ALTON 33, LYMINGTON MARINERS 19

FIVE weeks without a competitive league fixture was no way to prepare for the first of Alton’s three final, and vital, Hampshire 2 matches of the season.

However, Alton overcame a spirited Lymington Mariners at a sun-drenched Anstey Park to maintain their promotion challenge.

Alton immediately showed their intention to run and pass. After just two minutes, they were awarded a penalty on the opposing 22 and Cameron Wicks’ kick hit the post, no mean feat in itself, and Lymington cleared their lines.

The New Forest side were under relentless pressure and David Shepherd eventually took the chance to score the opening try, following some excellent support play, and Wicks added a relatively easy conversion.

Lymington promptly replied with a try out wide, unconverted, and, soon after, almost took the lead as Alton managed to hold the player up after he had crossed the line.

Stung into action, Alton charged up the park and, several passes later, winger Tom Burgess touched down for an unconverted try.

Both teams attacked with pace and aggression, but it remained 14-5 at half-time.

Soon after the restart, Alton were again on the scoresheet, a sweeping move being finished off by Wicks who again missed the conversion.

But the home side were building up a head of steam. Luke Parratt led a charge from his own 22 and after a move involving several players, Wicks went over for his second try, securing the bonus point, and this time he converted. Alton well ahead at 26-5.

Tommy Willis scored the fifth try after a bustling run – Wicks converted – but Lymington, to their credit, kept going and were rewarded with the last two tries of the game, closing the gap to a more respectable 17-33.

Alresford, Overton, and Alton, the top three in Hampshire 2, all recorded bonus-point wins. Alresford lead by two points from Overton and by eight points from third-placed Alton.

Near-neighbours Alton and Alresford both have a game in hand and they meet this Saturday at Arlebury Park (ko 3pm) in a local derby that could decide the championship.

Alresford won 24-10 away to Southampton last weekend.

On April 8, the last day of the season, Alton host rock-bottom and winless Aldershot & Fleet, while Alresford travel to Fawley, currently fourth. Overton are home to Lymington.