ARFC U14s Win Through to Semi Final of Hampshire Cup

U14 Alton v U14 Gosport & Fareham – Hampshire Cup 13/01/19

Match played in blustery and windy conditions.
After initial period of each team finding out about each other, Alton struck first with a swift backline move resulting in Toby Maddock (No 15) going over. Conversion missed.
G & F though were lively and competitive and responded with a well worked try, converted. (5 – 7).
Alton battled back and were unlucky to have try disallowed, this though didn’t the affect the team who continued to exert pressure and scored their second try (No2 Archie Cleeve). Conversion missed 10 - 7
It was a well contested battle and a period of no scoring, but just before half time, using the width of the pitch Alton scored 3rd try (Oscar Watkins), not converted.
Enough time on the clock before half time for Alton to add 4th try (Evan Jerome) this time kicker (Ben Cape) had got the measure of the wind and made an excellent conversion.
Half Time 22 – 7 to Alton
Serious half time talk for G&F team who then exerted pressure on Alton line, resulting in yellow card for Alton. Great defensive work stopped G&F time and again, though G&F finally broke through midway through 2nd half, converted (22-14).
G&F in the game now and playing hard. Unlike other games earlier in the season, Alton not having much possession, but excellent line speed and solid tackling held G&F at bay. G&F ran out of ideas and Alton grasped an opportunity which resulted in Oscar Waktins scoring his 2nd try, converted, 29-14.
This led to sustained G&F pressure but excellent Alton tackling and line speed again disrupting any clear opportunities, though finally succumbed to try to G&F 29-19. This was too late however, and Alton ran out winners 29-19.
Full Time 29 - 19

Onwards and Upwards to semi final!