Isle of Wight RFC

Winchester III 38-12 IW II

Isle of Wight RFC’s second team were defeated at Winchester in their first away game of the season, but gave a good account of themselves against strong and experienced opposition. They were helped by a few of Locks Heath Pumas second string, who turned out for IW after their own game was called off, and made fine contributions all around.

With travel difficulties and late cry-offs affecting IW’s preparation to the extent that they only arrived at the venue 15 minutes before kickoff, they began in disjointed fashion and were over-run in the opening quarter-hour, playing up the slope. Winchester were well drilled in the forwards and threatening in the backs, with some direct running and offloads unpicking the Island defence time and again. This wave led to three converted tries and a 21-0 lead for the hosts, and it looked ominous for IW.

Thanks to a gutsy forward display, IW gained a foothold in the game and the rest of the first half was much more evenly contested. The pattern of the game changed as IW enjoyed lots of possession thanks to their superior scrum and improving lineout, but found the Winchester defence to be rock solid despite bright moments from Fountain Inn man of the match Nick Joyce and debutant fly-half Chance Bonham. After failing to break through, the difference in attacking cohesion between the teams was shown as Winchester constructed two more good tries before the break. The score at half-time was 33-0, and with Shane Lavell and Nick Blyth forced off through injury, it was a bleak picture for IW for all their effort.

Nonetheless, IW were now playing down the slope and the second half was a very different state of affairs, as they would spend almost the entire 40 minutes in the Winchester half. This did not translate into points initially, as Winchester defended tremendously well despite relentless carrying from the likes of Steve Dixon and Jayme Bishop, both of whom were held up over the line. The hosts did give away numerous penalties in defence and this led to two yellow cards, but still IW could not score until no. 8 Julian Beard crashed over. Bonham converted, and Beard was soon over for another try after sustained IW pressure. Yet the deficit was too much to be realistically overhauled, and to underline their prowess in attack, Winchester did break out and scored the last try of the game.

Though disappointed to lose, IW took great solace from their performance outside the opening exchanges, especially given their patchwork team. Their next assignment is away to Hook & Odiham, while the first team entertain Southampton University Hospitals.

IW: Leahy ©, Wynyard-Wright, Elsom, Langdon, Rolfe, Bonham, Blyth, S Lavell, Davis, Price, Dixon, J Bishop, Jones, N Joyce, Beard. Replacements: Ridoutt, Cox, J Lavell.