Andover II 12-19 Isle of Wight
Continuing their good form to start the season, IW recorded their third win on the trot, with back-to-back away wins after a close battle at Andover.
IW were again forced into a number of changes from last week’s last-gasp win at Portsmouth, and encountered all too familiar travel difficulties en route to Andover, arriving with less than 30 minutes to spare before kickoff. This did not seem to impact them at the start of the game: quite the opposite, as they roared into a 12-0 lead inside 25 minutes. The opening score came from Biffa man of the match George Huish, with a delightful chip and chase following a powerful carry from Sam McQueen. Huish converted his own score, but the second try was all about the forwards, who forced a series of penalties before captain Luke Blackman crashed over in the corner.
The score remained unchanged until half-time and into the second half, though it was not long before IW scored again. This time, a pre-planned lineout move worked a treat and player-coach Keith Wallace barged over. Huish’s conversion was on target and IW seemed set fair at 19-0 up.
Of course, Andover were not going to roll over on home turf and they fought back with determination. IW were under pressure from now on, losing hooker Tom Turtle to a rib injury and Castle Inn man of the match Blackman to a yellow card for ten minutes. The hosts had already scored one try before these setbacks, but IW defence was resolute and it was not until three minutes to go that Andover scored their second try, narrowing the gap to seven points. The Islanders saw out the remaining minutes and celebrated a fine victory.
On Saturday, IW host Alresford at Wootton Rec with a 2 pm kickoff. The club’s second team entertain US Portsmouth at 1.30 pm, and support is, as always, appreciated.
IW: Young, Wynyard-Wright, Jones-Evans, McQueen, C Browne, Huish, Rolfe, Newnham, Turtle, Keyes, Blackburn, D Bishop, J Bishop, Webster, Blackman, Wallace.
