Christchurch 16-24 Isle of Wight
The Islanders returned to winning ways with a hard fought win on their first ever visit to Christchurch RFC.
It was the home side who started the brighter with some strong midfield running but the Island centre pairing of Sam McQueen and Harri Jones-Evans proved equal to the task. This was a theme for the day as the Island showed an improved defensive effort to keep Christchurch out, with no evidence of the passive rearguard sometimes seen in their two recent defeats. The first try for the Isle of Wight came from a strong driving line out which saw Brad Martin go over almost unopposed. Luke Blackman added a second with a trademark powerful run from almost 40 metres out, breaking several tackles. George Huish converted, while Christchurch were limited to kicking penalties and took two opportunities to halve the deficit: the score at half time was 12-6 to IW.
IW had passed up some other scoring opportunities in the first period and there remained little between the teams throughout. The second half was a disjointed affair with a high penalty count from both sides. The IW scrummage was again a strong platform but it was wayward kicking from Christchurch as they attempted to clear their own half that led to IW’s third try. Huish collected and scored from near halfway, converting his own try.
Christchurch, to their credit, stayed in the fight with a third penalty and were rewarded with a try despite brave scramble defence from the Islanders. With the score at 19-16 in IW’s favour, the Rangers were desperate for a clinching score and dominated the closing stages. A thrilling break by Ian Bennett was supported by impressive wing Cam Browne, who would have scored but for a last ditch tap tackle. Blackman and McQueen were both held up on the line and Jones-Evans and Wynyard-Wright were also denied by despairing defence out wide. However effort was rewarded with the last play of the game as Aidan Martin bundled over from close range following a period of intense pressure on the home try line.
Another five points away from home returns IW to the top three. They have a free Saturday next, before hosting league leaders Fareham Heathens on Sat. 17 Feb, when the clubs’ second teams also oppose.
IW: Young, C Browne, Jones-Evans, McQueen, Rolfe, Huish, Lockhart, Newnham, Bennett, Keyes, B Martin, A Martin, J Bishop, Webster, Blackman, S Browne, Wynyard-Wright.
