Alton cruise past Hampshire 2 side Kingsclere to set up a quarter-final clash with Jersey United Banks.

Alton eased into the quarter final of the Gales Hampshire Plate after beating Hampshire 2 side Kingsclere 79-5 at Anstey Park.

Lock Steve Sorby celebrated his return to Alton colours after a two-year absence by scoring the opening try after just 90 seconds and thereafter it was one-way traffic.

A leg-weary Kingsclere had been in league action the previous day and while they did manage a fair share of possession, they were unable to cope with a better-drilled, sharper Alton side.

Alton went on to cross another 14 times through Taryke van Rensburg (4), Chris Cox (3), Forsyth (2), Richard Hemmens, Gareth Richards, Will Ford and Sam Law, with Jimmy Gay landing two conversions.

The visitors never gave up and were rewarded with a late consolation when prop Elliott Ross went over.

Alton will take on Jersey United Banks at Anstey Park on 28 February.

However, the league-leaders face a much stiffer task this Saturday when Millbrook visit Anstey Park (2.30pm kick-off).

The Southampton-based side have enjoyed a decent return to Hampshire 1 and currently lie sixth and although Alton were comfortable 25-3 winners in the sides' November meeting, their task was made slightly easier after Millbrook lost four players to swine 'flu.