Alton’s team and supporters breezed into Penns Place for this local derby and league match. There were points and pride at stake and this produced a battle royal on pitch one. Alton had lost two key backs in the week with finger and thumb injuries, the Amery Hill School lads were playing their fourth fixture in 8 days but got themselves psych’d for a Petersfield match.

Captain Joe Gwyther won the toss and elected to play into the gale. Petersfield were quick to seize field position and apply pressure. The forwards huffed and puffed but couldn’t blow the Alton house down. Eventually Alton blasted themselves upfield, kicked ahead from one promising attack and forced the ‘Field fullback to carry over and concede the scrum five. Alton secured the ensuing scrum and Ralph Andrews, Alton’s 8, picked up and drove over for what was to prove the only score of the game. Joe Gwyther’s conversion fell foul of the strong wind.

Alton’s forwards presented the backs with plenty of possession, particularly from a dominant scrummage. The visitors created chances, two overlaps were bombed as the wind put paid to ambitious passing play. Every flurry of opportunity was eventually snuffed out by Petersfield’s dogged defence. This was not the ‘Field side who had previously capitulated under Winchester’s assault. They were full of pride, endeavour and determination.

Turning around at half time, Alton’s flyhalf kept ‘Field pegged back in their own half with his kicking game. But every time Alton tried to make use of attacking ball, either the strong wind, poor handling or ‘Field’s dogged defence prevented further scores. A penalty to Alton inside the Petersfield 22 was also blown wide.

Eventually Petersfield got a second wind, no doubt heartened by Alton’s failure to extend their lead. With just one score in it, they got a whiff of potential victory and burst upfield with some strong running and offloading. Alton dug in and held on to secure the vital league points. Maybe not kind of winning the margin they were looking for but the win was important. Alton are now certain of at least 4th place in the table and division one rugby again next season. Our best wishes go with Petersfield as they make the difficult trip down to Portsmouth next Sunday.

In the other division one matches today - Gosport beat Winchester 26-3; Basingstoke beat New Milton 46-12

In division two - Havant look likely for promotion after defeating Jersey, the second promotion spot is now being hotly contested after Trojans lost to Ellingham & Ringwood and Totts beat Fordingbridge. All to play for in that division.

Alton points:
Try – Ralph Andrews