Alton U14 Storm past Winchester into County Cup Final

Alton U14 secured an impressive win today over a robust skillful Winchester to cruise into the County Cup Final. A game played with tremendous spirit and respect across both sides, perhaps assisted by the fact that at least half the players on the pitch were school friends from either Perrins or Lord Wandsworth College.

Journeying to Winchester the conditions looked ominous heavy rain and very blustery, an 'up the jumper' type of encounter seemed to be on the cards However rain cleared and apart from the wind we were blessed with almost perfect conditions... all be it greasy!
Alton got off to a off to a positive start dominating possession and territory for the majority of the first quarter. However a well organized defense and excellent tackling from Winchester kept Alton at bay.

That defense was rewarded on the 13 minute mark when Winchester on perhaps only their second foray into Alton's 22 touched down on the right wing for the first try of the match. Whilst well taken by Winchester this was a soft try from an Alton perspective and any neutral watching would have agreed it was against the run of play.

Alton didn't dwell on it. The subsequent kick off put Alton deep into Winchester territory. Alton were quick to wrestle possession back and the accuracy at the rucks and passing that might have been missing for the first 10 minutes resulted in a try for Sam Thirwall after several penetrating phases. Will Pack narrowly missed the conversion, conditions were not favorable for kicking!!

Instructions before kick off was to play as much of the match in the Winchester half as possible with parity restored Alton possibly had the upper hand but the match by now was most definitely an arm wrestle, but it was an arm wrestle in Winchester's half.

Early rain meant greasy slippery conditions however despite this the handling from both teams was excellent but it would be only a matter of time before the proverbial 'bar of soap' intervened. Winchester camped on their 5 metre line were attempting to set up a clearance kick with the ball falling kindly for Will Osman after a brief bout of touchline pinball. Will pounced a claim a well earned try almost on the halftime mark. Will Pack claimed the conversion! Alton led 12-5 at half time.

Winchester increased their intensity in the second half whilst they enjoyed far more possession and territory one never really felt that Alton were threatened. Alton were far more direct and straight with ball in hand and the support play and off loading in contact was was by some way the best we have seen from the squad.
Indeed the final hammer blow for Winchester started deep in the Alton half and a series of direct barreling runs Sam Thirlwall to Ollie Wheeler to Charles Milne to Will Pack back to Sam, a bulldozing Jago Morgan to George Blest to Mason Baird who touched down in the corner.... it is worth watching!!! Alton 17 Winchester 5 at full time!!
A thoroughly deserved victory won by a disciplined and dynamic team performance. Well done boys!!