Alton started quickly in this game scoring a try in the first couple of minutes when quick accurate hands moved the ball to winger Max Rhodes who scored out wide.

A couple of minutes later Douglas Wickes outpaced the defence to score closer to the posts and was successful with the conversion. This score sparked Gosport to life and from then on their tackling and marking improved and they worked the ball up field catching the Alton three quarters offside. They were successful with the kick from the resulting penalty giving a score of 12-3.

Alton were playing with a new half back pairing of Louie Hyde at scrum half and Ed Thomas taking over the number 10 shirt as an injury forced the late withdrawal of Sebastian Forman.  Although not a perfect performance both acquitted themselves well providing plenty of good quality ball for the backs. It was evident that Alton's attacking line needs to be much deeper in future to reduce self inflicted pressure.

However it was a forward who scored next for Alton with Matt Butler breaking free and scoring near the posts before two further tries in the first half one by Josh Saunders and the other by Wickes giving a half time score of 29-3.

In the second half Gosport started to play much better and restricted the visitors to three further tries and scored one themselves.

From the game Alton can be pleased with much of their attacking and handling skills. From a defensive point of view they were able to pressure the Gosport three quarter line marshalled by Max Heght who had a very impressive game making the right calls in attack and defence.

The back row of Butler, Rhys Jenkins and Tom Homans continued to work well at the break downs but the other members of the pack must support much more quickly. Alton escaped today but this is an area where Alton need to improve before they play better sides.

Wickes played full back in the second half showing good vision and understanding of the game with an ability to bring his attacking skills into play in a much more random manner. This change of line up worked well and will be a good option later. Alton's try scorers were, Butler, Max Rhodes (2), Josh Saunders and Wickes (4). Wickes also convertyed four of them.

A bit too many scrums from errors but a good win, well done boys.

Ed Thomas (Captain)