SOUTHAMPTON 5, ALTON 41

ALTON avenged a home defeat back in September when despite outscoring Southampton by five tries to four, they lost by one point, having landed only one conversion. This time, it was six Alton tries to one, with four conversions and a penalty.

Despite the recent rains, the Test Park pitch was in good condition for the Hampshire 2 match and Alton were encouraged to run the ball in front of a crowd comprising mainly travelling supporters.

Moving the ball well out of contact, the visitors were held up over the line. Then winger Ed Lowman was brought down five metres short and the ball was knocked on.

Southampton missed a penalty, while Simon Ford took his chance to put Alton in front. Lowman appeared to be tip-tackled, again just short of the line, but Alton’s pressure eventually paid off as a quickly-taken penalty and slick pass by flanker Luke Parratt gave lock Chris Gregory enough room to run round the defence to score for the second game running. Ford converted for a 10-0 lead.

Alton were tending to kick ahead, when retaining the ball may have been a better option.

However, Southampton were penalised for a scrummage offence and the ball was sent quickly down the line for full-back Fran Williams to squeeze over in the corner.

Southampton then got into Alton’s half for only the second time and some good forward driving resulted in a try and a 15-5 score at half-time.

Alton’s travelling supporters were demanding more of their team and they were not disappointed in the second half.

Kicking deep into the opposing half, Alton won the lineout and the ball reached Steve Johns. The stand-off slipped in the mud, but this totally fooled Southampton’s defence and Johns wandered over unopposed by the posts, giving Ford a simple conversion.

Soon, Lowman made another of his trademark breaks and when he was finally stopped, the forwards were able to recycle, allowing No 8 Tom Smethurst to gallop over. Ford added the extras and the lead was now 29-5.

Yet another Lowman run led to a penalty, again quickly taken, and Williams secured his second try.

Southampton had a player sent off for kicking and Alton capitalised by forcing their way into the corner where lock Will Ford barged his way over after yet another penalty. Ford’s conversion completed an emphatic Alton victory.