No way through...

Unfortunately once again Alton were unable to convert their recent improvement into a win, but at least they gained a losing bonus point against their old rivals Petersfield.  Alton lost their winger, Ant Beard, following a head injury sustained in a try saving tackle after three minutes and the game was halted for five  minutes whilst he was treated and replaced.

The game was very competitive but with both sides making handling errors it was some time before either side claimed points.  It was Petersfield who scored the first try, which was converted. Following a line out, they moved the ball slickly down their line to score on the left.

Alton went onto the attack and were awarded a penalty which was quickly taken but the move ended when they were penalised for holding on. It was now Petersfield’s turn and their effort was halted yards out when Alton robbed the ball and cleared to touch. They followed this up with a forwards’ drive of some twenty metres, released their backs who moved the ball smartly upfield only for a foot to go into touch on the line.  Just on the half hour Petersfield broke from a scrum on the half way line to increase their points total to 14.

Alton went back on the attack and were eventually rewarded with a penalty which was kicked into touch some ten metres from the line.  Alton’s forwards took up the challenge and drove the visitors back over their own line with Alton skipper, Luke Parratt, claiming the try and Alex Masters the further two points. A haf-time score of 7 – 14.

Despite kicking off the restart into a sudden squall, Petersfield forced their way to Alton’s line where they were twice held up in goal.  Eventually the visitors did score when ineffectual tackling allowed a run from their own 10 metre line.

Ten minutes later Masters, Alton’s scrum-half, took on the defence on his own, with an excellent 25 metre run to score a try which he also converted. This took the score 14 – 19.

The last quarter, the highlight of which was a thumping tackle by centre Stephen Johns on his opposite number from Petersfield, was keenly contested but unfortunately as Alton became dominant the referee blew the final whistle with Alton just five metres from the line.

Referee: Mick Weaver (HRURS)

Although Alton did “win” the second half and a bonus point, Romsey, the 2nd bottom club, achieved an unexpected win leaving Alton stranded at the bottom of Hampshire 1.

Following the Easter break, Alton’s final game of the season is scheduled for Saturday 11th April when Romsey are entertained at Anstey Park, kick-off 3 p.m.

Prior to this match Alton Rugby Club will be celebrating its 90th season with a formal lunch.