ALRESFORD 17, ALTON 3

SOMETHING had to give in this local derby, with both teams unbeaten in their previous three games.

And it was Alton who ‘gave’ in a feisty encounter that produced four yellow cards, three of them to Alton.

Alresford had won the earlier very close match by a single point and playing on one of the home club’s two new pitches, Alton immediately showed their intention to run the ball.

But a knock-on gave possession back to Alresford and Alton full-back Fran Williams was called into early defensive action.

The next 25 minutes were spent in a stalemate, both teams conceding penalties until referee David Forrest had had enough and dispatched Alton No 8 Will Ford to the sin-bin for a repeated offence.

Five minutes later, flanker Winston Carter followed his team-mate to the sidelines for exactly the same offence. Alton’s remaining 13 dug in deep and did well to restrict Alresford to one unconverted try.

Just before half-time, Alresford were penalised for offside and stand-off Simon Ford kicked the three points, narrowing the deficit to 3-5 at the break.

Most of the second half was a story of two good defences cancelling each other out and when Alresford lost a man to the sin-bin for a deliberate knock-on, it seemed that Alton might take control.

But the ball was spotted far enough out for Simon Ford’s attempt to fall just short and despite some decent moves, Alton were held at bay by Alresford’s 14 men.

Finally, with ten minutes to go, Steve Johns became the fourth recipient of a yellow card and this time Alresford made their numerical advantage count, scoring two tries in four minutes and converting one.

Alton never gave up and scrum-half George Trantham instigated some sharp attacks, replacement Rob Askew being brought down ten metres short of the line after a mazy run.

Alton are without a league game this Saturday, but the ‘super twos’ are entertaining Alresford 2nd XV at Anstey Park (ko 2.15pm).