Isle of Wight RFC kept up their winning record with a clear-cut win over novel opponents Christchurch, scoring 5 tries in the process and pleasingly keeping a clean sheet. In spite of the final scoreline, this was no cakewalk for the Islanders, who had to work hard for much of the game. After some end-to-end rugby, young second-row Brad Martin crashed over in the corner on 15 minutes to open his team’s account. The 1st half – and indeed the whole match – was blighted by stoppages due to injuries on both sides, but the closing stages of the half saw IW cut loose and effectively clinch the game. Captain Luke Blackman barrelled over for the 2nd try, and this was soon followed by a good score for Biffa man of the match Danny Rackett, emulating his try-scoring performance on debut last week. There was time for another try for the prolific Blackman just before half-time, securing the bonus point and a 24-0 lead. Half time: Isle of Wight 32-0 Christchurch Castle Inn man of the match George Huish had converted 2 of the 4 1st-half tries, and kicked a penalty to extend the lead early in the 2nd half. This period equalled the 1st half in its lack of flow and frequent stoppages. IW began to incur the displeasure of the referee, not least when Huish was controversially red-carded after a collision. Christchurch battled manfully to the end, and IW could not get their game going to their satisfaction, but they too kept going to the final whistle. Their reward came in the last minute, as not to be outdone by his brother, Aidan Martin barged over for IW’s 5th try. IW remain 3rd in the table, behind 2nd-placed Fareham Heathens on points difference. They next travel to league leaders Havant. Isle of Wight: Ward, Rolfe, Jones-Evans, Rackett, C Browne, Huish, Hanson, Newnham, Bennett, Keyes, B Martin, Pudney, Lynch, Webster, Blackman (c). Replacements: Puzey, A Martin, McQueen. 
Isle of Wight II 12-22 Christchurch II
IW seconds were edged out by visiting Christchurch in an entertaining encounter played in glorious sunshine at Wootton Rec. Christchurch were new opponents for the Islanders and – with the services of a number of loan players from Sandown/Shanklin RFC – were good value for their win on the balance of play. Nonetheless, IW could have taken the spoils but for some defensive lapses at key moments. IW II were frustrated to have received a walkover the previous weekend, and this was their 1st match in 5 weeks. They were dealt a blow after only 3 minutes, ageless fly-half Neil Brading forced off through injury, and spent virtually the entire 1st half-hour defending their own territory against a physically big Christchurch team. The hosts defended very well in this period, with notable tackles by Finlay Lockhart and Colin Stretch, but were regularly penalised and unable to retain enough possession to lift the siege, in spite of strong carries by George Butler and Kevin Blackburn. Eventually, the visitors crashed over for the opening score on 20 minutes to lead 0-7. IW finally began to get a foothold and with a strong scrum, they began to impose some structure on their play. But it was Christchurch who scored next, as the ball squirted free from a scrum and was regathered by one of the loan players, who set off on a mazy run that IW could not halt. Now trailing 0-12, IW were spurred into action. With improved support of the ball carrier, IW now had quick ball and a fantastic break by centre Brian Fu was supported by his hard-hitting centre partner Joss Spence, who touched down for a great try on 33 minutes. IW trailed 5-12 at half-time. 
