It was fantastic to welcome our very good friends from Pencoed at Anstey Park for a season opening friendly. We had a great time on tour last Easter, Pencoed were fantastic hosts, so we were pleased to return the favour in the spirit of rugby. Mums did us proud by bringing in cakes, biscuits etc to keep our Welsh visitors well fed for the long bus journey home. Hampshire and back in a day is no trivial undertaking, we really appreciate the time and effort put in by Pencoed.

The match itself was a low-scoring affair with Alton mostly dominating possession and territory. In the second half particularly the Alton backs bombed 3 or 4 try scoring chances, just the last pass letting the side down. Pencoed stuck to their guns and took their chances, including a long range penalty from the final play which snatched a victory from the jaws of defeat.

Alton could take plenty of positives from the game, they won plenty of ball and created plenty of chances. Perhaps too generous in the end but Pencoed should build a good season from their never-say-die spirit.

Hope to arrange something again for next season ... third time lucky for the Mighty Oaks?

Alton points:

Try - Ralph Andrews

Conversion - Joe Gwyther

Penalty - Joe Gwyther