ISLE OF WIGHT KEEP PRESSURE ON LEAGUE’S TOP 2 WITH VICTORY OVER POMPEY

The Isle of Wight started their centenary year of 2024 – as they had finished 2023 – on the front foot with a win against Portsmouth 2nds at Wootton Rec on Saturday (6th January). A favourable result appeared less than likely well into the 2nd half, but the Isle of Wight stepped up their game when it was most needed and found their rhythm to secure the points. Portsmouth’s 1st team had received a walkover, and the Isle of Wight knew that they would be facing a strong 2nd string, but were shocked by a blistering start from the visitors and were under their posts within 2 minutes after a superb Portsmouth try. The home side were soon on terms, a textbook lineout catch and drive leading to a touchdown for no.8 Luke Blackman. Both teams were revelling in the dry conditions and light breeze, a rarity so far this season, and there was enterprising play and secure handling in abundance. This was in evidence in Isle of Wight’s 2nd try, backs and forwards combining to great effect before powerhouse centre Sam McQueen barrelled over. The home side’s support began to breathe easier as their team were now on top, but this lasted only a few minutes before Portsmouth were again on the scoresheet, now only trailing 12-10. Crucially, in the act of trying to prevent this opposition score, captain Blackman suffered a deep cut to the eye area from a stray elbow and a trip to hospital meant he would play no further part in the game. This realisation may or may not have affected the Islanders for a while, the rest of the half belonged to Portsmouth, who looked particularly dangerous from broken play and scored two further tries before the change of ends. They were unable to convert any of these scores but led 20-12 at the break.

Half time: Isle of Wight 12-20 Portsmouth 2nds 8 points down and without their captain and leading try scorer, IW were distinct second favourites at this stage. However, they would go on to completely dominate the 2nd period, on the back of a rampant scrum and hard work across the team. With Ricky Keyes and MarineFit man of the match Harri Jones-Evans (despite a yellow card) prominent, most of the half was spent in Portsmouth territory. This did not translate to points for the entire 3rd quarter, with Pompey defending well while the Isle of Wight could not find fluency. The visitors sustained some injuries in this period, and after one long stoppage, the hosts eventually hit form. Slick handling by veterans Stu Browne and Martin Newnham were key in a thrilling move before stand-in captain George Huish slid over in the corner. Now only 3 points behind, the home side smelled blood and Portsmouth faded. With the forwards taking over, a quick ball was recycled for hard-running centre Danny Rackett to batter through some desperate tackles to score the Islanders’ 4th try, giving his side the lead and a bonus point. This was soon followed by a remarkable score from his centre partner McQueen, breaking the initial defence before steamrolling his way over the cover for a memorable try. Huish converted both these tries and his side led by 11, but Portsmouth were brave to the end and created some chances in the remainder of the 15-minute stoppage time. The home team were in no mood to allow them a way back, with 2 open-field tackles by Biffa man of the match Rackett standing out in the closing stages. Full time: Isle of Wight 31-20 Portsmouth 2nds Isle of Wight: Ward, Rolfe, Rackett, McQueen, C Browne, Huish, Blyth, Newnham, Bennett, Keyes, D Bishop, Blackburn, Jones-Evans, Webster, Blackman. Replacements: B Martin, J Bishop, S Browne. IW keep pace with the 2 teams above them in the league with this win, and are again at home on Saturday against Andover II, kicking off at 14:00.