Alton 25-19 Isle of Wight
Isle of Wight RFC began their league season with a road trip to Alton, resulting in a narrow defeat. These two sides were meant to have played in a Hampshire Cup final back in 2020, which never took place due to the pandemic. So the sides were not only playing for league points but also for the Lockdown Cup, to be played for each time the clubs meet in the future.
It was the home side that took hold of the game. They were aided by a strong wind blowing straight down the pitch, but IW were also off the pace and passive in defence, allowing the hosts to score three tries in the first half. Two penalty goals gave them a 25-0 lead at half-time.
A totally different Island side emerged for the second half. The half time chat had done its job and wind advantage made field position easier to achieve. Firstly George Huish glided in to score. However, Alton dug in and kept IW at arms length for much of the second period.
Eventually, with 12 minutes remaining, IW got their reward. Following another spell of Island pressure and extended phase play, captain Luke Blackman added his team’s second try, with Huish adding the conversion. Straight from the restart, a 40 metre drive forced Alton to infringe and IW kicked to the corner. This again led to a sustained assault on the host’s line and with good handling moving the ball, Huish scored his second and added the touchline conversion kick.
With time running out and with the Islanders within 6 points the pressure was maintained, but IW were held up over the line for a second time in the half, adamant that David Blackman’s effort should have been rewarded. Only the clock was to prevent this comeback being totally successful, leaving the Islanders with a losing bonus point, while Alton took four points and the Lockdown Cup.
The John Jarvis sponsored Man of the Match was won by Fin Vickers in his first outing at 9, showing bravery and determination throughout.
Next Saturday 11th Oct, Isle Of Wight are at home with both 1sts and Casuals hosting Overton with 3pm kick offs.
Team: D Ward, A Young, W Marsh, S McQueen, J Wynyard-Wright, G Huish, F Vickers, L Blackman, D Blackman, B Martin, K Blackburn, J Bishop, K Thorne, G Butler, B Savill, B Hart, H Jones-Evans.
