Isle of Wight won their first game in Hampshire County 2 against Locksheath Pumas at Wootton Rec.
After entering the field to a Vectis Guard of Honour, both sides showed a determination to attack, yet both were met with powerful defensive sets.
Much of the 1st half was played between the 22s, with both sides only clear opportunities a penalty each, both going close.
With a 0-0 halftime score, it was unclear as to which side were happiest.
3 minutes into the 2nd half, the Isle of Wight took the lead with a George Huish penalty. Then, the game livened up. A Pumas’ ruck lead to a confrontation, with the Island’s Ian Puzey and his opposite number receiving yellow cards. As Puzey left the field, Pumas’ no 9 threw a punch, hitting Puzey. After the ensuing melee, a red card was shown.
From this point, the Island side stepped up their play and pace. Sustained pressure resulted in Huish scoring under the posts and converting for a 10-0 lead.
The Pumas responded with a score of their own, only for Huish to slot another penalty.
This pressure continued. A 22-meter line out from a penalty resulted in Luke Blackman carrying the ball and offloading to man-of-the-match Danny Rackett to score.
With a 18.5 lead and some 5 minutes remaining, the visitors came back and scored a converted try.
The Island were now under pressure and a team yellow to Puzey saw the sides both down to 14. With last play of the game called, a Pumas’ lineout in the 22 was driven forward. On crossing the line, a try was awarded, despite it seeming that red arms were under the ball.
With one point in the game, the Pumas required the kick to win. A determined charge as the kicker approached the ball was sent back by the ref. The Pumas’ kicker with time passing kicked as the ball toppled over, missing and giving the deserved win to the home side.
Isle of Wight RFC 18-17 Locksheath Pumas
Isle of Wight RFC: D Ward, A Young, D Rackett, S McQueen, C Browne, G Huish, F Lockhart, L Blackman, H Jones-Evans, M Joyce, J Bishop, C Pudney, R Keyes, G Butler, M Newnham. I Puzey, J Wynard-Wright, I Bennett
Next Saturday sees Isle of Wight at home to US Portsmouth, Kick off is at 15:00.
