Isle of Wight 24-34 Fareham Heathens
In their final home league game of the season, IW were defeated by Heathens in a close contest. Resplendent in their new kit and watched by a large crowd in the spring sunshine, IW played well in the first half but lost impetus as the match went on, with injuries also interrupting their momentum.
IW have not been renowned for starting well in home games this season, but the opening seconds were particularly disastrous on this occasion, as IW looked to clear from the kickoff but were charged down, the gleeful Heathens player regathering for a converted try inside 30 seconds. To their credit, IW put this behind them quickly. They built a strong spell of possession, before the experienced Ian Puzey burrowed over from close range, levelling the scores. Confidence started to build and IW were next to score: strong scrummaging provided the foundation and a break by centre David Blackman was supported by his brother Luke for a fine try. George Huish converted both scores and IW led 14-7 at this juncture.
The tries continued to flow as Heathens hit back, spinning the ball wide and exposing a narrow home defence. However, IW were showing great ambition, running the ball even from deep in their own half. This gave them field position and the Fareham defence was tested close to their own line, with the front row of Ricky Keyes, Martin Newnham and Puzey each being rebuffed before Huish jinked wide to touch down. He added the conversion and a penalty goal, but departed injured on the half-hour mark. With Sam Tregelles also unable to continue, this led to considerable reshuffling, though Cameron Brown crafted a mazy run which was snuffed out just short of the line. It was the visitors who had the last word with a try shortly before half-time, narrowing IW’s half-time lead to two points.
Scoring dried up in the second half by comparison, and IW were forced on the defensive as Heathens pressed. The returning Ed Lynch and Biffa man of the match Prince Mutsinze on debut were instrumental with some impressive tackles, but Fareham took the lead with a well crafted cross-kick finished by their winger. Now leading 27-24, the mainlanders looked to turn the screw but were frustrated by some key turnovers effected by Boojum & Snark man of the match Sam McQueen, who was unlucky to have a try disallowed as IW broke out.
Errors crept in as time ebbed away and IW chased the game, handling errors ceding territory to Heathens. The victors finished on the attack and scored a converted try towards the end, taking the losing bonus points away from the Islanders. While disappointed to lose, IW had played well in parts and left everything on the pitch. They travel to Petersfield II on Saturday.
IW: Ward, Jones-Evans, D Blackman, McQueen, Browne, Huish, Rolfe, Puzey, Newnham, Keyes, Pudney, Mutsinze, Lynch, Tregelles, L Blackman ©. Replacements: B Martin, Webster, Joyce.
