Hook & Odiham 36 – Alresford 26
9th November 2024
Alresford travelled to Hook on a grey, overcast November afternoon, keen to extend our winning run to three matches.
The away team kicked off, and it became apparent that Hook & Odiham’s position in the table did not truly reflect their standard of play.
This was shown when a period of attacking play resulted in the home teams first try of the afternoon – the missed conversion made it 5-0.
A second try followed almost directly from the restart as Hook & Odiham took advantage of some uncharacteristic errors from the Alresford defence; 12-0 to the home team.
However, our resilience has been a factor of our play all season, and an excellent passage of attacking play from Alresford resulted in the referee awarding us a penalty try to reduce the deficit to 14-7.
But the home team were not going to back down and duly scored their third try of the afternoon, with the conversion making it 19-7.
A fourth, bonus point try followed soon after; although unconverted, the lead was now 24-7, which remained the score at the half.
The second half failed to stop the flow of tries from the home side as another converted try made the score 31-7 to Hook & Odiham.
It was at this point that a previously disjointed Alresford attack finally started to show signs of life, as we scored our second try of the afternoon, with the conversion reducing the deficit to 31-14.
But back came the home side with another unconverted try – the score now being 36-14.
However, regardless of the first half performance, this season has all been about Alresford playing for the full 80 minutes, and, aware that a try bonus point was achievable, set about breaking the resilience of a stout Hook & Odiham defence.
This positive attitude was rewarded with the final two tries of the afternoon, one of which was converted.
The referee blew the whistle shortly after the last try to make the final score;
Hook & Odiham 36 – Alresford 26
A frustrating afternoon for the club, as the second half showed what we were capable of, but the first half performance, easily our poorest of the season, gave us too much of a mountain to climb. In that respect, we should be proud of what we did achieve, and use that second half as evidence of what we can achievement whilst using the first half as areas we need to work on, which I have no doubt will form a large part of training next week.
Our thanks to Hook & Odiham, and we look forward to the return fixture later this season.
Our next fixture on 16th November when we welcome Fawley to the Arlebury.
As ever, my thanks to all those who came and supported the boys today, and we look forward to seeing you again in the upcoming matches.