Alresford 1st XV 5 vs IWRFC 1st XV 9 - 27/02/10

A possible slip up avoided and another win towards the League title, is the way this game played out, as a determined Alresford side made the leaders work hard for their victory.

With most of the possible weather conditions thrown at both sets of players, causing a slippery ball and underfoot conditions, it was a credit to the players that the ball was moved about so much.

From the start the Island asserted their forward pressure, playing up the slope, pinning back the home side. Only rushed opportunities or spilt ball seemed to prevent the visitors from scoring. It was some thirty minutes before their first points, via a Gareth Paisley penalty, were on the board. This was to be the only score of a frustrating half for the Island.

Turning round, the visitors tore into their hosts, driving them back time and again, yet could not cross the line. Instead two Paisley penalties were their only reward. An interception by the Alresford centre who then chipped ahead led to the first try conceded by the Island since December.

With Chris Williams controlling the game a standoff and the forwards with Sandy Wilson, James Curran and Lymington Precision Engineers Man of the Match Martin Newnham to the fore up front, the Island continued to pressure Alresford back in their own 22 and kill off the game.

Although not the prettiest of wins, with some 10 1st XV squad members unavailable, it was a win for the depth and determination of this club to achieve their goal of the division title.

Next week The Island entertain Kingsclere at 1st XV level and the 2nds play Andover 4ths, Kick offs 2-30pm at Wootton Rec.

IWRFC: S Browne, D Gilpin, G Paisley, W Peters, A Gates, C Williams, C Cotter, N Puckett, S Wilson, J Curran, D Church, A Thomas, D Jennings, M Newnham, D Metcalfe.