Isle of Wight 55-7 Winchester III
IW continue on maximum points after a comprehensive win over Winchester at a sunny Wootton Rec. In common with their first home game against Overton, this was a very competitive game in the first half before IW imposed themselves on the opposition and ran out clear winners.
The hosts started with great purpose and celebrated a try inside five minutes, with a cleanly executed lineout catch and maul drill ending in a touchdown for Sam McQueen. The hooker, who had celebrated a big birthday during the week, was intent on marking the occasion in style and soon barged over for his second after good work from his forward comrades. With an early 12-0 lead, it looked plain sailing for the Islanders.
A youthful Winch team were not about to roll over, and served notice that they were dangerous when moving the ball, with pace to burn and sidesteps galore. Some loose kicking aided them, while IW struggled to keep on the right side of the referee, giving away a string of penalties and losing Ben Hart to the sinbin. The pressure told and Winchester scored a converted try to get themselves back in the game.
IW responded well and strong carries by Ben Sanderson and the returning Callum Pudney got them back on the front foot. With handling and support play of a high order, the hosts engineered tries for George Huish and Will Marsh, guaranteeing a bonus point and giving them a 24-7 lead at half-time. Marsh’s try was an outstanding finish, as he had four men to beat but got the ball down with two men on his back.
In the second half, IW adjusted tactics slightly, aiming to keep the ball in hand for longer. This worked as Winchester tired and the IW scrum dominated. Winch had their moments in attack, but the home side’s defence was unbreachable. In attack, the pick of the second half tries was set up by a great break from Biffa IW man of the match Hart, before Red Funnel man of the match McQueen completed his hat-trick. The scoreboard was kept ticking over as Huish also finished on a hat-trick, while Luke Blackman and Harri Jones-Evans touched down for further scores. Huish added five conversions for a personal tally of 25 points, but this was a good team performance from the Rangers.
This victory means that IW have now not been beaten at their home ground for a year, a notable feat which they have now achieved twice this decade. The next team to attempt to win at the fortress will be Petersfield II on Saturday.
IW: Huish, Marsh, Jones-Evans, Sanderson, Browne, L Blackman, Vickers, Hart, McQueen, Newnham, Pudney, J Bishop, Bennett, Turtle, D Blackman. Replacements: Hanson, Thorne.
Thanks to Katharine Overton for the great photos!
