ROMSEY 45, ALTON 24

THE scoreline at Romsey, who were demoted last season but who have headed Hampshire 2 all this campaign, does not reflect Alton’s commitment.

Possession and territory were evenly divided and Alton’s persistent pick-and-drive tactics again worked well as they took the game to the hosts.

Alton quickly forced a penalty which centre Cameron Wicks turned into three points with a clean kick.

But Alton’s frailties were immediately exposed when their defence was bamboozled by a neat crossfield kick into Will Farthing’s arms and the winger raced over for the first of his four tries.

The visitors came back with more pressure, but minor handling errors and positional mistakes cost them further points.

Alton were on top for some 20 minutes. However, in the next 10 minutes they conceded three more tries, one converted, and Romsey streaked into a 24-3 lead before, on the stroke of half-time, Alton were finally rewarded for their efforts.

George Pantry helped himself to a typical scrum-half’s try which Wicks converted and it was 24-10 at the interval.

Having got back into the game, Alton were caught cold at the start of the second half when Romsey’s backs outflanked them again and Matt Sparks scored a converted try.

It still wasn’t quite all over and, following more field domination by Alton, prop Nick Stoffel forced his way over, Wicks adding the extras; 31-17.

Regrettably, Alton again relaxed, allowing Romsey two converted tries in the space of eight minutes, Rob Heighway and skipper Dan Penn-Newman touching down to stretch the lead to 45-17.

It was all Alton in the last 15 minutes and a mazy run from his own half by stand-off Ed Thomas released his backs into open spaces, Wicks being the one to touch down and convert his own try, 45-24.

Alton went all out for a fourth bonus-point try, but it was not to be.

This spirited and, at times, skilful performance against the league leaders and probable champions, belied Alton’s parlous league position.

Alton are next in league action on Saturday, March 3 when they host fellow strugglers Fawley (ko 2.30pm at Anstey Park.