Just champion again (From Andover Advertiser)

Just champion again

2:33pm Wednesday 23rd March 2011 in Rugby

Andover RFC 32 Farnborough 10.

Andover RFC went into this game knowing that a single point would secure the Hampshire Division One title and they duly completed the win and promotion back to the London Leagues.

Guy Wilkinson was first on the score sheet, after some good rucking work from Marc Chillek and Tom Waite, as he sprinted to the line showing great strength to hold off the attempted tackles.

Wilkinson played a key part in the next try when he took a quick penalty and he and Sam Froggett showed great hands in offloading to Matt Ball who ran in. Rich Retallick added the conversion.

The next try was produced from some great running play from the backs, with Froggett offloading to winger Darren Beer who found supporting Alex Kane, who touched down. Farnborough slotted a penalty, but this was soon evened out when Retallick landed one himself bringing the score to 22-3. Kane completed his brace when Retallick ran a great line which secured the bonus point for the Hampshire All Blacks.

Farnborough's hard working and physical forwards gained a consolation try, which was converted and brought the score to 27-10.

Andover continually pressured the Farnborough pack in the second half and after having given away several penalties on their own five metre line, Wilkinson became the provider once again with another quick tap penalty to second row Tom Erskine, who bagged his first try for the senior side.

Andover had secured the league title with two games to spare, and with the Sunday cup game against Alton being called off by the opposition, Andover will play Petersfield in the semi-final on April 2, with the winners of that game hosting the final.