Isle of Wight claimed their first win of the rugby season with a dominant, forward-driven display in harsh conditions at Wootton on Saturday.
Isle of Wight ran out winners over Aldershot & Fleet in a match defined by strong forward play, tactical kicking, and a first-half hat-trick from full-back George Huish. After several narrow defeats in recent weeks, this emphatic victory was well deserved.
Playing with the wind in the first half, Isle of Wight spent almost the entire period in Aldershot & Fleet territory. Accurate kicking from Dan Ward and George Huish kept the visitors pinned back, while the home pack took command at the scrum, forcing the mainlanders backwards and stealing several put-ins against the head.
The breakthrough came after 11 minutes when an attacking scrum gave Huish the space to dart over on the blind side. A second try followed when Ward wrong-footed the defence, before being forced off through injury. Continued pressure saw Kevin Blackburn stopped just short, but the ball was swept wide for Huish to score again. He completed his hat-trick soon after, adding the conversion, before Aldershot & Fleet registered a disputed try on the stroke of half-time.
Half time: Isle of Wight 22-5 Aldershot & Fleet
With the wind now against them, Isle of Wight relied on strong ball carriers and disciplined play. Replacements Joe Bussell and Prince Mutsinze made a significant impact off the bench, while captain Luke Blackman produced the standout moment of the match, fending off multiple defenders to race in from halfway for a superb try.
Much of the second half was played in the Isle of Wight half, but the home defence remained resolute. Centres Harri Jones-Evans and debutant Ben Sanderson were outstanding, shutting down the visitors’ attacks. Sanderson then added a try in the corner to mark a memorable first appearance and complete the scoring.
Hooker Sam McQueen was named the Andy White-sponsored Man of the Match, epitomising the team’s work ethic and determination throughout.
Full time: Isle of Wight 32-5 Aldershot & Fleet
Isle of Wight: Huish, Young, Jones-Evans, Sanderson, Vickers, Ward, D Blackman, Newnham, McQueen, Hart, Blackburn, Savill, Lynch, Bennett, L Blackman (c).
Replacements: Wynyard-Wright, Bussell, Mutsinze.
