Isle of Wight RFC Veterans marked their return to action with an entertaining and hard-fought victory over Guildford at Wootton Rec.
In their first Veterans fixture for many years, Isle of Wight produced an impressive display to overcome touring Guildford in glorious sunshine, with both sides contributing to a competitive and sporting encounter.
While the hosts included a handful of players who have featured regularly this season, much of the side was made up of those returning to the field after time away. Experience proved key, however, as Isle of Wight combined well to produce several slick attacking passages.
The home side made the perfect start, capitalising on Guildford’s failure to deal with the kick-off. After a number of phases, scrum-half Alex Augustus showed sharp footwork to beat defenders and score, before adding the conversion himself.
Guildford responded quickly with an unconverted try, but Isle of Wight soon regained control with arguably the best try of the match. Club coach Neil Evans made the initial break in midfield before offloading to Jayme Bishop, who was halted just short. Quick recycling allowed the ball to be spread wide, where Dan Bishop finished well.
Sustained Guildford pressure followed, but Isle of Wight’s defence held firm before turning defence into attack. Augustus once again proved influential, sniping from the breakdown and releasing Ian Bennett, who crossed to extend the lead heading into half-time.
The second half continued in much the same vein, with possession and territory evenly contested. Guildford struck early after the restart to close the gap, and after a disallowed try for Bennett due to a knock-on, the visitors took full advantage to draw level.
Isle of Wight responded decisively and regained the lead through a well-worked lineout move. Although the throw was not clean, Kevin Blackburn reacted quickly at the tail to recover possession and find fly-half Dave Hanson, who ran a superb line to score.
The hosts then added a crucial final try following a strong turnover in midfield from Bennett. The ball was moved to Joe Bussell, who showed strength and awareness to break through before offloading to Dan Bishop, who crossed for his 2nd try of the game.
Augustus, who was named Biffa Isle of Wight Man of the Match, added the extras, while Guildford scored a late consolation try as the match drew to a close.
Full time: Isle of Wight RFC Vets 31-26 Guildford RFC Vets.
Isle of Wight: Gadsby, Stretch, Evans, Bennett, J Bishop, Hanson, Augustus, Tombleson, Tennant, Newnham, Blackburn, D Bishop, Puzey, Davey, Groves, Dixon, Bussell, Metcalfe, Warvill.
