Sat 25 Nov 2023
Isle of Wight 32-0 Christchurch
IW kept up their winning record with a clear cut win over novel opponents Christchurch, scoring five 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 first 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 second 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.
Castle Inn man of the match George Huish had converted two of the four first-half tries, and kicked a penalty to extend the lead early in the second half. This period equalled the first 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 fifth try.
IW remain third in the table, behind second placed Fareham Heathens on points difference. They next travel to league leaders Havant.
IW: Ward, Rolfe, Jones-Evans, Rackett, C Browne, Huish, Hanson, Newnham, Bennett, Keyes, B Martin, Pudney, Lynch, Webster, Blackman (c). Replacements: Puzey, A Martin, McQueen.
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