Alton U14s and their faithful band of supporters made the long journey over to the Island to play Vectis. The comfort of the executive coach with in-flight catering (sushi for the backs and pies for the forwards!) made the trip more than bearable, and use of the manager’s latest electronic gadgetry ensured that no point of interest was missed on the way down from Fishbourne to Ventnor!

With a busy fixture list leading up to Christmas and an unbeaten record, the opportunity was taken by Dave “Rafa” Bugler to deploy the rotation system and test out new combinations as well as asking players to play out of position (both coaches agreed to play 3x20 minute periods.) Strong winds and sporadic rain gave an extra test to play-makers and meant the hardy, vocal crowd had to view a stilted and error strewn first period.

Vectis seized the initiative and scored the first try of the game feeding on Alton’s handling errors and lack of composure to score under the posts. The conversion was duly added. Whilst Alton attempted to put more phases together, playing into the wind, unfortunately handling errors prevented hard-earned ball being turned into points.
The home side continued to profit from turnovers and crossed the try line again towards the end of the period following a strong run down the left wing, out flanking the cover, and with another successful conversion, Alton found themselves 14-0 down at the first interval.

The second session was characterized by Alton slowly gaining the initiative. James Forrest used the wind to push the Vectis side back and individual driving runs from the forwards brought the visitors ever closer to the try line. Ollie Brench took control and switched the second row and number 8 and from a scrum just inside the 22 it was Alton’s mop-haired Ralph Andrews who smashed his way through the defensive line and accelerated away to score.  Unfortunately, the conversion was missed but now the game really came alive. Both front rows tested the referee’s patience. The crowd became more vocal, encouraging on each side and it had the desired effect for Alton when, following good off loading and driving runs by Alex Adams, it was again Ralph Andrews who found himself in space and scorched home in the far left corner. Sadly the wind prevented the extras being added but now Alton were within a score of their adversaries and as they turned into the wind for the final session it was a question of could they build on the momentum? The answer was yes! Wave after wave of Alton attacks were met by stubborn Vectis defense. After Jay “Spanish Archer” Norton had almost crossed the line with a fantastic, supported drive he was issued with the squad’s first ever yellow card for apparent use of elbows in the maul.

Alton continued to have all the territory in the final third.  Vectis attempted to relieve the siege by kicking from their own line but a quickly taken line out, initiated by Ollie Brench, saw the Alton backs combine to put Josh Smith in space and he pinned his ears back to reach the try line without a hand laid on him. Cue great celebrations from the travelling support even though the conversion was once again missed. With their noses ahead Alton continued to apply pressure to the tiring Vectis defence and only a lack of depth with resultant forward pass prevented Jack Messenger running in unopposed for a further score. Alton ran out 15-14 winners.

Alton points:-
Tries – Ralph Andrews (2), Josh Smith