ALTON 13, OVERTON 21

OVERTON went top of Hampshire 2 with this win – their fifth in five matches – but were made to fight all the way by Alton.

The last four matches between the clubs had resulted in two wins apiece and a points difference of only six in Overton’s favour. The visitors knew they had a tough task on their hands, and so it proved.

Overton used their solid pack to knock at the door of the home defence, yet Alton could have scored first from a penalty, with Joe Gwyther’s mammoth effort slipping just outside the post.

Increasing the pressure, Overton were held up over the line, but remained in the Alton 22 and eventually converted a penalty for offside in front of the posts.

Three minutes later, Gwyther slotted over a similar penalty and it was 3-3.

An Overton breakaway move was halted by a last-ditch tackle. Then it was advantage Alton. The hosts were awarded a penalty five metres from their own line and winger Tom Burgess, breaking free, galloped the length of the pitch to score a spectacular try.

That was the high point of the game for Alton, however. The conversion was missed and they were then pinged for offside at a lineout, the successful penalty levelling the scores at 8-8.

Worse was to follow. Overton regained the lead with a converted try from a rehearsed lineout move and then kicked two penalties – both given for not releasing – to establish a 21-8 lead at half-time.

Alton’s stoic defence denied Overton any further success in the second half, despite being presented with further penalty opportunities. Ironically, it was Overton who finally had a player sin-binned for repeated offences.

Alton made good use of their numerical advantage and, following some smart passing by both backs and forwards, full-back Fran Williams gratefully accepted responsibility for the try.

A difficult conversion was missed and Alton were denied the consolation of a bonus point.

Alton visit Southsea Nomads this Saturday. It should be a tight game between the sides placed fourth (Nomads) and fifth (ko 2.30 at Portsmouth University in Furze Lane, Milton).