Gosport & Fareham Tournament - 23 Sept 2018

Alton Under 12's are an intrepid bunch. No amount of wind and rain can deter them from their rugby. Although it came close on Sunday morning...

On arrival at Gosport, the sight of the Medstead Marquee tent was a welcome one ( www.marqueehireinhampshire.com ) as the wind and rain cut in savagely off the Haslar Harbour, only 50 metres from the pitches.

The first pool match was against Fawley. Alton settled into the rhythm of a new season of competitive rugby and played with no small measure of style and soon picked their opponents apart and the tries started to come. With games stopped once a team has a 6 try advantage this was a straight forward game to go through the gears. Jensen, Cam, Rafa, Will, Sam and Reuben all crossed the line for tries. Alton 6 - 0 Fawley.

Once refuelled with haribo and cake, it was all systems go for the encounter with Basingstoke. The Under 12's picked up from the last game. Barracking runs from the likes of Rafa and Cam. Subtle offloads from Will and Max and mazy, penetrating breaks from Theo and Myles. Rucking was mixed - some good but some occasions when Basingstoke were able to counter ruck and win ball. But ultimately, Alton were the stronger team. Tries from Jensen, Theo, Myles, and a brace from Max versus one powerful try from Basingstoke run in from their own half ended the game Alton 5, Basingstoke 1.

The rain and gales were now gone and the sun was sighted. Next up were Eastleigh. A sturdier and more physical team than either of the opponents so far. Alton established their best patterns of the day. Olli bossed it at the base of rucks and made good use of the likes of Charlie, Dan and Rafa to 'chug it up the middle'. Jensen and Will started to get the ball wide to our nippy backs - Ben, Ed, Jordy, Theo and Reuben. The game ended 5-0 to Alton with Max (2), Reuben and Will (2) all making their mark on the scoreboard.

The results thus far were excellent. But, we were flattered slightly by our excellent attack, but 'just about good enough' rucking and defence. A sterner test was ahead as we progressed into the semi-final of the main competition. Our opponents were Chichester - the other free scoring team in the competition.

Chichester were a skilful and very large team. With two players as big as any of Alton's and another who was clearly raised on raw steak and slept in a grow-bag it was as if the Alton team couldn't see a way to compete with such specimens. Tackles were too high. Our rucking was not up to scratch and Chichester were just a really good team. They played a great offload game and their rucking and tackling was jarring. Alton worked hard and never gave up. Max crossed for a lovely try after some good build up work and his trademark magic-feet skipped him over for our one try of the game. Chichester 4 - 1 Alton.

Of course the players, coaches and parents were disappointed not to be in the Cup final. But, the squad raised themselves superbly for a third place playoff against hosts, Gosport & Fareham. Alton dusted themselves off and were clearly determined not to let this game slip away. An entertaining, end to end game and a good final win for Alton. 4-1 with tries from Myles, Jensen, WiIl and, of course, Max.

Alton RFC should be proud of the under 12's. They competed hard. They were complimented on their attitude and sportsmanship. They played with smiles on their faces and their attacking play was hugely entertaining to watch. Everyone played (the new RFU Half Game rule really works) and everyone went home happy.

The tournament started in terrible cold, wet, windy weather and ended in bright, warm sunshine. Thank you to the players and parents who supported the whole squad throughout the day. The RFU values did not have to be mentioned - they were just happening naturally with this great bunch of players and parents. Well done players.

TG

Scorers:
Max - 6
Will - 4
Jensen - 3
Myles - 2
Reuben - 2
Cam, Rafa, Theo, Sam - 1 apiece