ISLE OF WIGHT RFC BEAT BOTTOM CLUB ALRESFORD ON THE ROAD

Isle of Wight returned to action with a 6-try victory at bottom side Alresford after a 3-week layoff due to the weather. This match itself had been postponed twice before, and though numerous players were unavailable due to the rescheduling, Isle of Wight were able to secure maximum points. Alresford at times played much better than their lowly league position, but the Isle of Wight were generally in control after an end-to-end opening exchange. Captain Luke Blackman made good ground from a quick tap penalty, before offloading to supporting winger Nathan Rolfe, who scored in the corner after 12 minutes. Blackman’s exceptional try-scoring rate had slowed a little in recent matches, but this was soon about to change, as he crashed over out wide on 20 minutes. George Huish converted brilliantly, and IW had a 12-point lead. General play was quite even after this for the remainder of the half, with neither side able to access the opposing 22. It was almost half-time before the Isle of Wight got their 3rd score, a Huish break forcing a penalty in an advantageous spot. The ensuing lineout saw a well-set-up maul, for Blackman to plunge over and give his team a 17-0 lead at the half. Half time: Alresford 0-17 Isle of Wight The 2nd half was eventful and often ill-tempered, with a few scuffles breaking out as Alresford battled back. Kevin Blackburn had departed the fray injured before half-time, and now Dan Ward was forced to join him after colliding with the goalpost when trying to avert a home try. Ricky Keyes was also soon forced off through injury, but not before Dan Bishop had blasted through for the bonus point try after 46 minutes – Isle of Wigtht were now 24-7 ahead. There followed a spell of Alresford pressure, repelled by a committed IW defensive effort. With the siege lifted, a weaving run by Blackman completed his hat-trick on 66 minutes, effectively ensuring the outcome. Another promising position soon after led to IW turning the ball over, Alresford winning the kick chase for their 2nd try. The outstanding Red Funnel man-of-the-match Blackman had the answer to this with his 4th try before having to go off hurt. Isle of Wight were running out of replacements and finished with 14 players. Huish converted with his 4th successful kick. Alresford kept going to the final whistle and scored a good try with 2 minutes remaining, but Isle of W had a 17-point buffer and could celebrate victory, albeit at a cost with a growing injury list. Full time: Alresford 21-38 Isle of Wight Isle of Wight close to within a point of third-placed Overton with a game in hand, and next host league leaders Havant III at Wootton Rec on Saturday. Isle of Wight: Ward, Rolfe, Jones-Evans, Huish, C Browne, Young, S Browne, Newnham, Butler, Keyes, B Martin, Blackburn, D Bishop, A Martin, Blackman (c) Replacements: J Bishop, Wynyard-Wright, Wallace.