Alton dominated the first half then had to withstand a tremendous comeback in the second to finally secure a 25-19 home win over Isle of Wight.

The two sides were meant to have played in a Hampshire Cup final back in 2020, which never took place because of the Covid pandemic.

So they were not only playing for league points but also for the Lockdown Cup, to be played for each time the clubs meet in the future.

Alton took hold of the game in the first half, aided by a strong wind blowing straight down the pitch, but Isle of Wight were also off the pace and passive in defence, allowing the hosts to score three tries. Two conversions and two penalties gave them a 25-0 lead at half-time.

A totally different Isle of Wight side emerged for the second half. The half-time chat did its job and wind advantage made field position easier to achieve. George Huish glided in to score for the visitors but Alton dug in and kept Isle of Wight at arm’s length for much of the second period.

With 12 minutes remaining another spell of Isle of Wight pressure and extended phase play saw captain Luke Blackman score his team’s second try, with Huish adding the conversion.

Straight from the restart a 40-metre drive forced Alton to infringe and Isle of Wight kicked to the corner. This again led to a sustained assault on the hosts’ line, and with good handling moving the ball, Huish scored his second and added the touchline conversion kick.

Time was running out but Isle of Wight were within six points and the pressure was maintained. Isle of Wight were held up over the line for a second time in the half, adamant that David Blackman’s effort should have been given, and Alton won the Lockdown Cup.