ISLE OF WIGHT RFC RETURN TO WINNING WAYS WITH VICTORY AT CHRISTCHURCH

Isle of Wight RFC earned a hard-fought win on their first-ever visit to Christchurch RFC. It was the home side who started the brighter with some strong midfield running, but the Island centre pairing of Sam McQueen and Harri Jones-Evans proved equal to the task. This was a theme for the day, as the Island showed an improved defensive effort to keep Christchurch out, with no evidence of the passive rearguard sometimes seen in their 2 recent defeats. The 1st try for the Isle of Wight came from a strong driving line out, which saw Brad Martin go over almost unopposed. Luke Blackman added a 2nd with a trademark powerful run from almost 40 metres out, breaking several tackles. George Huish converted, while Christchurch were limited to kicking penalties and took 2 opportunities to halve the deficit. Half-time: Christchurch 6-12 Isle of Wight The Isle of Wight had passed up some other scoring opportunities in the 1st period, and there remained little between the teams throughout. The 2nd half was a disjointed affair with a high penalty count from both sides. The IW scrummage was again a strong platform, but it was wayward kicking from Christchurch as they attempted to clear their own half that led to the Islanders’ 3rd try. Huish collected and scored from near halfway, converting his own try. Christchurch, to their credit, stayed in the fight with a 3rd penalty and were rewarded with a try despite brave scramble defence from the Islanders. With the score at 19-16 in IW’s favour, the Rangers were desperate for a clinching score and dominated the closing stages. A thrilling break by Ian Bennett was supported by impressive wing Cam Browne, who would have scored but for a last-ditch tap tackle. Blackman and McQueen were both held up on the line, and Jones-Evans and Wynyard-Wright were also denied by despairing defence out wide. However, effort was rewarded with the last play of the game as Aidan Martin bundled over from close range following a period of intense pressure on the home try line. Full time: Christchurch 16-24 Isle of Wight Isle of Wight: Young, C Browne, Jones-Evans, McQueen, Rolfe, Huish, Lockhart, Newnham, Bennett, Keyes, B Martin, A Martin, J Bishop, Webster, Blackman, S Browne, Wynyard-Wright. Another 5 points away from home returns Isle of Wight to the top 3.  They have a free Saturday next, before hosting league leaders Fareham Heathens on 17th February when the clubs’ 2nd teams also play.