ALTON 26, LOCKSHEATH PUMAS 29

HEARTBREAK for Alton who came so close to beating fourth-placed Locksheath Pumas on Saturday.

Alton remain in the bottom two, but they were consoled by a losing bonus point, while their performance can only boost their confidence ahead of the trip to Hampshire 2 leaders Romsey on February 17.

The main pitches in Anstey Park were unplayable, so it was decided to switch the match to the smaller, but better-quality pitch on the Diggers Extension.

Alton used the new surface to good advantage, forcing the Pumas to concede early penalties. A kick for touch and the resulting catch-and-drive produced the first try for prop Ryan Capes after just three minutes.

Soon, Alton’s continual pick-and-drive tactics yielded three consecutive penalties. On the third, scrum-half George Pantrey went for goal and Alton led 8-0.

The home pack was looking dominant and the Pumas, struggling to compete in the lineouts, were pinned in their own half for 30 minutes, showing no sign of getting their hands on the ball.

However, after a couple of tactical changes, Locksheath began to gain more territory and Robert Connell got them on the scoreboard with a penalty – the first of a remarkable 24 points for the full-back.

Alton struck back quickly by letting their backs run and good hands and a knock-on by the visitors resulted in a five-metre scrum opportunity. Number 8 Tony Hopkin gleefully claimed the touch-down; 13-3.

Connell slotted another penalty, but Alton had clearly enjoyed the half and made far better use of their territorial gains to lead 13-6.

In the second half, Pumas followed suit and began to run the ball, working it out wide where Connell arrived to score, reducing the deficit to 11-13.

This stung Alton back into life and, within five minutes, Hopkin picked up at the back of a scrum and, with the forwards driving Pumas back, popped a pass to Pantrey. A deft chip over the top landed in centre Fran Williams’ safe hands and although caught on the line, he managed to ground the ball; 18-11.

The teams exchanged penalties (centre Aaron Harrington on target for Alton) and, with a 21-14 advantage, it looked to be Alton’s game to lose.

But there was nothing really between the teams and, ten minutes from the end, Pumas ran into a purple patch, scoring two further tries, one converted. Connell got both and Pumas were ahead for the first time at 26-21.

Alton were not beaten yet and, with five minutes to go, were awarded a lineout. After a clean take, a 10-metre drive was stopped illegally when the maul was brought down. Pantrey took a quick tap and scampered over for Alton’s fourth and bonus try.

The scores were now tied and the conversion would have put Alton back in front. But the kick was missed and when Pumas were awarded a penalty of their own, that man Connell won the game with the last kick of the match.