Aldermaston finally got their season off the mark with an impressive , but hard fought victory at Windsor on a cold December afternoon.

Delayed by problems on the M4 Motorway resulting in a late kick-off, Aldermaston conceded their customary early try as the Windsor right winger touched down in the corner , despite more than a hint of a forward pass in the lead up. Although the home side went further ahead shortly afterwards with penalty in front of the posts for offside in the defending back line , Aldermaston weren’t going to lie down on this occasion . Inspired by the university returnee , Elliot Lowe, at scrum-half , Aldermaston began their fight back. Strong running by props Chris Plant & Rob Mitchell caused problems for the home defence and Lowe was able to sprint clear of what was left, to score despite the attention of the home full-back.

Turning around at half-time just three points adrift is new territory for this side and with vocal support from the local millionaire and good number of travelling supporters on the touchline , they made good use of the slight breeze and pinned Windsor down in their own half for long periods.

Alex Nicholls ,showing how rugby can be played on the floor, and Dan Vince posed problems for Windsor , but it was Lowe again who made room to set Dean Jones on a mazy run which resulted in him crossing the line close to the posts. Glyn Gregory added the extra’s. Aldermaston were now in command and pressed for another score , Gregory registered three points  with a penalty after Windsor had again handled in a ruck , which also saw the home number 8 take a 10 minute break behind the posts. Ben Thornton-Hillier had great opportunity to increase the lead , but he couldn’t quite hold on to his clever chip ahead and spilled the ball over the try line.

However, with less than ten minutes to go Gregory settled the match with his second successful penalty and though Windsor rallied late on, Aldermaston were not to be denied. The ecstatic local millionaire even offered to buy a jug ,though I never actually saw it !.

Next week we travel to Berkshire Shire Hall.

Jones Johnson Martin(I) Gregory Hillier-Thornton Wisden Lowe(E) Plant Halliely Mitchell Vince Weatherhead Nicholls
Lowe(D) Adkins  Reps. Evans Hursthouse