A determined effort from a depleted Alton squad produced an entertaining game.

Both sides were affected by half-term absence and injuries, and played a fourteen-a-side game on a clear blustery day at Anstey. Alton played with the wind advantage in the first half, but failed to make full advantage of the elements. Too much of the play was in our own half, and we never really put enough pressure on the Tadley line. The Tadley side had some strong runners, notably in the back row and centres. They scored a good try in the first half and went in to the interval 5 – 0 to the good.

In the second half Tadley increased their lead with tries by their 8 and winger. Alton responded and made good use of chipping behind the Tadley defence to create space and pressure. This led to two tries by Tom Willis, and for a short period of the game it looked like we might get back on terms. We were playing catch up though, and Tadley were able to break our line with a strong run from their winger to put the game away.

Well done to an understrength team for the commitment to play until the end. Guest appearances by Tom W and new squad member Seb meant we were able to field 14 players for the game.

Congratulations to Connor and Jack for winning guest membership of the front row union. Thanks to Glen Fulton for refereeing the game.

Learning points:

We still need to do better with our ball retention. Too many turnovers from tackle situation and mauls.

We turn our backs too quickly and are not alive to quick tap by opposition penalties.

Also, we need to be running at pace in attack. On Sunday we were too flat and lateral; so did not pose a threat to the Tadley defence.

Try scorer: Tom Willis (2)

Man of the match: (reluctantly) Tom Willis

Special Mention: Simon Beard and his expert interpretation of the new RFU law regarding the corner flag to allow Tom’s second try and spare some Alton blushes…