Isle of Wight remains unbeaten and in 2nd place in the league after a comprehensive win over Fareham Heathens at Wootton Rec on Saturday 29th October.
The Islanders were in control throughout and never looked in danger, even though Heathens had their moments and threatened to come away with a four-try bonus point towards the end.
The Isle of Wight started with wind advantage, which fly-half George Huish used well when required, but it was with ball in hand that the Rangers were most productive. Every time they got quick and clean ball and moved the point of attack, Heathens found it difficult to cope, and IW created several opportunities in the opening half. Not all of these were taken, with a few handling errors blighting the home performance, but Huish danced over for the 1st try on 10 minutes, and almost immediately added a 2nd, giving his team a 12-0 lead in as many minutes.
The home scrum was dominant throughout and denied Heathens a platform for much of the game, while, in contrast, IW had plenty of quality possession for the backs to exploit. Hooker Sam McQueen barged through 3 tackles for the 3d try, but if the Heathens’ defence was soft for that score, IW were similarly lax in defending their own line shortly afterwards, as the mainlanders opened their account.
It mattered little overall, as impressive full-back Dan Ward fielded a clearance kick and showed his pace on an outside arc to race in for the bonus-point try on 33 minutes. The electric Huish wrapped up his hat-trick score after a great team move just before halftime, and the hosts led 33-5 at the break.
Half time: Isle of Wight 33-5 Fareham Heathens
Now playing into the wind, IW started as they had left off. Captain Luke Blackman was industrious throughout at no. 8, and showed his trademark pace and power to evade several defenders for a great solo score early in the 2nd period. Heathens were spirited in spite of the scoreline and added much to the spectacle for a big crowd, scoring their 2nd try as IW switched off from a quick penalty.
IW remained in control as time progressed, with strong defence from youthful centre partnership Harri Jones-Evans and Toby Margham. Biffa man-of-the-match Mark Waterer was next to score, profiting from another rampant 8-man scrum shove and scything through the cover. Huish added his 5th conversion to this score, racking up a personal tally of 25 points.
The next try was probably the best of the day; slick handling from the backs giving wing Cameron Browne just enough space to apply a skilful finish in the corner. Blackman added his 2nd, and hard-working lock Callum Pudney had the last word, crashing over from close range with 2 minutes left. Heathens did add their 3rd try between these 2 IW scores, but were denied in their efforts to score a 4th.
This win sets the Islanders up for their trip to Guernsey to face Guernsey II (St Jacques Vikings) on Saturday next, their 1st visit to the Channel Island since 2004. This will be a clash between the 2 remaining unbeaten sides in the division, but the Vikings will go in as strong favourites, as they have recorded bonus points in each of their eight wins and racked up some big scores in the process. Nonetheless, IW look forward to the challenge and will hope to give the Vikings their toughest test to date.
Full time: Isle of Wight 60-19 Fareham Heathens
Isle of Wight: Ward, C Browne, Jones-Evans, Margham, Rolfe, Huish, Waterer, Newnham, McQueen, Keyes, Blackburn, Pudney, Lynch, Webster, Blackman. Replacements: Bennett, D Bishop, Wallace.
Regrettably, the IW seconds were given another walkover, by Heathens 2nds. They remain top of their pool, clear of 2nd-placed Trojans II.
