A much more enjoyable game than last week.

In spite of the heavy rain and Anstey Park mud this was a much more competitive and watchable match than that at Andover the previous week, although some would say Alton snatched defeat from the jaws of victory! Alton’s XV were much more effective and adventurous this week and from the kick-off attacked Farnborough who within three minutes had conceded the first of many penalties when they were adjudged to be off-side. Adam Gallagher kicked the 3 points on offer.

From the restart Alton again encamped in the visitors’ 22 metre area and were again rewarded with another penalty for offside, again Gallagher was successful with his kick. Alton’s tails were up and with new second row partnership of Will Ford and Alex Hayward making big dents in the visitors’ defence the ball was worked free to full-back Matt Spencer who scampered in for an unconverted try.

Alton seem to catch the “let’s give away a penalty” mood set by Farnborough who were able to construct an unconverted try from a lineout following one of a number of penalty kicks.  The visitors also gained a further 3 points from yet another penalty. Both teams tried to play a handling game but cancelled each other out and half-time arrived with the score at 11 -13.

Immediately after the restart Alton scored another try when Alex Hayward capitalised on some excellent approach work, Gallagher converted for Alton to lead again 18 -13. However, Farnborough again took the lead four minutes later when they eventually broke down some very determined home defence being rewarded with a converted try.

Again the two teams locked horns but neither managed to break the other although Farnborough did try and assist Alton by attracting the referee’s displeasure to such an extent that a yellow card was waved. Alton again took the lead through Gallagher’s boot from the resultant penalty. Alton attacked the visitors, with Ant Beard deserving mention for a mazy seventy metre run; but mishandling and poor passing gave no reward.  Fifteen minutes after the first card Farnborough again upset the referee, who waved it again. Soon after Gallagher collected a further 3 points to give Alton a one point lead, 21 – 20.

Alton stuck grittily to their task for the next fifteen minutes as the visitors attacked and attacked. Two minutes from the end though the defence finally gave way as poor tackling allowed the final bonus point try. Although Alton could have and should have won, this game, they did gain a losing bonus point and set aside the horrors of the previous week.

Scoring: Gallagher pen.2 min (3-0); Gallagher pen 6 min (6-0); Spencer try 10 min (11-0); Farnborough try 16 min (11-5); Farnborough pen 25 min (11-8); Farnborough try 30 min (11-13); Hayward try & Gallagher conv. 46min (18-13); Farnborough try & conv. (18-20); Gallagher pen 50 min (21-20); Farnborough try 78 min (21-25).

Referee: Steve Jeggo (HRURS)