Sat 18 Oct 2025
Portsmouth II 45 IWRFC 22
Still chasing their first win of the season, the Isle of Wight again showed determination and fortitude against Portsmouth 2nds. Early play saw both sides in attacking mode, with early pressure applied.
A turn over by David Blackman allowed George Huish to clear and the chase lead to an Island penalty which Huish slotted over.
Portsmouth responded when moving the ball wide, and the winger collected a chip to score. This was followed as the home side kicked to the corner and from the ensuing line out drove over for a converted try.
With the visitors looking to gain a foot hold, a loose pass bounced into the Pompey centre’s hand to score, giving his team a 19-3 advantage.
The Island then lost Dan Ward to a shoulder injury, causing a reshuffle of resources in the back line with returning James Webster fitting into the centre.
This initial injury was followed by Will Marsh and David Blackman leaving the pitch with injuries. Despite this the Islanders showed a solid defence and looked to attack at any opportunity.
The second half led by Sam McQueen, the Richard Beardsall-sponsored Man of the Match, saw several drives into the Pompey 22. A penalty into the corner set up an Island lineout and they were unlucky not to come away with a try. Despite this it was Pompey who scored out wide.
Back came the visitors with quick ball from a couple of penalties, with McQueen taking a quick tap and charging over from 5 metres.
Pompey added a further try which gave them a 38-15 lead, but Huish put on his dancing shoes to spin and turn the defence to score.
With tired bodies on both sides the home side completed their scoring.
Special mention should go to Toby Batchelor for an impressive debut for the Island. His team had their fair share of possession and territory but did not quite have the attacking potency of the strong home side.
There is now a two week gap before the clubs next action, at Winchester on 8 November, giving time for bruised bodies to mend and to focus on the next game.
IW: Ward, Wynyard-Wright, Wan, Jones-Evans, Marsh, Huish, Vickers, Newnham, McQueen, Keyes, Blackburn, B Martin, Webster, D Blackman, Batchelor, J Bishop, Thorne.
