ALTON 27 NOMADS 19

SOUTHSEA Nomads pushed Alton all the way in the second tight Hampshire 2 encounter of the season between the two sides.

The game was moved to the Reservation in Bordon, with the Anstey Park pitches unplayable.

Nomads were hopeful of a revenge victory after being edged out 28-35 in the earlier game, but although they played another outstanding and competitive 80 minutes, they again fell just short against in-form Alton.

Stand-off Jon Branston, who has been in fine kicking form all season, slotted an early penalty for Nomads, only for Simon Ford to reply in kind for Alton.

Almost immediately, Alton transgressed again and Branston nailed the kick from fully 40 metres.

But Alton now took a grip on the match. Nomads could not stop a driving maul from a lineout and stand-in skipper Luke Parratt went over for a try that was converted by Simon Ford.

The game began to open up, with both teams attacking freely. Alton, though, pinched the ball at a lineout on halfway and a flowing move developed, with scrum-half Mark Crowther securing the try.

Nomads capitalised on a stray Alton pass and, fending off two tackles, left wing Harry Stephens crossed over the line. Branston missed the conversion and Alton led 15-11 at half-time.

As the second half got underway, Alton showed their future intent by moving a scrum 15 metres towards the posts. There was more of the same when Nomads were forced backwards at their own scrum, but Alton knocked on when it seemed easier to score.

Driving again from a lineout, Alton this time made no mistake and a quick pass released second row Will Ford for an unconverted try.

Five minutes later, Will Ford was again on hand to finish the best move of the match, started by flanker Rob Askew in his own half, and Simon Ford this time converted. Alton thus achieved their third bonus point in three games and now led 27-11.

Nomads never let their heads drop and dominated the final minutes. Branston kicked another three points and a series of penalties inside Alton’s 22 eventually led to Branston scoring an unconverted try. Had the conversion gone over, Nomads would have salvaged a losing bonus point.

This Saturday, fifth-placed Alton make the very short trip to Alresford, currently third in the table (ko 2.15 pm).