Basingstoke
Sat 30 Aug 2014, 15:00
Alton
65 - 5
Basingstoke
Alton host a Basingstoke XV at Anstey Park.
As preparation for the new league season, which starts on 13th September, Alton hosted a Basingstoke XV at Anstey Park. With 23 players allowed in each squad this gave Alton’s men’s coaching team a chance to see most of those pushing for 1st XV rugby this year perform in a competitive situation.
Alton had held an in house Touch Rugby competition during the summer months and the players showed that they had learnt a lot about support play and sympathetic passing.
Playing on the smallest of Anstey Park’s 4 pitches, the limited width somewhat constricted the home team’s running plays, but they did produce some fluent moves, excellent handling and, when required a tight defence, which only allowed Basingstoke to cross the line just once. A very consistent lineout ensured that the backs received the ball they needed. Credit for this is due to Alton’s new player/ forwards coach Gareth Evans who joined the club this summer.
The whole team showed that Alton supporters should expect a more positive season than last.
Man of the Match was Adam Gill; special mention of Ben Gillan who was everywhere; newcomer Stewart Davies, and of Adam Gallagher, returning to Alton after a season with Eastleigh.
Alton’s first league fixture is away to Romsey on 13th September who won the clubs’ last meeting in February by just 3 points.