The 1st XV extended their undefeated run with a third league win against Aldershot & Fleet. A convincing full time score-line of 52 - 0 ensuring that the Brian Lacey Bowl remains at Alrebury Park for a while.
1 Comment
The 2nd XV went down fighting against Eastleigh at the weekend, losing 29 - 8 despite their spirited defence and line-breaks.
Last weekend's action from the 2nd XV's first outing this season against Andover is now in the gallery. Whilst the match ended in a loss, the photos really don't do justice to the hard work and determination shown by the 'Vagrants' and we think we're going to see some real achievement from them this season.
Unfortunately, Kingsclere RFC are unable to field a full side for tomorrow's 1st XV fixture. It's a great shame as we always enjoy hosting them at Alrebury Park and we wish them all the best for the coming season.
In the absence of an alternative fixture for this weekend, our next fixtures are Saturday 10th October with both teams at home: 1st XV vs Aldershot & Fleet RFC 2nd XV vs Eastliegh RFC Memorial service for the life of Malcolm Miles will be held at St John's, Alresford at 3.00pm on Saturday 10th October 2015.
The first league game of the 2015/16 season saw our 1st XV take to the field in the late Summer sunshine at Alrebury Park against Southampton last Saturday.
Previous encounters with Southampton have always been hard-fought affairs and the team expected this occasion would be no different. Alresford had prepared well in pre-season with the coaches focusing heavily on fitness and establishing game-plan. And it showed. Within the first 10 minutes Alresford had already scored their first try after working their way up the pitch, adhering strictly to coach Cain Price's gameplan. Southampton fought hard from the start, but the game-plan and communication between the Alresford forwards, scrum half and back line saw them move through the phases smoothly, again crossing the try line no more than 10 minutes later. With the try converted, Alresford led into half-time 12 - 0. The second half progressed in similar fashion, with Alresford moving through the phases well, kicking for territory and winning the contest at the breakdown. Good phase-play and line-breaking runs from both forwards and backs, saw Alresford make ground and their tackling in defense after turnovers drew much applause from the local crowd who had gathered on the bank. Alresford's game-plan frustrated Southampton into several penalties, granting Alresford further territory and also saw the pack begin to dominate the scrum. A penalty 5 yards from Southampton's line saw a colossal effort from the forwards to drive for the line, pulling in defenders before passing the ball out wide for another try in the corner. A further two tries and a conversion were to be added in the following 20 minutes. But Southampton never gave up and fought for every ball, lineout and breakdown, their persistence being rewarded 3 minutes from full time with a consolation try. Full time 29 - 5 and the first league home victory and bonus point for Alresford. Trys : James Airey (3), Shaun Memory & Dan Wright Conversions : Ted Hepenstal (2) Man of Match : Sam Murrell After the sad news of the death of Malcolm Miles, the weekend before last whilst on holiday in France, we can announce that he was cremated in France. There will be a memorial service in Alresford/Cheriton at a later date.
Malcolm was Team Manager for the Hampshire U23 side 1987 - 1989 (when we stopped running one) and Team Manager of the Hampshire Under 21 side from 1987 to 1996. He also was a member of the London and South-East Under 21 Committee from 1989 becoming its Chairman in 1996 and the subsequent Under 20 XV Chairman until 2009. A Club Representative on the then Executive Committee of the Hampshire Union from 1986 - 1992 (when it became the smaller Management Committee). He was the Line Manager for the Youth Development Officer from the start in 1990 becoming Chairman of YDO, later RDO Management Group in 1993 until that was disbanded in 2002. He was elected a Vice President in 1991. Malcolm was a loyal supporter of Alresford Rugby Football Club and greatly encouraged our ambition to obtain pitches in Alresford. He was very much a part of our Rugby family and will be missed. All the action from the 1st XV's emphatic start to the season with a 29 - 5 win over Southampton is up in the Gallery now. It marks an excellent start as the first league fixture of the 2015/16 season and a solid platform to improve upon for future fixtures.
All the action from this weekend's last pre-season friendly against Locksheath Pumas captured in photographic form, has been added to the Gallery today. As the league matches begin next weekend, we'll be looking to add match reports to the Results pages too, so check back here every week for updates!
|