Back in October when the corresponding fixture was played at Locksheath it was a closely contested game between two well matched teams and despite the rain this was more of the same.

Soon after kick-off, Alton were awarded a penalty about 25 meters out and opted for the touch kick but unfortunately the resultant line out went wrong! Locksheath also had their moment when Alton were penalised for holding on but this time the line out worked and a last-ditch tackle on the line prevented a score. Shortly afterwards Alton transgressed again but this time Locksheath gratefully accepted the points to lead 0 - 3. This fired the home side up and a couple of bullocking runs by No 8, Tom Willis, again found themselves being awarded a kickable penalty, which Joe Gwyther competently converted 3 - 3. Although Alton tried to dominate, mishandling and lax passing let them down. Locksheath also had similar problems, one possible try lost through a forward pass and a second knocked on over the line. This galvanised Alton into action and they advanced back into their opponent's half where great hassling by George Trantham gave Locksheath a lineout 20 metres from their line. Hooker, Charlie Hibbert, pounced on a loose ball at the front of the line and raced his way to the line grounding the ball in the corner. Although Gwyther just missed the conversion Alton reached half-time with a lead of 8 - 3.

Gwyther had a particularly fruitful start to the second half when he converted a second penalty given for holding on and then five minutes later, repeated the feat when Locksheath were penalised again for the same offence, 14 - 3. With their next attack the visitors drove back into Alton's half, again a penalty was awarded and again Locksheath opted for the line out. The ball was turned over and Alton advanced up the field, another dropped pass led to a kick and rush by Locksheath, this was recycled by the home side who despite having crossed the line were not awarded the try. Alton's scrum was becoming more dominant and they drew another penalty for Gwyther to convert, 17 - 3. Locksheath retaliated when Alton were penalised for an early push with their quick tap leading to an unconverted try. Final score Alton 17 Locksheath 8.

Referee - Mike Gill (HRURS)

Alton do not have any scheduled league fixtures next weekend, Saturday 21^st January but the following weekend entertain Fawley, one of only three teams to defeat Alton in Hampshire 2 this season. The Super 2's XV also have an interesting home fixture against Portsmouth 4^th XV, one place below them in Solent 4 Merit Table.