As expected this was a much more competitive match than Alton's previous two league encounters and the hard-earned final result can only give the side confidence in their own abilities.

Alton were on the scoreboard within five minutes when Pumas were penalised for standing up in a scrummage to give stand-off, Joe Gwyther a simple kick in front of the posts. 0-3. Pumas struck back almost immediately when a long distance clearance kick by Alton failed to find touch. The ball was gathered and quickly moved amongst their strong back division who raced sixty or more metres to score a very well worked try. 5-3. Five minutes later, a dropped catch in the home sides 22 metre area, allowed Alton to drive a scrum at speed towards the try line. Number 8, Matt Forsyth shot off the back to give Gwyther a relatively simple kick which he converted, 5-10. Alton's pack although physically smaller, kept up their ascendancy and were rewarded just before half-time when the referee gave a penalty try for collapsing. Gwyther couldn't miss and half-time arrived with the score at 5-17.

Locks Heath were more positive in the second half and after five minutes, the visitors were penalised for not releasing, 8-17. Five minutes later, Gwyther produced a 35 metre drop goal, a rare sight at this level of rugby, to restore the points difference to 8-20. Alton's resolute defence frustrated Locks Heath and a further fifteen minutes elapsed before the home side's pressure was rewarded with an unconverted try, 13-20. Only three minutes later,  Pumas scored a converted try to level the score at 20-20. Last season Alton would have wilted under consistent attacks but it was plain to see that this particular group of players were determined to win. Gwyther eased them in front five minutes before time with another penalty, 20-23. Alto could have sat back and defended their lead but they opted to attack. Excellent work between the backs and forwards took them into the corner of touch and the home try line. Alton then worked the ball free with hooker, Luke Parratt, touching down three minutes into injury time and Gwyther converted from way out left. The referee blew to end the game with a final score of 20 - 30.

Referee - Gareth Edwards (HRURS)

A superb effort by all sixteen players available especially as Alton only had fourteen on the park for most of the second half. Luke Parratt had shown the way all game and was justifiably named man of the match by coach, James Youell. Alton were unable to field a full squad on the day because the Club had fielded three senior sides that afternoon for the first time for many years and although the second XV lost to Hook & Odiham, the Masters recorded a fine revenge victory at Camberley winning 38 - 24.

As they did not earn a bonus point this week Alton now lie second in the league on 14 points to Fawley on 15. Next Saturday Alton 1^st XV do not have a fixture but the following week they play Fawley away, it should be a gripping encounter!

Alton's 2^nd XV have an interesting home fixture next weekend when they welcome to Anstey Park second place Locks Heath Angry Squirrels, (their 2^nd XV), for a Solent League 4 Merit Table game. Alton are currently in fourth place. Kick-off is 3 p.m.