Sat 28 Sep 2024
Isle of Wight 19-56 United Services Portsmouth
IW came down to earth with a bump after last week’s thrilling victory, when well beaten by an impressive USP side at sunny Wootton Rec. The visitors were much the better team and gave an exhibition of attacking rugby at times, leaving IW chasing shadows.
The home side had six enforced changes due to injuries and other commitments, and were under pressure early on but defensively held firm, giving up just a penalty goal in the opening exchanges. IW registered the first try on 15 minutes, after a strong scrum in their own territory was followed by a breakaway involving Dave Hanson and Sam McQueen. This concluded in a chip over the US defence by fly-half George Huish, who was first to the bounce for a fine try, his conversion giving IW a 7-3 lead.
This try was against the run of play in truth, and USP were soon back in front, stretching the IW defence and running from almost anywhere. A second try soon followed and they were suddenly 17-7 in front. However, IW were competing gamely and set up camp in USP territory. After a series of penalties and a 5 metre scrum, the ball bobbled loose and Island Healthcare man of the match Luke Blackman was quickest to react, touching down under the posts. IW were now within three points.
At this point, any outcome seemed possible, with terrific attacking rugby from both sides. IW were getting some traction from playing direct and offloading rugby, while USP were extremely threatening out wide. Their two centres were the pick of the bunch, pace and lines of running unpicking the Islanders time and again. IW did not always help themselves by missing too many first-up tackles, and when the servicemen had a line break, they were merciless in taking advantage. Two more USP tries stretched them away again, leading 29-14 at the break.
IW battled away in the second half but USP were the dominant force, in spite of strong performances from Ian Bennett and returning winger James Fitton. Kevin Blackburn had come on at half-time but was soon yellow-carded for obstruction when a try seemed likely, but USP made sure from the ensuing penalty. They next added a penalty goal, and more tries followed at intervals during the second period, USP notching eight in total during the match.
To IW’s credit, heads never dropped when the score threatened to get particularly ugly, and they scored the game’s final try. Again IW built sustained pressure and were close to scoring through Blackman, but when USP strayed offside, Biffa man of the match Huish tapped the quick penalty and squeezed over for his second try.
USP might prove to be the best team IW meet all season, but the Islanders will look to further improvements from their lineout and first-phase defence next time out. A free weekend is followed by a trip to Millbrook on 12 October.
IW: Young, Wynyard-Wright, Jones-Evans, McQueen, Fitton, Huish, Hanson, Hart, Butler, Newnham, J Bishop, Blackburn, Bennett, Joyce, Blackman. Replacements: D Bishop, B Martin, Lynch.
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