The first match of the season saw Alton take on League 1 rivals Trojans on a fine day and a fast track.

Last season Trojans defeated Alton at Anstey Park 12-39 in the U13 Hampshire Cup on their way to a creditable semi final place. Alton, led by captain Jake Hadley, turned that result around with a strong pack performance and a back line which went through their moves with pace, precision and powerful running.

Trojans opened the scoring as their EPDG silver group outside half, Dan Wotton, stepped inside his opposite number and through the cover to run under the posts. Alton’s defence was again at fault for Trojan’s second try when the 12 stepped through the line and neatly past the cover to dot down under the posts.

The opening 15 minutes were hotly contested and Alton were back on terms after strong running from Ralph Andrews and some excellent movement in the backline which saw tries from wings James Airey, Charlie Rands and full back Ed Simmons.

The match was played as 3 x 20 minute thirds, most of the Alton squad got a full hour of rugby in, as only 16 players had turned up to play. As the game went on and Trojans dipped into their extensive squad, Alton wrestled control of the game. Further tries were added by Josh Smith, with fine stepping and a powerful hand off along with the strong running of Ed Simmons. The last of Ed’s 4 tries was marked by a graceful swallow dive under the posts for which he will undoubtedly pay a heavy fine! Joe Gwyther won the battle of the outside halves upping his game in defence and effectively shutting down Trojans’ most potent attacker. With ball in hand the Alton backs went through a series of moves which always gave forward momentum for the forwards to drive onto. New prop Andy Austin put in a strong debut performance as part of a front row that never took a step backwards. Ralph Andrews was a tower of power at line out, stealing Trojan ball and disrupting the maul.

James Airey put in a huge effort in defence and attack. He was voted Player’s Player for the match and deservedly so with some try saving tackles, superb support play and one excellent try. Charlie Rands looked like a giant Shane Williams as he ran one ball out of defence beating six or seven players in a mazy run.

As the game drew to a conclusion, another defensive error saw the Trojans 10 grab another try under the posts but Alton had the final word when Joe Gwyther dummied and stepped his way over the line. Joe’s place kicking was excellent throughout and his kicking from hand was effective in turning the Trojans defence; the luck of the bounce only just went Trojans way on a couple of occasions when Alton threatened to recover the kicks for further scores.

Alton points:
Tries – Ed Simmons (4), James Airey, Ralph Andrews, Joe Gwyther, Charlie Rands, Josh Smith

Conversions:
Joe Gwyther (6)

Teamsheet:

1. Andy Austin
2. Tom Bugler
3. Richard Blizzard
4. Stan Burrows
5. Jay Norton
6. Ed Pasfield
7. Jake Hadley (Captain)
8. Ralph Andrews
9. Ollie Brench
10. Joe Gwyther (VC)
11. Chad Rands
12. Josh Smith
13. James Forrest
14. James Airey
15. Ed Simmons
16. Alex Heath (replaced 1 for 2nd third and 6 for 3rd third)