The clocks went forward but everyone made it out of bed. Jamie Pasfield killed a few deer on the A3M on the way down, they’ll be well hung for the squad barbeque at the Brenches once we return from tour.

The weather was perfect but the ground was hard, the game was played on pitch one where most grass was evident. The opening exchanges were keenly fought as Alton played into the slight breeze. Both packs went at each other with Alton gaining a useful nudge scrum time.

After 8 minutes Ed Simmons broke through some weak tackles in the centre and rounded the full back for the opening score. Ten minutes later and Alton outflanked the Pompey defence on the right to send Will Hamer over. Despite touching down close to the posts, the conversion was again missed narrowly and the first quarter ended with the visitors 0-10 ahead.

The game ebbed and flowed and both packs fought hard at the breakdown. Now it was Pompey’s turn to strike – two converted tries gave them a useful half time lead of 14-10.

Into the second half and Pompey continued their policy of rolling subs – changes every five minutes or so kept the fresh legs coming on but didn’t really improve their shape. Ed Simmons knocked over a long range penalty to bring Alton back to within a point and from here on Alton turned the screw. Joe Gwyther found his kicking boots - time and time again he put Alton into attacking territory. The pack, led superbly from the front by Ralph Andrews, employed the pick and drive together with some great offloading to pressure the Portsmouth line, eventually Alex Adams crashed over to wrestle the lead from the home side. This try was converted from short range.

Alton’s back row consistently wrapped up Pompey’s #8 and kept him off the floor to gain valuable turnovers. After more driving play from the Alton pack  Joe Gwyther dropped into the pocket for a drop goal that would take Alton two scores ahead – it sailed just left of the posts.

Alton continued to control territory and Pompey’s 10 struggled to kick his side out from their own half. With James Forrest having a peerless game at fullback, each kick was returned with aggressive running into the safety of his forwards. Charlie Hibbert found himself in space and produced a trade mark drive from 30 yards out. With three defenders on his back he was eventually hauled down just short of the line. The ball was recycled well through two more phases and then Joe Randall crashed over for the game-winning score under the posts. The conversion was charged down but no matter, with a second half shut out this Alton squad had defeated Portsmouth for the first time and were excellent value for the win.

In other division one matches today - New Milton were a no show at champions Gosport, handing Gos a second home walkover. Basingstoke will be left to regret that first walkover when defeat at Petersfield 22-12 meant that they’ll be dropping down to Division 2 next season, and ensure Division 1 rugby at Penns Place. We look forward to playing our closest rivals again! Winning promotion from Division 2 are Havant and Jersey.

Alton points:-
Tries – Ed Simmons, Will Hamer, Alex Adams, Joe Randall
Penalty – Ed Simmons
Conversion – Joe Gwyther