Match Report:

Match Report:

Aldershot & Fleet for the top-of-the-table clash, battle of the undefeated.

We knew we were in for a
tough, competitive fixture and so it turned out to be.
To put it bluntly, we were caught napping in the first 10 minutes. To A&Fs credit, they scored 2
quality tries through innovative gameplay, a clever kicking game and capitalising on our lapses in
discipline. It was 14-0 to the home team after 10 minutes. They were buoyant – egged on by a
jubilant home crowd.

Aldershot & Fleet had a clear game strategy – to frustrate Andover II and stop us playing our game.
They executed the strategy well. They competed hard at the breakdown, jackaling well and counter-
rucking to good effect. Their lineout was particularly strong.

The rest of the first-half was defined by
us all (players and coaching staff) trying too hard to influence factors outside of our control. We
struggled to establish our structure and neglected the fundamentals. Things felt very out of
character. It was a try from Billy Pollard, out of retirement for a cameo appearance, sniping round
the fringe of the breakdown and finding a gap that brought us back in the game. 14-7, converted by
Captain, Tommy Gentleman.

The first half ended with a similar pattern, A&F competing hard everywhere, eventually earning
them a breakdown penalty – slotted by their kicker. The first half ended 17-7 to the home team.

The message at half time was clear. Stop thinking about things we can’t control. Focus on the rugby.
A few tweeks needed to how we were carrying and supporting the ball carrier. We go again.

The 2 nd half looked more like the Andover II that started the season. Our carrying was much more
effective, using footwork and leg drive to consistently break the gain line and build momentum.

Eventually leading to MotM George Watson to crash over for Andover’s 2 nd try. Converted again by
Tommy Gentleman. 14-17.
Andover continued to grow into the game. The home crowd moved from a mood of jubilance to
hostility as our signature staunch defence kept A&F at bay for the rest of the match. Andover
continued to build momentum and played a good territory game. Camped in the A&F 22.

With 3
points in it and less than 8 minutes remaining, Andover were awarded 3 penalties in the A&F red
zone. Andover made a bold decision, not to take the 3 points and instead go for the 7. A lineout and
a scrum gave us platforms but A&F held out. On the third penalty – a tap and go saw George Watson
eventually crash over for his second try of the game. Andover took a slender lead with a missed
conversion. 17-19.

The decision not to take 3 points with penalties was definitely a risk but it paid
off. A testament to the will and character of the team and our on-field leadership.
The last moments of the game saw us make good ground through carrying and much improved
handling. A&F were starting to tackle higher which left our carriers’ legs free to pump further over
the gain line with each phase. Eventually leading to a try in the last play of the game for Olly Warner.
Bonus point secured. A missed conversion meant the final score was 17-24.

Plenty of improvement to be made. We learned a lot from adversity. Especially with our first half
performance. But the will and resolve of this group of players shone through and secured our 6 th win
out of 6. Another anticipated tough fixture to come against Tottonians II next week. We aim for an
improvement in performance in implementing our new attacking structure but the togetherness of
the squad at the end of the game was great to be around.

Well done all players.

Match Report:

Match Report:

Match Report:

Match Report:

Match Report: