This was the very first seniors’ match played under Petersfield’s brand new floodlights. It was a double header for the Snows’ Hampshire League 1 and the Hampshire RFU Plate quarter final; as well as a local derby.

It was a very keenly contested game between the old rivals.  Alton could have gone ahead after ten minutes but a long range penalty attempt by Alex Masters just faded to the left and fell short. The visitors were also held up by good defence preventing an early score. Finally, after a very competitive twenty-five minutes Alton got themselves into the lead when following a ruck/maul on the home team’s goal line, flanker Ali Dow, threw himself over the pile of bodies to touch down, Masters converted. (0-7)

Alton were only able to hold the lead for ten minutes. Defending desperately and with Tyrone Miles making a try saving tackle the Petersfield forwards were held up over the line. The subsequent scrummage produced a free kick for the home side, who took good advantage to score a converted try. (7-7)

Four minutes later Petersfield scored again, but this time with a good flowing back’s move. This try was also well converted (14-7). A further three points were scored when Alton were penalized for coming in from the side (17 – 7).

Alton, however, were not lying down. Just before the first-half came to a close, having played five minutes of added time, the home side conceeded a kickable penalty, which Masters struck with great aplomb (17-10).

The second half started with somewhat of a stalemate until Alton's Miles took a team sin binning followed repeated offending. The home side attacked but Alton's defence held. Alton took a scrum against the head, close to their line but were adjudged to be responsible for the scrum collapse. Petersfield took advantage, as Alton slowly re-organised themselves to score a converted try (24-10).

Ten minutes later the home side scored again through a move set up by their particularly effective full-back, who was by far for the best player on the park and the source of most of Petersfield’s backs’ efforts (31-10).

Alton could have fallen apart but to their credit did not and responded well by playing deep into the opposition half with the forwards completing the task with an excellent drive over the line. Skipper Luke Parratt claimed the try (31-15).

Within five minutes, Alton were again on the score sheet following a powerful run by winger Alex Hayward, who took a number of the defenders with him to score under the posts. Masters successfully collected the additional two points on offer (31-22).

These two quick scores prodded Petersfield into action and through their backs added two further tries, one of which was converted. This took the final score to 43-22.

A good performance from Alton slightly shaded by a better one from Petersfield, but the visitors did show that they have the ability and attitude to survive in this league.  Next Saturday’s league game is away at Farnborough, kick-off 2 p.m. and has taken on a huge importance for both sides.

Referee: Martin Bentley (Army RURS)