Isle of Wight RFC began their 2022-23 campaign with a clearcut win against Overton at Wootton Rec on Saturday (17th September).
It had not been the smoothest build-up to the season for IW, with their 1st 2 scheduled league games being postponed. The squad had also not had a pre-season fixture and lost co-captain Andrew Brown for several weeks to a broken hand.
Overton had completed the double over IW last season and finished above the Islanders in the table, so might have seen themselves as favourites for this encounter. They started brightly and some flowing rugby had the hosts under pressure, driving up to the IW line before squeezing over from close range.
IW’s defence was notably stronger after this blip, and Overton found it difficult to make ground from then on. The home side began to retain possession well and took Overton through numerous phases, though looking less effective when kicking for position. After an initial chance went begging, captain Luke Blackman offloaded well to Biffa man-of-the-match Dan Bishop, who crashed over under the posts after 17 minutes. George Huish converted to give IW the lead.
Overton were competitive in the scrum and had their moments in attack, but IW were now getting the upper hand with strong carries from Chris Ormerod and Sam McQueen aiding their cause. Excellent continuity saw them break through once more on 24 minutes – Blackman touching down this time after his earlier assist.
IW would take this 12-5 lead to the break, but they squandered a couple of chances to score in this part of the game and will target better option-taking in the red zone.
Half time: Isle of Wight 12-5 Overton
There was little between the teams in the early part of the 2nd period before IW got an important score as the forwards set up a quick ball and Huish darted through a gap, breaking the cover tackle to score and add the extras. Overton now appeared to tire, and IW forwards would dominate in the tight and loose, securing the 4-try bonus with a textbook lineout catch and maul – Blackman applying the touchdown.
Overton didn’t let their heads drop and tested the IW defence but got very little change from the likes of Fountain man-of-the-match Nathan Rolfe and James Webster. This commitment was rewarded on the scoreboard with the try of the game, with forward driving play topped off by hard running and quick hands by the backs, impressive young replacement Toby Margham crossing for the score. Huish’s conversion struck the post, and there was time for Overton to add a consolation score just before the final whistle, but IW were pleased with their lot after an encouraging start to the season.
Full time: Isle of Wight 29-10 Overton
Isle of Wight: S Browne, Rolfe, Jones-Evans, Ormerod, M Joyce, Huish, Augustus, Newnham, McQueen, D Bishop, Blackburn, Webster-Smith, Bennett, Webster, Blackman Replacements: Pudney, Wallace, Margham.
Unfortunately, the club’s second team did not get to play, receiving a walkover from Portsmouth III. They travel to face Locks Heath Pumas II on Saturday, while the 1sts look forward to a local derby at Ventnor.
