The previous two games between these two sides were won by small margins and this was the turn of Overton to win!

This was a closely fought game with both teams totally committed and giving little quarter. Overton opened the scoring in the sixth minute when a very deft kick over the Alton backs pitched perfectly for the kicker to touch down and then convert his own try; 7 - 0. This stung Alton into action and Alex Hayward made considerable ground in the centre of the field but unfortunately failed to spot the supporting player on his right, while centre, Dave Shepherd, also made some fifty metres but was dispossessed. In fact, Alton's ball retention during this first half was rather disappointing. A clean lineout catch led to the home sides second try, albeit unconverted after sixteen minutes of play; 12 - 0. A few minutes later Alton were awarded a penalty for offside and set up a lineout fifteen metres out.  A clean take and excellent control saw the pack drive over the line with Luke Parratt, a live wire all afternoon, claiming the try. The conversion was missed; 12 - 5. The next twenty minutes were spent mainly in the centre of the field with neither side gaining much momentum. Just prior to half time, Alton were awarded another penalty and learning the lessons from the earlier occasion set up the lineout, caught and drove, this time skipper, John Happel, was credited with the touch down. 12 - 10.

Alton had the ideal start to the second half when the home team was adjudged to be offside at a line out, Simon Ford making no mistake with his kick; 12 - 13. Alton set up a number of driving and running moves but were unable to breach Overton's defence.  Ten minutes into the half frustrations blew up with yellow and red cards being show to an Alton and Overton player respectively. With both teams down to fourteen men, Overton attacked and were awarded but missed a penalty. Clearing their lines shortly afterwards, Overton kicked directly into touch.  From the resultant line out Alton's scrumhalf, Mark Crowther, skilfully timed and directed his pass to release centre, Adam Hoxey,  who out ran the defence to score from some thirty metres out.  Ford was unfortunate that his conversion attempt, which rebounded off the post; 12 - 18. Despite now having a numerical superiority Alton failed to stop a home move twenty-five minutes into the half which resulted in an unconverted try; 17-18.  Ten minutes later the Alton defence was breached again and this time the try was converted; 24 - 18. Just before full time Alton were again awarded a line-out metres from Overton's line and successfully resorted to the catch and drive, Ian Thorn this time completing the move for an unconverted try. 24 - 23. Now into injury time Alton realised that if they were going to win they would have to commit everything to attack, which they did, but right on the stroke of time Overton broke free for their fifth try.

A very close game with both sides earning try bonus points and  although it did not affect their final position Alton also lifted a losing bonus point. Alton's league season is now over, having won nine out of eighteen games and drawing one. Alton have finished mid-table with Romsey being the unbeaten champions of Snow's Hampshire 2.

Referee Gethin Jones (HRURS)