The game was all set for a torrid affair as Alton were so desperate to play a game of real rugby. Both teams knew a weak performance would be a major setback. Alton kicked off down hill and immediately placed Ditcham under pressure with strong tackling from Josh R and Tom. Ditcham could not make any dent across the game line as Alton's defence was outstanding. Whenever Ditcham had posession in the first 10 minutes, they couldn't make any headway. Jack and Harry together put in excellent strong low tackles. Alton's scrum looked vunerable as they continually were pushed off and this resulted in one of Ditcham's early tries. Another defensive lapse soon after saw Ditcham go to 14 point lead. Alton did drop their heads and kept going and after a couple of forward pushes, lead by Aislinn and James, we saw Josh break wide to the right. His run was stopped by a last ditch tackle, however he laid the ball perfectly for a rampant Henry who charged 20m to score a great try. This was converted by Tom. From the restart Ditcham capitalised on an ill judged catch and nearly scored, but Max completed a copy book tackle. Ditcham's third try came from some questionable rucking techniques by the opposition, so at half time Alton faced 21 to 7 score line.

Ollie had to replaced and Billy made his first appearance in 3 months and made his presence known through tidy scrappy play. Again Ditcham scored through poor defence. They scored one more try before Alton laid siege in Ditcham territory for the last 12 minutes. James began to break through time and again but could not get the ball clear. Aislinn was continually driven back by their best player. Josh made an incredible run, zig zagging through the Ditcham defence only to be floored by an ungamely high tackle. James and Tom drove hard towards the tryline, but stout and determined defence stopped them from scoring.

Ditcham came out winners 33-7. But the faces of the Alton team told a different story. You could see that they had won. They were thrilled with their game and how they kept battling to the end. The team showed Ditcham Park how to tackle and ruck and maul. I am so proud of this rugby team. Although so many who shone today, the man of the match goes to Henry for showing his 100% determination throughout the whole match. 'Onward and upward my warriors'.

John Hoffman, Head of Prep PE