havant 2, currently 3rd in the Hampshire Premiership, weather and pitch conditions permitting to Anstey Park, kick-off is at 2:30 p.m.
After winning the toss, the home captain wisely elected to play with the gale in the first half. This was never going to be a game of flair and high-speed rugby but more one of attrition. Five minutes in, Fordingbridge opened the scoring for the home side with a long range, wind assisted penalty.
Both sides played with determination and resolve in a very much forward orientated match. Mark Hammond, in his 150th appearance for the home side, was next to score for Fordingbridge with a fine try from the base of the scrum, the extras were added, and the half finished with the score at 10-0..
With the weather not easing at all, the match got underway again. As in the first half both teams relied heavily on their forwards and the Fordingbridge pack delivered. Mark Hammond scored the home side’s second try. Not surprisingly the conversion was missed but at 15-0 the Silverbacks had to score at least three times to take the lead.
After a maul on the twenty-two Fordingbridge’s fly-half found himself in the pocket and went for a drop goal. With the wind dying down a little for a critical few seconds the ball crept over, and with ten minutes to play they were very much in the driving seat.
Alton Silverbacks, however, had other ideas and kept up sustained pressure in the home twenty-two, Nick Stoffel finally going over in the corner. With a well taken conversion by Cameron Hamer the final whistle announced the end of the game with Fordingbridge running out 18 – 7 winners.
With the after-match pitch formalities kept to a minimum both teams rushed back to the changing rooms for a hot cup of tea and warm shower.
(Alton RFC acknowledge that this report is based Fordingbridge RFC’s version as published on their web site)
This Saturday, 22nd February, Alton welcome Havant 2, currently 3rd in the Hampshire Premiership, weather and pitch conditions permitting to Anstey Park, kick-off is at 2:30 p.m.
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