Bognor 30pts, Alton 7pts

ALTON Silverbacks were beaten for the first time this season by a side whose performance belied their recent form and league position.

This may have been because of a recent change in team management and coaching personnel.

Bognor soon realised that their heavier forwards could dominate in the tight scrummaging and on eight minutes won a scrum penalty. From the resultant touch, they worked the ball out to the right where Freddie Burgess put the ball down in the corner. Strong winds forced the ball wide on the attempt at the posts as the hosts led 5-0.

Bognor scored again on 20 minutes when, following poor lineout work by Alton, their well-built, athletic No8, Chris Webb, was fed the ball and bulldozed upfield to score an unconverted try to double the lead.

On the half-hour mark, the Silverbacks eventually found some momentum and persistence in attack that led to a penalty. It was taken quickly and the ball was moved down the line for Ryan Bale to touch down in the corner. Joe Gwyther’s impressive conversion from the touchline followed to add the extras, and at 10-7 it was all to play for.

Alton realised that their backs could dominate but Bognor’s aggressive defence forced crucial errors. Bognor’s pack, though, continued to relish the opportunity to prove their dominance in the tight. They were awarded another scrum penalty, which Newton Young kicked to take the half-time score to 13-7 to the hosts.

Playing with the same urgency as in the first half, Bognor forced Alton to kick under pressure and a charge down by winger Ben Luxton allowed him to score under posts. This time the conversion was successful and the lead became a troublesome 20-7.

A number of injuries on both sides eventually meant that scrummaging became uncontested, however the home forwards continued to dominate and another drive led to Tom James converting good build up play to take the score to 25-7.

And despite losing a player to a red card Bognor had the final say, again through their pack driving forward to register the final try.

Although the game was won Alton Silverbacks continued to try all they could to find a consolation score. They had a good opportunity out wide but gave away a vital turnover and the ball was kicked into touch and the final whistle blew.

Despite this loss, Alton Silverbacks still head up the Hampshire Premiership, and tomorrow play the first return fixture against local rivals Alresford looking to return to winning ways. Kick-off at Anstey Park is at 2pm.