At lunch-time on Saturday the skies over Alton were leaden, the wind was driving in from the west and it was soaking wet.

This may have been a portent of a stormy afternoon for Alton’s 1st XV, although by kick-off the skies over Andover’s clubhouse had cleared and the sun was beaming down. This though was a good omen for the home side. Within two minutes of the kick-off their forwards had driven over to open the scoring 5 – 0.  Alton responded well and were rewarded with a penalty when an Andover player drove in from the side of a maul, Adam Gallagher collecting the 3 points on offer.

This was the last real competitive moment of the game as Andover reacted with a further sixteen tries tries over the course of the game!  Although Alton’s defence and handling did leave something to be desired, Andover should be praised for their support work, handling, running lines and well-constructed attacks.

Alton were hampered in selection this week with many players not being available for one reason or another and credit should go to those who stood in. A special mention for Will Brewer, head coach, who although retiring ten years ago, took to the field himself as our eighteenth man. Unfortunately, Brewer drew the referee’s displeasure within one minute of his arrival for “goading” the Andover scrumhalf!
 
Other results in Hampshire One showed league leaders Solent University maintaining their winning streak although Romsey, who Alton beat last week, held them to 7–19; Farnborough, who visit Alton this coming weekend, beat the Isle of Wight 17 – 12; Overton still in need of winning a game this term.

Next Saturday (9th November) Alton’s game against Farnborough kicks-off in Anstey Park @ 2:30 p.m. Alton are currently seventh in the league and with their visitors sixth, just 3 points above, this promises to be a closely contested match.