A really close and watchable contest on a dry day, in near perfect conditions. This had the making of a contest between Winchester's bigger pack and Alton's more fluid and dangerous backs, but that would be to oversimplify it. In the end Winchester's more resolute defence won the day, with their ex-Totts, county loosehead providing the majority of their go-forward.
At half time it was just 5-0 to the home side, good value for their better work at the breakdowns. Alton struggled to compete with the player sealing off and became frustrated as they were unable to bring their rucking into play.
Alton pressurised Winchester's backs who then made errors. After the turnaround it was clear Winchester decided to keep the ball in the tight and deny Alton as much ball as possible. The tactic paid off and soon Winchester were in a game winning 17-0 lead.
Then Alton steeled themselves, the game became a little looser. It is surprising that good tight play by the Alton pack produced their first try, by Joe Randall, ably converted by Joe Gwyther. In the final 10 minutes the game was an even contest and it was Alton's backline who finally found some space for Ed Simmons to score Alton's second try.
There was still time for Alton to get a third try but Winchester remained resolute and controlled territory, forcing Alton to play from their own half and own 22. Winchester were happy to concede penalty after penalty as Alton tried to keep the pace in the game but were constantly denied quick taps by the ref who spoke to Winchester players and captain yet kept his cards in his pocket and allowed Winchester's defence to regroup.
Try as they might, Alton could not break down Winchester a third time.
Well done to Winchester for a win in their first outing in league 1. Both teams played with enough skill and endeavour to suggest better things will come this season.

Alton points:-
Tries - Joe Randall, Ed Simmons
Conversion - Joe Gwyther