Isle of Wight RFC maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a commanding 55-7 victory over Winchester III at Wootton Rec on Saturday (10th October).
The Rangers ran in 9 tries, including hat-tricks for Sam McQueen and George Huish, to secure another bonus-point victory and extend their unbeaten home record to a full year.
The hosts made a flying start, with hooker Sam McQueen touching down inside the opening 5 minutes following a well-executed lineout catch and driving maul.
McQueen, who had celebrated a milestone birthday earlier in the week, soon grabbed his second try after more impressive work from the Island forwards, establishing an early 12-0 advantage.
However, Winchester’s youthful side responded strongly, using their pace and attacking movement to trouble the home defence.
A series of penalties against the Rangers, including a yellow card for Ben Hart, allowed the visitors to build pressure and eventually cross for a converted try, reducing the deficit to 12-7.
The Islanders regained control through powerful carries from Ben Sanderson and returning forward Callum Pudney, with their improved handling and support play creating further scoring opportunities.
George Huish crossed for the hosts’ third try before Will Marsh produced an outstanding individual finish, beating several defenders and grounding the ball despite 2 opponents attempting to bring him down.
Those scores secured the bonus point and sent Isle of Wight into the interval with a 24-7 lead.
Half-time: Isle of Wight RFC 24-7 Winchester III
The second half saw the Rangers adopt a more possession-focused approach, keeping the ball in hand and using their increasingly dominant scrum to wear down the visitors.
Although Winchester continued to threaten in attack, they were unable to breach a determined Island defence.
Hart, who had earlier spent time in the sin bin, made a superb attacking break to create an opportunity for McQueen to complete his hat-trick.
Huish also completed his own hat-trick, while Luke Blackman and Harri Jones-Evans added further tries as the home side pulled away.
Huish successfully kicked 5 conversions to finish with an impressive personal tally of 25 points.
McQueen was named Red Funnel Man of the Match, while Hart received the Biffa IW Man of the Match award.
The convincing victory means Isle of Wight RFC have now gone an entire year without defeat at Wootton Rec, achieving the milestone for the second time this decade.
The Rangers will look to continue their impressive home record when they welcome Petersfield II on Saturday (17th October).
Full-time: Isle of Wight RFC 55-7 Winchester III
Isle of Wight RFC: Huish, Marsh, Jones-Evans, Sanderson, Browne, L Blackman, Vickers, Hart, McQueen, Newnham, Pudney, J Bishop, Bennett, Turtle, D Blackman.
Subs: Hanson, Thorne.
