Alton 25pts, New Milton 13pts

After a convincing season last year, the champion Alton Silverbacks entered new territory as they faced their first game in the Hampshire Premiership against New Milton.

In the end, this proved a convincing display and will give much confidence to a young side who will know they can compete at this level.

New Milton kicked off and spent much of the early minutes in the Alton half but rarely threatened the line, and the home side’s defensive lineout was already stopping momentum with Alex George stealing the first turnover of many all afternoon.

Taking a penalty, Cameron Wicks kicked deep into New Milton territory for the first time, and the forwards seemed destined to score through Tom Smethurst after an impressive rolling maul, but New Milton resisted well. However, Alton soon recycled, spun the ball wide and a great backs move created space for Ryan Bale to score the first try in the corner. Wicks converted from a tight angle and Alton were 7-0 up after eight minutes.

New Milton came straight back at Alton who were possibly guilty of overplaying in their own half. However, New Milton also failed to create clear chances through intricate play although they did earn a penalty after a period of pressure and cut the lead to 7-3.

Alton were soon under pressure again, but Wicks kicked deep into the corner, New Milton were caught offside and Alton extended their lead to 10-3.

Alton were having less territory at this point but were looking dangerous whenever they were in the New Milton half.

George won yet another New Milton lineout and Alton marched upfield. This time George took the ball again, and after some tight play within the forwards, Ryan Capes crashed over to extend the lead to 15-3.

Alton were looking the fitter side at this point and Brendan Sumner stormed through the centre while Wicks was controlling the game at fly half. Another penalty to Alton extended the lead to 18-3 at the break as New Milton were looking rattled.

The Silverbacks forwards started the second half on the front foot, bossing the scrum, winning two against the head and driving the New Milton pack at will.

Perhaps a sign of early-season rustiness from both teams, there were a number of knocks and neither team was able to demonstrate their dominance, but after a deft pass out wide, New Milton scored a surprising try and they were back in the game at 18-8.

New Milton came straight back at Alton, but after a promising attack Cameron Hamer intercepted and was immediately tackled high. The subsequent yellow card seemed to deflate New Milton.

Wicks kicked deep into the corner, the impressive backs combined, and Wicks cut a great angle for a well-deserved try which he subsequently converted to pad Alton’s lead at 25-8.

Alton had several former Colts on the field and Ben Burrage, at lock forward, was impressive and combined well with the experienced front row, as the forwards looked to have a great balance all afternoon.

More Colts joined the fray as substitutes, and Alex El-Batal collected well from the kick off and made good ground, Wicks cleverly kicked through and Sumner appeared to touch down but it was not awarded. Alton were running everything now and the game became very open, but Alton were unable to score a bonus-point try.

New Milton rallied, kicked the ball through and Harry Devonshire was penalised with a yellow card for holding a player back. A quickly-taken penalty was converted in the corner but it was too little too late. The game was up and New Milton barely celebrated.

This was a really impressive start by Alton, despite missing several players, and will give them good confidence for the forthcoming season. They know that this year will prove a significant challenge, but the initial signs are promising for the Silverbacks.

*Alresford made a dreadful start to their 2019-20 Hampshire Premiership season when they were thrashed 48-3 by Petersfield, who were relegated from London 3 South West last season.