Isle of Wight were comprehensively beaten by an impressive United Services Portsmouth side at Wootton Rec on Saturday (28th September).
The home side had 6 enforced changes due to injuries and other commitments, and were under pressure early on but defensively held firm, giving up just a penalty goal in the opening exchanges.
IW registered the first try on 15 minutes, after a strong scrum in their own territory was followed by a breakaway involving Dave Hanson and Sam McQueen. This concluded in a chip over the US defence by fly-half George Huish, who was first to the bounce for a fine try, his conversion giving IW a 7-3 lead.
This try was against the run of play in truth, and USP were soon back in front, stretching the IW defence and running from almost anywhere. A 2nd try soon followed, and they were suddenly 7-17 in front. However, IW were competing gamely and set up camp in USP territory. After a series of penalties and a 5 metre scrum, the ball bobbled loose and Island Healthcare man of the match Luke Blackman was quickest to react, touching down under the posts. IW were now within 3 points.
At this point, any outcome seemed possible, with terrific attacking rugby from both sides. IW were getting some traction from playing direct and offloading rugby, while USP were extremely threatening out wide. Their 2 centres were the pick of the bunch, pace and lines of running unpicking the Islanders time and again. IW did not always help themselves by missing too many first-up tackles, and when the servicemen had a line break, they were merciless in taking advantage. 2 further USP tries followed.
Half time Isle of Wight 29-14 United Services Portsmouth
IW battled away in the 2nd half, but USP were the dominant force, despite strong performances from Ian Bennett and returning winger James Fitton. Kevin Blackburn had come on at half-time but was soon yellow-carded for obstruction when a try seemed likely, but USP made sure from the ensuing penalty. They next added a penalty goal, and more tries followed at intervals during the second period, USP notching 8 in total during the match.
To IW’s credit, heads never dropped when the score threatened to get particularly ugly, and they scored the game’s final try. Again IW built sustained pressure and were close to scoring through Blackman, but when USP strayed offside, Biffa man of the match Huish tapped the quick penalty and squeezed over for his 2nd try.
Full time: Isle of Wight 19-56 United Services Portsmouth
Isle of Wight: Young, Wynyard-Wright, Jones-Evans, McQueen, Fitton, Huish, Hanson, Hart, Butler, Newnham, J Bishop, Blackburn, Bennett, Joyce, Blackman. Replacements: D Bishop, B Martin, Lynch.
USP might prove to be the best team IW meet all season, but the Islanders will look to further improvements from their lineout and first-phase defence next time out. A free weekend is followed by a trip to Millbrook on 12th October.