IT was a day of tries, conversions, and the odd tap-tackle.

Though the slippery mud made the scrums a little more tricky, Alresford men didn’t let it stop them from playing their first ever match at their new ground.

Alresford Rugby Football Club, which celebrates its 25th year, has until now had to go as far as Bighton to play a match.

But thanks to non-stop fundraising two pitches have been developed at Arlebury Park, paving the way for the club’s future.

Director of rugby Paul Rees said: “From the very start the club has always wanted to have their own ground. We’ve had a massive amount of help from the council but also from the president Hugh Ogas and chairman Chris Day.

“It’s really a whole community effort but we’re now very positive having had one of the best seasons in the last 10 years.

“People were getting frustrated but now this will just push us forward. We can give more credibility to the rugby club.”

Hampshire Chronicle:

Alresford Town Council chairman Lisa Griffith opens the ground with the rugby minis and club chairman Hugh Ogus (left)

Part of the £250,000 cost was covered by funds from Rugby Football Union, Sport England, Hampshire Rugby Football Union and the Rugby Football Foundation as well as the Town Council. Land was also acquired and part-leased by the town’s Recreation Committee.

“Everyone within the club has helped to develop it,” Mr Rees added. “I’d also like to thank our coaches, Cain Price and Scott Cleeve. They have done a remarkable job.

“One of the biggest credits from a team point of view is to Richard Moody as the captain. He has unified and made the players friends and a real team.”

Mr Moody added: “To be here for the next chapter makes me as captain proud to wear the shirt.

“In the last few seasons this club has come on leaps and bounds and hopefully continues from this point forward.”

Hampshire Chronicle:

Alresford get to work on the new pitch with a match against Fawley

Town Council chairman, Lisa Griffiths, declared the pitches officially open during the brief ceremony.

“I hope you have many, many years of success and winning,” she said.

“This is what’s right for the club,” she added. “It means that Perins too, which has got an excellent team, can now play here. They are really good quality pitches and the RFU has been instrumental throughout. We hope the teams are just going to grow and grow.

“It’s going to be great for the future of Alresford rugby.”