Alton have had a somewhat traumatic past few weeks; they have defaulted on a league match against Millbrook; been given a walk-over in the Hampshire Bowl; had a “bye” weekend in the eleven club Snows Hampshire One league; both their senior coach, and forwards’ coach, have left of their own accord!

However life continues and regrouping under the tutelage of the Director of Rugby, Alton fielded a full squad of eighteen players for the league fixture away to Fareham Heathens. Heathens knew, that for them, nothing more than a win would do and had, in the words of their web site “named a very strong squad for this fixture", which saw some five players return having missed last weekend’s away game at Millbrook.

Although Heathens were the dominant team for most of the game Alton gave their all in both defence and attack.

It took the home side more than ten minutes to register their first score and with the conversion being missed, the score was 5-0. Alton replied with sustained pressure on the Heathens’ defence and were rewarded with a penalty some thirty metres out when a defender was caught offside. Simon Ford with an excellent kick gained the 3 points on offer.

The next ten minutes was evenly contested with neither side able to make much impression. The stalemate was broken when Heathens took a quick penalty and with good distribution scored under the posts. Somehow the conversion was missed. The home side applied plenty of pressure and a certain try was stopped by Chris Gregory on the line, who also stole the ball for it to be cleared.

It took another ten minutes for the Alton defence to crack when the ball was moved quickly out to the wing, again the conversion was missed.

On the stroke of half-time a Heathens’ player was penalised for holding on; Heathens further assisted Ford by talking back at the referee who moved the kick ten metres and the Alton stand-off collected 3 further points to take the score to 15-6.

Heathens scored their fourth unconverted try five minutes into the second half. Alton were awarded a number of penalties as the home side showed their indiscipline but Ford was unable to capitalise although he did hit the post on one occasion.

As the second half continued, Alton’s lack of match fitness showed as Heathens ran in three further tries, which were all converted. Heathens also kicked one penalty.

Referee Mike Gill (HRURS).

Next week, 29th November, Alton are due to play local rivals, Petersfield, away in the Hampshire RFU Plate competition.