Sat 13 Jan 2024
Isle of Wight 16-47 Andover II
IW’s unbeaten home record this season hit the buffers as a slick Andover side, regularly attacking from their own half, put the home side to the sword.
Like last week, IW entertained a second string whose first team were not in action. For their own part, IW were missing some key players, including captain Luke Blackman, Danny Rackett and James Webster.
This was by no means a one way battle, as the home side had plenty of possession and their scrum was dominant, but the inability to convert pressure into points was to be a factor in the outcome. They did open the scoring on 13 minutes through a George Huish penalty, which was quickly cancelled out, and then eclipsed by the first try of the afternoon by Andover on 22 minutes. Another Huish penalty narrowed the gap to two points, but Andover scored again on the stroke of half-time and now led 13-6.
The Island side seemed to lack the energy of recent weeks, despite the efforts shown by all throughout. Biffa Man of the Match Dave Hanson was a livewire throughout the game, looking to up the pace of play at all opportunities. An exchange of penalties early in the half meant that the game was still in the balance up to 55 minutes. However, unlike recent games where IW found an extra gear when it was needed, this time it was Andover who cut loose with some impressive attacking rugby. They scored four tries in a blistering 15 minute spell to settle the outcome.
Huish scored a consolation try under the posts and converted for a personal 16-point haul, but fittingly Andover had the final word with the last score of the game.
Next Saturday sees the third-placed Islanders visit Alresford, with a hope of players returning from injury and a refreshed approach to the game.
Team:
Ward, C Browne, Huish, McQueen, Rolfe, Le Grange, Hanson, Brown, Puzey, Jones-Evans, Blackburn, D Bishop, Keyes, Bennett, Newnham. Replacements: J Bishop, B Martin, S Browne.
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