Fordingbridge RFC denied at the death in rollercoaster clash

Hampshire Premier: Alresford RFC 30-27 Fordingbridge RFC

FORDINGBRIDGE RFC had victory snatched from their grasp by Alresford with almost the last play of the match, the home side winning the Hants Premier fixture by 30 points to 27.

It was a game of four quarters. Half way through the first half Fordingbridge RFC were in complete control after rushing into an early lead, with unconverted tries from Peter Scott and man of the match Mat Norton and a penalty from Jamie Tryska

Then almost simultaneously two things happened: Fordingbridge RFC switched off and Alresford switched on and the second quarter was a mirror image of the first. Alresford scored two unconverted tries and a penalty to bring the scores level at 13 points each at the break.

As the second half got underway, it was clear that the Alresford still had the upper hand and after 45 minutes scored the first converted try of the afternoon.

They followed this up with a penalty to stretch their lead to 23-13 and it was starting to look a long way back for Fordingbridge.

However, it was a see-saw game and the advantage swung back to Fordingbridge when they scored two tries in quick succession.

The first a superb break from Mark Hammond to run three quarters of the pitch to touch down and the second a well-worked Sam Broderick try. With Tryska converting both, Fordingbridge were again back in the driving seat with a 27-23 points lead.

With two minutes to go, there was one more twist when the very quick Alresford winger scored a fine long distance try under the posts to give the home side a slim three-point lead.

Fordingbridge had the option to draw the game with a last-minute long-range penalty, but opted to go for the corner and the win. However, it was not to be, and the final whistle went to end a very exciting, enjoyable and close game of rugby.

Fordingbridge are in cup action this weekend when they entertain Millbrook at the Rec.