Both sides were unbeaten in their previous three matches and as with their earlier game, this was another close contest

Alton received the kicked off on one of Alresford's two new pitches but a knock on passed possession to the home team and Alton's full back Fran Williams was called into early defensive action. There was little between these two sides for the next twenty-five minutes with both sides exchanging penalties until finally the referee David Forrest had had enough and issued a yellow card to Alton's number 8, Will Ford, for a repeated offence. Five minutes later flanker, Winston Carter, followed his colleague to the side line for exactly the same offence! Alton's remaining thirteen dug deep and kept the home team at bay for a few minutes until the impressive Alresford hooker, Chris Hancock, finally forced his way over for an unconverted try. Just before half time Alresford were penalised for offside and Alton stand-off, Simon Ford, reduced the deficit to 5 - 3.

Most of the second half was spent with both teams trying to move the ball but being frustrated by two effective defences. Alresford's number 9 was sinbinned for a deliberate knock-on but unfortunately Ford's penalty attempt fell short. Seeking to benefit from their numerical advantage, Alton attacked several times but were thwarted by the Alresford defence. Finally, on thirty minutes Alton's, Stephen Johns, was shown a yellow card and this time Alresford were more effective in using their numerical advantage scoring two tries in four minutes and converting one. Alton's determination to score a try continued with scrum-half, George Trantham, instigating many attacks. Substitute, Rob Askew, produced another of his trade mark mazy runs covering fifty metres only to be brought down just ten metres shy of the line. Final score 17 - 3.

Referee - David Forrest (HRURS)

Alton do not have a league game next Saturday 6^th February, but the "Super 2s" are entertaining Alresford's 2^nd XV at Anstey Park, with kick off scheduled for 14:15.