NOMADS 28, ALTON 35

SOUTHSEA side Nomads were chasing a third win in four games, but it was Alton who prevailed in an epic encounter, with the lead changing hands no less than seven times.

Again, Alton suffered a 50 per cent change in personnel from the previous week, due to unavailability and injury, but the strength in depth that is growing within the club saw them through to a deserved win.

Despite the brisk easterly blowing off Langstone harbour, both side played flowing rugby, aided by the sensible refereeing of the evergreen Mike Gill, and five tries were scored in each half.

Exactly as they had done last week, Alton scored within three minutes as stand-in captain Tom Smethurst collected the ball from a line-out and touched down.

Nomads missed a penalty immediately afterwards and Alton promptly moved the ball upfield through both backs and forwards, second-row Chris Gregory finally crashing over under the posts. Simon Ford converted and Alton led 12-0.

Nomads stormed back with an interception try by Hamish Bettany under the posts, converted by Aaron Beesley. Five minutes later, Nomads were ahead. Quick reactions caught the Alton defence napping and Beesley, after dotting down, added the conversion to put Nomads in front, 14-12.

Winger Ed Lowman was brought down five metres from the home line, but Alton were not disheartened and regained the lead just on half-time. A clean heel at a five-metre scrum and Mike Robson scampered over for a typical scrum-half’s try.

Early in the second period, Nomads responded with a well-worked team try. Ben Short got the touch-down and Beesley again converted: 21-17.

Almost straight after the restart, Ford kicked a penalty and then the backs took over with, eventually, Robson finding the opening to score his second try; 25-21 to Alton.

Kyle Bale, on Alton’s right wing, earned his spurs with an excellent try-saving tackle beneath the posts. However, Beesley, scored his second try from the resultant scrum and slotted over his fourth conversion to restore Nomads’ advantage at 28-25.

Back came Alton and after a quickly-taken penalty, Alex Hayward (this week a second row, last week a winger) used his strength to score a typical try; Alton in front 30-28.

Alton were not going to be beaten now and a long clearance by Bruce Oliphant reached the home 22 where Nomads again knocked on. A clean heel from the scrum and a switch of direction gave George Trantham the chance to give his side a seven-point cushion.

Alton had to dig deep in defence, but held out to secure a well-earned win on the road.

Alton’s next league action will be on October 24 when they host local rivals and unbeaten league leaders Alresford, who thrashed Aldershot & Fleet 51-0 last Saturday. Kick-off is likely to be 1pm on World Cup semi-finals day.

For updates, visit the Alton RFC website at www.alton-rfc.com