KINGSCLERE 3, ALTON 42

THIS re-arranged fixture was preceded by a sombre minute’s silence in memory of Romsey RFC player Macca Campbell who was killed in a car crash on February 20, having played for his club that afternoon. He was 20.

Alton were predictably much too good for rock-bottom Kingsclere – now 15 games, 15 losses – and the five points moves them up to sixth in the Hampshire 2 table.

On a somewhat spongy pitch, Alton had the best possible start when, with barely a minute gone, Steve Johns’ inch-perfect grubber kick put centre George Trantham over in the corner.

But the early score seemed to distract Alton and too many missed passes and fumbles cost them further points until second-rower Alex Hayward showed his team-mates the way forward with a 40-metre charge. The forwards took control of a lineout and drove for the line, with skipper John Happel claiming the try.

The visitors’ next score also came from a lineout in the Kingsclere 22. Luke Parratt followed his skipper’s example and went for the line. Alton were held up, but the ball was quickly re-cycled down the backs for Ed Dickinson to go over.

Within minutes, Alton had a similar opportunity, but incurred the referee’s displeasure for holding on too long.

The ball was cleared, but only as far as Hayward who repeated his earlier bullocking run. He was not stopped this time and went over for the bonus-point try – Alton’s fifth four-try extra point in the last six games.

Just before half-time, Alton had a try disallowed for a second movement in the act of scoring.

In the second half, however, Alton’s direct running at their opponents with strong support overwhelmed Kingsclere and they scored a further four tries.

Dickinson finished off a good move under the posts, leaving Mark Crowther to kick his only conversion of the day (he couldn’t miss). Chris Gregory, as usual, got on the scoresheet and the last two tries came courtesy of Hayward, now playing on the wing. Kingsclere were powerless to stop him, and for the final try he ran solo from inside his own half.

This result puts Alton level on points with Alresford, but their near-neighbours will probably be deducted five points for handing Ventnor a home walkover.

Alton travel to the Isle of Wight this Saturday to play league leaders Ventnor, hoping to improve on their 12-12 draw back in November. Kick-off is 3pm.