New Milton leave it late in first game of the season

Hampshire Premier: Alton 25-13 New Milton RFC

NEW MILTON got off to a losing start to the season after their 25-13 away loss to Alton.

In the first half, New Milton were immediately on the attack creating pressure, but two penalties to Alton gained them a line-out on the visitors’ 22. Although the initial pressure was cleared, Alton gathered the clearance and pressured the line for a converted try.

The visitors responded immediately, gaining possession in the Alton half, and were awarded a penalty which was converted by Ryan Morrell.

A sequence of four penalties against New Milton gave Alton a five-metre line-out which their forwards pushed over for a try. Immediately following that score, the visitors gave away further penalties, one of which was converted to give Alton an 18-3 half time lead.

New Milton started the second half brightly and dominated territory. They pressured the Alton line, and the ball found fly-half Brendan Treacey who made the final pass, cleverly around his back, to Lyndon Booker who ran in to touch down.

The visitors were quickly back in the Alton 22 creating pressure on the line. However, a high tackle left Milton reduced to 14 players. Alton quickly took advantage, kicking into the Milton half then turning over an away line-out to set up their forwards for a converted try.

New Milton quickly attacked the Alton line fly-half, Christian James making a break kicking ahead to the in-goal area, and being pulled back. From the resulting penalty the ball was passed to Sam Bew who touched down.

New Milton: D. Smith, S. Troughton, E. Hynd, J. Halligan, J. Corbett, B. Fry, B. Treacey, L. Booker, A. Lavis, C. James, S. Bew, J. Lines, J. Payne, C. Jewiss, R. Morrell, T. Hynd, G. Shortland, M. Randall.