A Tough Day at the office for Alton against Henley

A match day squad shawn of regular contributors to injury or covid meant Alton started with just 13 starters and no subs.
We have enjoyed numerous tussles with Henley over the years and the have always been a well drilled and combative unit. Today was no different.
Henley took an early 3 try as Atlon were slow to adjust to the new reality of post covid (ish) rugby. But Alton confidence built as they started match Henley's straight running and off loading as well a competition at the breakdown and were rewarded with a try shortly before half time, only to concede another shortly before the half time whistle. 4:1 at Half time.
However injuries started to tell and a lack of subs meaning Henley kindly offered 2 players at the start of the second half (thank god for friendly fixtures).
Alton quickly recovered and a brace of tries from Sam Thirwall pulled us to within one of Henley. However that was as close as it got before another injury allowed what cohesion and grip we had wreslted back was sadly lost.
However the match was played with excelent spirit and planty courage and sportsmanship on show. Well done boys!!