It was a warm, sunny, if a little breezy when Alton kicked off this Snows Hampshire Two league at Fawley on the brand new pitches kindly provided by Fawley Parish Council

Alton took the game to the home side but the ball was lost.  Fawley attacked only to see a pass land in the hands of Alton stand-off Leigh Alexander who set up a ruck, from which clean ball sent scrum-half Alex Masters scampering up the field. Alton were able to set up some good pressure eventually drawing a penalty which Masters converted.

Alton now pressurised the home defence and following a scrum on the 5 metre line, number 8 Tyrone Miles broke free and crashed over but was somehow robbed of the ball over the line.

Alton continued to keep up the pressure for most of the first quarter but a poorly directed kick ahead finally gave the Fawley backs room and they broke the Alton defence. Winger, Chris Soards scored far out on the left, although this did not prevent Tim Gascoigne from kicking an excellent conversion.

Within a minute Alton were back in front, 7-8, when winger Alex Hayward showed his power to force his way over out on the left wing.  Alton came under pressure and only determined tackling prevented another home try until just before half-time Fawley's Luke Merchie broke through under the posts. The successful conversion by Gascoigne taking the half-time score to 14-8.

The second period commenced with Fawley on the attack but great defence from Hayward led to a breakaway the full length of the field by George Trantham who was only pulled down feet from the line by Luke Edinburgh. Unfortunately Trantham received a blow to the head and had to leave the field.

Ten minutes into the half, home player Joe Jordan scored out on the right although this time Gascoigne's conversion was missed, score was now 19-8.

Although Alton defended stoically and attacked themselves on a number of occasions they were let down by their own handling skills. Fawley, a much more experienced and streetwise side, who were to control all aspects of the game, eventually scored a further two tries through Ratu Rokobiau and Mike Kitcher, both of which were converted by Gascoigne. Final score 8-33.

The score-line above differs from that published by the RFU (8-37) but does agree with the match report published by Fawley on their web site.  The League Secretary will be asked to correct the record.

Alton entertain another Hampshire Two league match next Saturday, 26^th September at Anstey Park when they welcome old adversaries Southampton who  defeated local side Aldershot & Fleet away from home 7-66, kick-off 2 p.m.

Alton is a friendly and welcoming club, if you fancy playing just turn up, senior training is every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and join in.

Referee - Marcus Wilkinson (HRURS)