Sat 6 Nov 2021
Fawley 32-27 Isle of Wight
The Island travelled to Fawley to face the league leaders in their latest Hampshire One game, finally able to select from close to full strength. The match proved to mainly be a battle between the IW forwards and the Fawley backs, each of whom held the upper hand against their opponents. Though starting slowly again, IW would emerge with credit against their strong opposition.
IW suffered again from a lethargic start with Fawley scoring two tries, through their exciting three quarter line. Realising they had to take control of ball and stop the Fawley backs from playing, the IW forwards then went to work, the Front five in particular coming to the fore with strong scrums and driving play putting the Fawley pack under pressure. Hard work from flanker James Webster allowed number 8 Luke Blackman to drive over to keep the IW in the game. However, Fawley then scored another two tries through their backs after some astute tactical kicking. The home side led 22-7 at half time.
Fawley struck straight from the kick-off, their dangerous full-back scoring from distance. Resuming their excellent forward play after the break, Fountain Inn man of the match Martin Newnham took advantage of some strong island driving and burrowed over the line. Fawley shortly cancelled this out with another five-pointer, but player-coach Keith Wallace soon barrelled over from 5 yards, after a smart switch of play by veteran Alex Augustus. IW now trailed 32-19.
IW finished well, and were helped as Fawley went down to 14 men with a red card, after their loose head prop made contact with Ricky Keyes's face. A trademark strong scrummage from the forwards allowed Blackman to score in the corner, continuing his superb try-scoring run and registering IW’s fourth try for a bonus point.
In the last minute of the game IW took advantage of Fawley infringements around the ruck area with Biffa man of the match George Huish slotting a penalty, enabling his team to come within seven points and gain a second bonus point. In spite of the loss, the bonus points moved IW up two places in the league table. The next scheduled game for the first team is at Gosport & Fareham II on 27 November, while the seconds entertain Basingstoke at Wootton Rec this Saturday, kicking off at 2.30 pm.
IW: S Browne, Toms, Huish, D Blackman, C Browne, Marriott, Augustus, L Blackman, Wallace, Webster, Brown, Blackburn, Keyes, Bennett, Newnham, Puzey, N Joyce, Rolfe.
