ALDERSHOT & FLEET 0, ALTON 22

ALTON took charge at a rain-swept Aldershot Park last Saturday and ran out convincing winners against struggling Aldershot & Fleet in this Hampshire 2 local derby.

Alton kicked off against the strong wind and driving rain and despite the large pools forming on the surface, were dominant for 30 minutes.

But although bulldozing their way upfield through their forwards, Alton continually gave away penalties when encamped in the home 22.

Finally, on 35 minutes, Aldershot were caught offside and after disputing the decision, were marched back a further 10 metres, bringing the posts within range for Simon Ford who notched three points with a somewhat ‘bendy’ kick into the wind.

Within four minutes, the scenario was repeated at the other end when Alton were penalised and marched back 10 metres, but the home kicker, even with the gale behind him, missed the target.

Coach Steve Jenkins took his players into the changing-rooms at half-time and Alton emerged with clean shirts, hands, faces, and a more positive attitude.

The rain had stopped, the wind had dropped, and the pitch was by now a muddy morass. But this did not prevent Alton from taking the game to Aldershot. Ford kicked a penalty to touch five metres out. A clean catch-and-drive followed and Luke Parratt scored on his return from long-term injury.

Ford missed the conversion, but Alton were soon back in the home 22. Awarded a scrum on their own line, Aldershot heeled the ball cleanly, but chose to pass out rather than kick for touch. Ford was up quickly, intercepted a pass and raced at least one yard to touch down near the posts. His conversion stretched the lead to 15-0.

To Aldershot’s credit, they never let their heads drop and ran the ball at every opportunity, although let down by the final pass.

Five minutes from time, Alton finally sealed victory when flanker Winston Carter scampered across the face of the home defence and tipped the ball to centre Steve Johns who straightened the move, bringing in full-back Fran Williams. With a well-timed pass, Williams released winger Ed Dickinson who outpaced the defence to score. Man-of-the-match Ford kicked a fine conversion to make it 22-0.

Alton welcome Kingsclere RFC to Anstey Park this Saturday for the first ever league fixture between the clubs (ko 2.30pm).

Alton are looking for players for their adult sides: 1st XV, 2nd XV and Masters (over 35s). Senior training takes place at Anstey Park on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (7-9pm) and all are welcome.