ALTON U13s, Hampshire champions for the past two seasons, could be forgiven for feeling the pressure as they attempted to complete the hat-trick last Sunday.

Especially so, having battled past Ellingham & Ringwood, Andover and Winchester to reach the final, where they faced, as in the previous two seasons, a talented and well-coached New Milton side out for revenge.

Despite poor handling conditions at King Edward VI School in Eastleigh and conceding an early try, Alton put aside any early nerves and gave their best performance of the season.

Aggressive defence, fine handling skills and determined running led to tries from Matty Salisbury, James Richardson and Josh Law. Alton led 15-10 after an evenly-matched first half.

New Milton started the second half strongly, but Alton’s fitness and depth of strength showed and four further tries followed from Richardson, Luke Kereti, Rory Taylor and Salisbury against one from New Milton.

Alton, captained by Greg Carter, were champions again, winning 35-15.

Team coach Ian Salisbury said: “There is a determination that runs through the whole squad to be the best they can. The fact we have only conceded six tries in three years at the Hampshire tournament tells you everything you need to know about the character of the Alton players.”