Eastleigh 19 – Alresford 26
Away at Eastleigh on Sat 23rd March
Alresford travelled to Eastleigh on a crisp, initially bright March afternoon for our penultimate game of the season.
Eastleigh kicked off the first half on a muddy, heavy pitch, but this proved no obstacle for the away side, who found their attacking groove from the kick off and were rewarded with a superb try after 3 minutes. The conversion duly slotted over – 0-7 to Alresford.
Belying the conditions, Arlesford continued on the attack and a second try was scored after 12 minutes, with our wingers causing havoc. The conversion made it 0-14.
A superb first half of attacking intent from the away team was topped of by our third try of the afternoon after 23 minutes, with the conversion making it 0-21.
However, as the weather conditions started to worsen, Eastleigh were able to respond just before the break with an unconverted try, meaning the referee blew for half time with the score 5-21 to Alresford.
As a hailstorm of biblical proportions descended on Eastleigh, it was the home team who started the second half the brightest and their second try duly arrived; the conversion making it 12-21.
However, the away team made light of the worsening conditions and a superb forwards display was rewarded with our fourth, bonus point, try of the afternoon. Although unconverted, the lead was extended to 12-26.
But Eastleigh refused to lie down and made for a nervy last 10 minutes with another converted try – 19-26.
But on an afternoon where every man put his body on the line, the Alresford defence held firm in the face of some ferocious Eastleigh pressure, and after what seemed an eternity, the referee blew for full time, with the final score;
Eastleigh 2’s 19 – Alresford 26.
The pride that was shown in perhaps our finest team display of the season where both attack and defence were of the highest order, cannot be faulted. This is our reward for the frustrations of our last few games, where the scoreboard has not reflected the endeavour, commitment and hard work from all members of the team, and it is something we can take into our final game of the season.
Our thanks to Eastleigh, and our best wishes for the rest of the season. We travel to Havant 3’s on 6th April and look to finish our season in a manner befitting our achievements today.