Isle of Wight’s unbeaten run came to an end at Footes Lane in Guernsey, as they were defeated in a top-of-the-table clash by Guernsey II, aka St Jacques Vikings.
IW lost little face in defeat though, going toe-to-toe for long periods against a team who will almost surely be crowned champions at season’s end and have been racking up some big scores against other opposition.
Some of IW’s regulars were unable to make the trip, but a strong squad still travelled for this much-anticipated fixture. In rainy conditions, IW started on the offensive but for a move to break down and for St Jacques’ prolific centre to race in from distance, a nightmare start for the visitors. However, it was an even contest for much of the half, with both sides having spells of possession in each other’s territory, but the Vikings were more clinical and had the greater cutting edge. They added two further converted tries to lead 21-0 after 35 minutes.
With the scoreline in danger of running away from IW, they got on the scoreboard shortly before half-time. A strong carry by Chris Ormerod set up field position, before skipper Luke Blackman’s break was supported by Sam McQueen. The latter linked with speedy fly-half and Fountain Inn man of the match George Huish, who applied the finish and converted his own try. It was 21-7 to the Vikings at the break.
Half time: Guernsey II 21-7 IW
The Vikings have built a reputation as a strong second-half team this season, with some close 1st halves being followed by a cavalcade of tries. This was not to be the case on this occasion, IW sticking to their task and again having plenty of possession in the Guernsey half. Club chairman and Biffa man of the match Stuart Browne put in a notable shift out of position at scrum-half, the sole survivor of the last IWRFC squad to play in Guernsey 18 years ago. Others to impress were Adam Groves and Nick Joyce on their seasonal debut, while Tom Turtle made an impact off the bench. Nonetheless, the pattern of the first half was repeated, St Jacques making their pressure count and scoring two good tries, even if one was aided by poor IW defence.
With 20 minutes still to play, again there was the danger of a heavy defeat on the horizon, but the battling IW side dug in and scored the game’s final try. From a rehearsed lineout move, a destructive Blackman carry saw him over the line for his customary score. As conditions deteriorated, there would be no further scores and the hosts’ bonus point win was confirmed. IW did not earn any league points, but got plenty of respect from their opposition, having got much closer to them than most this season. The return fixture will be in February.
Full time: Guernsey II 33-12 IW
Isle of Wight: Ward, C Browne, Jones-Evans, Ormerod, Rolfe, Huish, S Browne, Newnham, McQueen, Keyes, Martin, A Groves, Bennett, Webster, Blackman. Replacements: N Joyce, Rann, Turtle.
IW drop to 3rd after this defeat but have a game in hand on 2nd-placed Winchester II. They host Gosport & Fareham II on Saturday, with a 14:30 kickoff at Wootton Rec. Before then, the 2nds are back in action, as they travel to Sandown & Shanklin II on Friday night at 7 pm.
One assumes this is rugby
Judging by the morbidly obese man in shorts and that they all look like they went to ryde private school I’d say yes, ruby it is,
A good clue is the word “rugby” written in capitals in red under the headline.