Both Teams Overcome Storm Jorge in An Entertaining Match

Yet again the weather was the day’s dominant force as Alton Silverbacks braved the ferry across the Solent to play Sandown & Shanklin, against whom they expected a difficult fixture as Sandown’s home record was 9 wins from 10 games, and so it proved to be.
A difficult fixture not assisted by a heavy hail shower 15 minutes before kick-off heralding continuous high winds, gusting at up to 50 miles per hour, blowing the along the length of the pitch.

Alton began the match with the gale at their backs, but poor tackling allowed Sandown to create a try within 2 minutes of the kick-off; 5-0.
In reply Alton, using a pick-up and drive style of play, drove into the home team’s 22 but were held up 5 metres out. They were awarded the resultant scrum from which they drove over to give number 8 Ed Passfield a try; 5-5.
5 minutes later the Silverbacks trying to clear their line spilled the ball which Sandown snapped up and grounded; 10-5.
Alton began to use the gale and following a scrum penalty stand-off Joe Gwyther guided the ball through the posts; 10-8. 10 minutes later they were ahead when hooker Luke Parratt finished another pick and go move; 10-13.
The last score of the half went to Sandown when missed tackles gave them the freedom to cross for their 3rd try; HT 15-13.

Immediately on the restart the kick-off ball swirled up into the wind, crossed the 10-metre line, and landed in a Sandown back’s hands and he ran in virtually unopposed for their bonus point try; 20-13.
2 penalties, one for not releasing, the other for a high tackle, were awarded to Alton but again the wind was the winner. Eventually though the Silverbacks their disappointment and began a good handling move which was finished off by Oli Fielder; 20-18. Sandown however had other ideas and restored their lead with their 5th try almost immediately; 25-18.
The last 10 minutes of the game were dominated by Alton who playing into the gale adopted a short passing support game, eventually Oli Fielder was able to score beneath the posts giving Joe Gwyther the opportunity to level the scores, which he did; 25-25.
The last 2 minutes were spent with Alton on the attack, but the home defence held up and a draw was the final outcome. With 2 points for a draw and a try bonus point each, well earned by both sides, this was a just result. FT 25-25

The points gained from this match maintain the Silverbacks’ second place in the Hampshire Premiership, but they are now 9 points behind Petersfield.
On Saturday, the weather and pitch conditions, permitting Alton will welcome Havant 2 to Anstey Park. Kick-off time will be confirmed on the club’s website www.altonrfc.club