Neither Isle of Wight RFC’s 1XV nor the Locks Heath Pumas managed to stamp authority on Saturday’s Hampshire One game at home.
The Island side, playing in to the brisk northerly chill, found themselves penalised early on and gave their visitors the opportunity to take a 6-0 lead with 2 penalties. IW’s 1XV pack then stepped up and with driving runs from Sam McQueen, Andy Brown and the returning Callum Pudney, made inroads into the Pumas half.
James Curran was a constant aggressive thorn in the side of the visitors, but errors when in striking distance kept the Pumas’ line intact up to half-time.
It was the visitors who struck first in the second half with a try to give them an 11-0 lead. But the Isle of Wight Rangers took control for much of the rest of the game, continuing to drive at the Pumas defensive heart. Constant pressure at the scrum, with Rouse Ltd Man of the Match Martin Newnham the focus, allowed them go forward ball.
They were finally rewarded as Luke Blackman crossed, after sustained pressure on the visitors line. Lewis Murray added the kick. Andy Brown then crashed over for a 1 point lead. With the bench of Ian Bennett, Kevin Blackburn and Connor Grant adding fresh impetus, the Islanders went for the throat as the Pumas seemed to be running out of steam. Tom Marriott threw a dummy, sending the defence one way, as he sprinted over, Murray again adding the conversion.
Now looking for the bonus fourth try, the Islanders were all attack. However, the Pumas centre chanced his arm, intercepting Biffa Man of the Day Lewis Murray’s pass in what would possibly have been a home try, to sprint under the posts and bring the visitors back to within a point. Visions of last week’s dramatic loss seemed to loom like a Halloween ghost, yet the home side moved the ball upfield for the final whistle to go.
IW 1XV 19 | 18 Locks Heath Pumas
Isle of Wight RFC’s second team continued their relentless Hampshire Three campaign on Saturday with a comprehensive victory over a gallant but outgunned Alresford side at home.
The mainlanders travelled with only 12 players, but IW lent the visitors 3 players to ensure a 15-a-side game, which was more competitive than the scoreline suggested.
In glorious but cold conditions, IW 2XV started well in a fast-paced encounter and were on the scoreboard after just 7 minutes courtesy of a strong George Biles carry. Fly-half and chief dangerman Luke Margham soon added to this score, before Alresford got their sole try of the game – an opportunist score by Isle of Wight loan player Chris Williams. IW 2XV led 12-5 after 20 minutes.
Though both teams had their share of possession and territory, IW’s defence was solid throughout, while superior support play led to occasional holes in the Alresford defence, which were often exploited by the pace of the home side. Luke Margham and Rouse Ltd’s Man of the Match, George Biles, added their second tries, while Karl Davey also crashed over after picking a great line from a ruck.
The score was 33-5 at the short whistle and the Island side were more or less home and dry, but they did not slacken off and eliminated some of the sloppier elements of their first half showing.
Alresford deserve great credit as they never gave up and contributed to an entertaining contest, but they could never quite break down a strong IW rearguard. IW added 4 more tries in the second half, courtesy of Ian Puzey, Biffa Man of the Day Adam Peckham, Tom Blowers and Luke Margham who completed his hat-trick and added 6 conversions for good measure. Blowers kicked 2 conversions and IW reflected on their fifth consecutive win and an ongoing 100% record to date this season.
Next Saturday the 1st XV travel to play Trojans 2XV whilst the 2XV play Millbrook/Stoneham 2XV.
