Winchester hit try-scoring form (From Daily Echo)

Winchester hit try-scoring form against Alton

4:23pm Wednesday 2nd November 2011 in Rugby

Winchester were forced to make a few last-minute changes but they still produced the win they wanted against Alton to keep pressure on South-West 3 leaders Sandown & Shanklin.

Fly half Simon Fountain pulled up lame in the warm-up meaning 20- year-old Spencer Edwards, due to start at inside centre because of injuries to captain Todd Duncan and Matt Gibson, had to take over at number 10.

Winchester ran out 34-9 winners but were given a tough test from their lowly opponents. However, despite an ability to maintain possession Alton rarely threatened Winchester’s defensive line and looked unlikely to score.

From an attacking lineout outside the Alton 22, Winchester cleverly switched play back to the blindside.

Good hands from veteran flanker Richard Knight, making a welcome return to first-team action, led to winger Matt Burt’s seventh try of the season.

Winchester extended their lead when Burt scored his eighth of the campaign – receiving a poor clearing kick, he chipped back over the top and re-gathered to score.

Alton hit back with a couple of well taken penalties either side of another Winchester try from full back Alex Welch.

The visitors slotted home three points after the break to get back to 15-9 and were defending well.

Adam Grant gave the home side the breathing space they needed when he scored his first try for the club, driving over from a line-out.

Winchester touched down twice more with Woods converting the efforts from Dom Wade and Adam Adkins.

Head coach Andy Fields paid tribute to his side for scoring six tries, but was still disappointed with aspects of Winchester’s play, particularly the breakdown and their decision- making in attack.

They are likely to concentrate on those areas before a crucial home league clash with leaders Sandown & Shanklin on November 12.

Andover are finding life tough at this level after promotion out of Hampshire 1.

They were thrashed 75-7 at Ellingham & Ringwood and remain second from bottom.