OVERTON 17, ALTON 18

ALTON beat Hampshire 2 leaders Overton in a desperately close encounter that could have a vital bearing on the promotion race.

Overton drop to second place as a result, their losing bonus point keeping Alton in third, just one point back.

Alresford, now leaders by two points with a game in hand, look favourites for the title, while only two points separate Overton, Alton and fourth-placed Fawley.

The last six encounters between Alton and Overton have all been close and this was the tightest yet, with Alton squeezing home by a single point, winning with the last kick of the game.

Overton kicked off with a strong snow-laden breeze behind them and as the ball dropped, Alton’s James Rowe ‘bumped heads’ with an opponent. There was a delay while both recovered – and it set the tone for a rugged battle.

A typical crunching tackle denied Overton a probable try, but then Alton were penalised for going over the top and the home side got the first points on the board.

This galvanised Alton into winning a penalty for offside and stand-off Cameron Wicks levelled the scores.

Alton followed up with a slick backs’ move, leading to a break by centre Tom Burgess who released speedster Ed Lowman and although the wing was tackled on the line, it was not before he had grounded the ball. Wicks missed a difficult conversion from out wide.

Soon, Wicks was winning another foot race, only to be held up just short by the full-back.

Had Overton passed the ball rather than go for individual tries, they may well have built a decent lead. Just before half-time, the pressure told and Alton conceded a penalty five metres out. Overton opted to scrummage with their bigger pack and the pushover try was converted to give them a 10-8 lead at the break.

Alton reshuffled their pack for the second half, withdrawing Rowe and injured scrum-half Mike Robson, and bringing on the experienced Mark Crowther. They were more dominant in the tight as a result and the extra possession was put to good use. Overton sinned again and Wicks kicked his side into a one-point lead.

Overton replied with their best passing move of the game, working a try out on the right which was converted, the ball bouncing off the crossbar.

Only minutes remained and the 17-11 lead looked conclusive, but Alton had other ideas. With just seconds to go, they forced a scrummage 10 metres out, cleanly heeled the ball and No 8 Matt Forsyth broke off the back of his pack and dived over.

There was only time for the conversion some five metres in from the touchline, and many could not watch. They need not have worried. Wicks made a clean contact, the ball sailed between the posts, and Alton had snatched a precious victory.

Alton are scheduled to play Southsea Nomads at home this Saturday, but it is uncertain if the game will be played at Anstey Park or at the Reservation in Bordon. For information, see www.alton-rfc.com