LOCKSHEATH 36, ALTON 0

IT was not for the lack of effort that Alton lost heavily to Locksheath Pumas. It was just that a much-changed outfit was never likely to overcome the side lying second in the Hampshire 2 table.

First-team debutants Kieran Allen, Daryl French, John Crothers and Craig Dunn all imposed themselves on the game.

Dunn and Crothers anchored up the scrum nicely, while Alistair Dow and Rufas Bevan fought to nullify Locksheath’s central threat, both making their tackles and clearing from the breakdown.

The Pumas had the lion’s share of possession, though, and spread the ball wide where they had genuine pace and strength.

Lee Giles came off his wing to score the first try, converted by Robbie Connell.

Locksheath, however, conceded penalty after penalty, allowing Alton to repeatedly clear their lines and kick accurately to touch.

But Alton failed to take advantage of good field position from the lineouts and it was to cost them dear.

Before the half was out, Robbie Connell kicked a penalty for Pumas and then full-back Connell showed real pace to cut back inside and send flanker Chris Kitson over under the posts. Connell converted and, soon after, Locksheath were awarded a penalty try to lead 24-0 at the break.

There were some promising individual performances for Alton. Full-back Sammy Bridger took high ball after high ball in textbook style, while Simon Ford, returning after a year out with a serious neck injury, kicked expertly from hand to gain Alton good distance.

In the second half, Locksheath played sensibly to their strength out wide and made impressive yardage with jogging mauls from the lineout, much to the chagrin of the Alton forwards.

The Pumas lost Connell and Alex Ainscough to the sin-bin at different times, but still managed further tries from skipper Joel Stocker and James Campbell, the latter sprinting 50 metres for the best score of the game. Nick Destefano added one more conversion.

Tom Smethurst and captain Adam Hoxey had inspiring games for Alton who camped in the opposing half for the last 15 minutes, but couldn’t get what would have been a deserved try.

Alton should field markedly stronger 1st and 2nd XVs at Anstey Park this Saturday when they face Romsey and Basingstoke Griffins respectively. Both matches kick off at 2.30pm.