Textbook scrummaging by Alton in the Isle of Wight

This was, by far, Alton’s best performance of the year, they dominated 80% of the game and led for all but the first few minutes and the final few seconds! 

Alton’s forwards began the game at high pace, taking no prisoners and forcing Isle of Wight back on their heels.  After 6 minutes they set up a ruck some 35 metres out.  Adam Hoxey, in the unfamiliar role of scrumhalf, a role which he more than adequately filled, popped the ball up to another playing out of his normal position, Jonathan Dumont at standoff, who with mazy running, interspersed with tremendous speed ran in his first try virtually unopposed. Alton were now, unusually, in the lead!

In recent weeks they might have panicked but reapplied the pressure.  Ant Beard raced the length of the pitch but was tackled on the 22 metre line and the ball ran into touch.  Alton were then awarded a line out on the 5 metre line, the forwards set up an excellent driving maul, and although the home side strived to keep them out, Alton’s effort was justly rewarded with Tom Smethurst touching down giving Beard an easy conversion.

Now 0 – 12 in the lead, Alton maintained their effort but sadly got on the wrong side of the referee conceding 2 penalties in quick succession.  Isle of Wight converted both, the second from fully 40 metres!

The home side grew in confidence using their efficient back division. On the half hour, their stand-off kicked a pin point cross kick which landed with one bounce into the hands of their winger, who claimed a well worked try taking the score to 11 – 12.

Immediately afterwards Alton struck back.  Again their forwards dominated a scrummage, and after a clean heel, Hoxey fed Dumont who, with a delightful show/dummy, scampered in for his second try.  Alton were ahead at half-time 11 – 17.

For the first 30 minutes of the second period the game was finely balanced with neither team becoming dominant. That was until Alton skipper Luke “Bubba” Parratt imitated his stand-off, running over 20 metres weaving through the home defence, 11- 22.

Isle of Wight replied with a fine solo converted try three minutes from the final whistle, 18-22.

Alton dug their heels in, but were unable to keep IoW out and conceded a heart-breaking converted try in injury time.  There was no time left to reply and Alton’s players were left to rue “what nearly was” an excellent and well-deserved victory.  It’s not often that you hear the winning team’s supporters say that "the wrong team won!”

Although Alton did gain two bonus points (losing and four tries) it is unlikely to save them from relegation but if they can carry this form into the last two games of the season they could make their league points and position a little more respectable.

Referee - Mike Gill (HRURS).

Both of the two final games are scheduled for Anstey Park.  Alton entertain old rivals Petersfield on Saturday 28th March with a 15:00 kick-off and Romsey on Saturday 11th April when Alton Rugby Club will be celebrating its 90th season with a formal lunch, details on www.alton-rfc.com.