Locks Heath Pumas 34-5 IW
Isle of Wight were well beaten by Locks Heath Pumas at Wide Lane Sports Ground. Due to a series of fixture curiosities and cancellations, this was actually the first team’s first match on the mainland this season, but they were unable to mark it with a win. There were mitigating factors for the defeat, as IW would have fielded at close to full strength but for a sickness bug which laid low six of the squad in the days leading up to the match. Key link man James Webster was then struck down by illness hours before the game, but would bravely play 40 minutes, earning the Fountain Inn man of the match for his fortitude.
However, it was not just ill fortune that undid the Islanders, who did not play particularly well in general, plus the little matter of a strong Pumas side who were well drilled and attacked with verve when given the opportunity. IW did start on the attack, but when a move in the Pumas 22 broke down, the home side were able to kick through and show their considerable pace in the back three to win the race for the touchdown.
The first half was mostly even in general play. Though under pressure in the scrum, IW had their share of possession but found it difficult to string together phases, Pumas regularly jackalling to good effect as their no. 7 emerged as the key influence on the game. Meanwhile, when Pumas won quick ball, they threatened in attack and used the width of the pitch well. This yielded two further tries before half-time, giving them a 17-0 lead.
IW were now against the wind, and spent most of the second period in their half. The lack of a recognised kicker contributed to their difficulties exiting their own territory. When they did engineer line breaks through captain Luke Blackman and Aidan Martin, Pumas scramble defence was good and IW found themselves pinned back time and again. Further Pumas tries and a couple of IW injuries left IW down 34-0 with almost 20 minutes still to play. Biffa man of the match Ed Lynch was also sinbinned for an off-the-ball incident, one of the Pumas fortunate that the referee did not witness an act of foul play in retaliation.
There was a danger of the scoreline getting out of control at this point, but IW battled well and kept their line intact for the remainder of the match. They finished on the attack with their best spell of the game, with good play by player-coach Keith Wallace setting up field position before Blackman crashed over in the game’s final action.
IW will aim to get back to winning ways when they host Havant III at Wootton Rec this Saturday, while the seconds are back in action at home to Locks Heath Pumas II.
IW: Rolfe, C Browne, Margham, Ormerod, M Joyce, Blackman, Blyth, Newnham, McQueen, D Bishop, Martin, Boulter, Bennett, Webster, Lynch. Replacements: Wynyard-Wright, J Bishop, Wallace.
