Alton 42pts, Isle of Wight 14ptsFOR the second week running Alton played a team from across the Solent.

And this match had a double purpose, firstly the scheduled Hampshire 1 fixture and secondly the result would also count as a second round match in the Hampshire Plate cup competition. This had been originally scheduled to be played at Alton on October 13, but to minimise Isle of Wight’s travel costs was brought forward.

Facing yet another Island team that appeared more experienced, and physically bigger, Alton’s team only contained eight of the side that soundly defeated Ventnor last weekend.

And Alton picked up where they left off last week.

The first sign of things to come came in the very first minute when winger Kyle Bale got the ball close to his own posts and burst through the visiting defence to reach their 22-metre line. Had he looked to his right two of his team mates were clear, unfortunately he went left. But within three minutes full-back Fran Williams followed Bale’s example and ran clear, but this time backed himself and opened the scoring.

Alton stand-off Ed Thomas and centre Joe Gwyther orchestrated their fellow backs who dominated the first half and with 22 minutes gone Jess Powell crossed for Alton’s fourth try and the bonus point, after Harry Thomas and Ryan Bale had scored the other two.

The shell-shocked visitors opened their account during this period with a converted try.

Unfortunately, Joe Gwyther was having a bad day with his kicking and only converted one of the first four tries, but he made amends on 32 minutes when he intercepted an Isle of Wight pass and ran some 70 metres to pad Alton’s lead at 27–7.

Alton’s forwards, who had been creating the possession for their backs, decided to take matters into their own hands and, following a great effort in a scrum, Number 8 Tony Hopkin touched down two minutes before half time to extend the home side’s lead to 32–7.

From the start of the second half the home players combined well with two further unconverted tries within 20 minutes through Ryan Capes and Leo Gardner, both forwards; which Isle of Wight answered with another converted try.

It was a very competent performance from a team that is showing good promise for the long season ahead.

Alton must now wait until mid-October to find out their opposition in the semi-final of the Plate competition.

Tomorrow, Alton are away to Trojans seconds in Hampshire 1. The seconds are home to Chineham seconds and the Masters host Reading at Anstey Park. All three games kick off at 3pm.