Alton travelled to Trojans for their second league fixture of the season. Having won comfortably in a friendly earlier in season there was an air of expectation in the Alton ranks, however the coaches were quick to point out that the fixture required a new focus. The weather once again was unfavourable but this did not deter the fantastic travelling parental support, also joined by currently injured Charlie Hibbert whose return to the squad is so eagerly awaited.

Alton won the toss and elected to play into the conditions, only later would the value of this decision be realised. Trojans had obviously spent some time on the training paddock, perfecting the pick and drive and it soon became clear that their game plan was to keep the ball in the tight forwards and away from Alton's dangerous backline. The Trojans team executed this very well and denied Alton any ball. The Alton forwards found the relentless determination hard to counter and were second best to the well-drilled Trojans pack. It was soon to pay dividends as Trojans took the lead through a driving maul though the conversion was unsuccessful. The pattern for the first half was set and the Alton forwards could not match the aggression in contact despite being urged on by coaches and parents alike. Both flankers, Joe Randall and Doug Lowe, worked tirelessly to stem the flow but it was clear that Alton needed all eight forwards to match their effort. Alton conceded twice more from similar moves and as the half time whistle sounded Alton found themselves 15-0 down, grateful that the Trojan kicker was unable to add any extras.

Hard words and a refocus were required at the interval and the second half kicked off with Alton looking to close the gap with a simple game plan based on competing more effectively in the tackle area and playing for territory. From the kick off however, Alton suffered a sucker punch after poor chasing of the drop out that went to the opposite side that the pack had assembled on.  The Trojan scrum half took advantage of the defensive lapse by scooping up a loose ball and running in a fine individual try from just outside his 22. Fortunately he was chased down which meant he was unable to run under the posts and the conversion was too testing for the kicker. At 20 – 0 down with just over 20 minutes left Alton would require a supreme effort and some of the spirit they showed against Leinster champions Navan on tour last Easter. Would they be up for the challenge or would heads drop?

At last the game plan was put into practice, the Alton forwards stepped up to the challenge and began to secure ball for fly half Joe Gwyther to kick for territory and put the Trojan back three under pressure. This soon paid off, Ralph Andrews picked up from the base of a scrum and forced his way over. Joe Gwyther stepped up to the conversion and with the help of the upright the ball went over; 20 – 7, was there now hope? Was there now belief that another come from behind win was achievable?

Alton looked composed, focused and continued to gain ground, it wasn’t long before a second chance appeared. This time Joe Gwyther put the Garryowen deep into the Trojan 22 and the high bounce was collected by full back Ed Simmonds, he dived spectacularly over the line - 5 points for the score and a loud cheer from the Alton faithful for the artistic impression. The conversion was unsuccessful; 20-12, ... ten minutes left.

The Alton team smelt a victory and it was Trojans who appeared full of nerves and doubt. The spirit of Navan was in the air. Alton pushed forward again, it was now one-way traffic as the weather stung the faces of the home side. Inevitably it was Ralph Andrews who gathered again wide on the left and crashed over the line, it proved too wide for the conversion; 20–17 now and into the final few plays. The Alton players looked fresher, they thanked Andy Lockie for all those hard hours on the square of death and looked determined to make their fitness tell.

Alton won the ball from the kick off and once more the clearing kick went back over the head of the Trojan's full back - the chase was on, Trojans got back and dug in, the Alton pack arrived, showed much more desire to force Trojans to carry over their line and concede the 5 metre scrum to Alton. Was this Alton's final chance? Would they be composed enough to take it? The move was called, the ball was hooked down channel two and Ralph Andrews once again stepped up to the mark and crashed over in what turned out to be the last play of the game. What a finish, what a relief, what a great game played in the true spirit of rugby!

Your heart goes out to the Trojans, this was a desperate way to lose a game, one they looked sure to win with their early dominance of possession and superior game plan. But it was Alton who nicked it to win 20-22 to keep the winning streak going and, more importantly, gain 3 vital league points. 

Alton take their form forward into perhaps the most testing fixture this season, home against last season's champions Gosport & Fareham.

Doug Lowe picked up most votes for the MOTM award, with Ralph Andrews, Joe Gwyther, Charlie Rands, Ed Simmons and Alex Adams also getting special mentions. Well done to everyone, it was a great team performance ... but much to work on!

Poor old Alex Heath, he's in for some merciless ribbing now - we only started scoring once he was subbed off and the mighty Eddy Pas sprinted on!  We love you Alex, you softened them up nicely!  Albatross anyone? ;)

Alton points:
Tries - Ralph Andrews (3), Ed Simmons
Conversion - Joe Gwyther

Squad:
Alex Heath, Ed Pasfield, Tom Bugler, Richard Blizzard, Jay Norton, Alex Adams, Joe Randall, Doug Lowe, Ralph Andrews, Ollie Brench, Joe Gwyther, Charlie Rands, Josh Smith, James Forrest, Jack Messenger, Ed Simmons, Alfonso Ledesma, Jake Hadley, Cameron Lockie, James Airey