Isle of Wight 34-28 Winchester III
IW racked up their third win in a row at Wootton Rec against third-placed Winchester. In contrast to the previous week’s comfortable victory over Portsmouth, this win was extremely hard-earned with the outcome not sealed until the final whistle sounded.
A controversial last-gasp defeat in the return fixture in November provided the Islanders with motivation, and they started well, backed by a strong diagonal wind. Though George Huish was wide with an early penalty attempt, IW opened the scoring after 8 minutes. A planned move from an attacking scrum ran aground, but centre Ben Sanderson recovered and passed to Huish who skilfully stayed in play down the touchline to cross the whitewash.
IW’s scrum was already well on top, but it became clear that Winchester were not about to roll over, competing well at the ruck and moving the ball wide with great purpose. They scored a fine try from inside their own half to take a 7-5 lead, but IW hit back from a scrum on the 22, as number 8 Luke Blackman picked from the base and outpaced the cover for a great individual score. Again Winchester came back, some poor IW defence contributing to their second try and a 14-10 advantage after 25 minutes.
The seesaw nature of the first half continued, Huish’s kicking giving IW good territory which the forwards capitalised on. A series of forward drives were stopped illegally by the mainlanders, before Blackman’s quick tap and Huish’s hard line saw the latter crash over to regain IW’s lead. As the half drew to a close, IW continued to dominate. Sam McQueen and man of the match Kevin Blackburn were among those to bring the hosts close to the Winchester line, but it was replacement Jayme Bishop who spun out of a tackle and applied the finish. Huish’s conversion left IW leading 22-14 at the break.
IW now would face the wind and with Winch showing their attacking credentials already, the outcome of this match was by no means decided. An epic second half proved the point, as IW found themselves in their own 22 for the entire third quarter and were forced into a heroic defensive stand. Winchester threw everything at them and were held up over the line on no fewer than four occasions, IW showing how their defence has progressed over the last few months. The home side were unable to lift the siege, some errant kicking and ill-advised offloads keeping them pinned back. However, it was IW who scored next on 64 minutes, improbably from a Winchester five metre attacking scrum. The ball was knocked forward by a Winch player and into the arms of Huish, whose exceptional pace came in handy as he raced the length of the field for a valuable try, completing his hat-trick. The conversion followed and IW now led 29-14.
Winchester were soon back in the IW 22. The hosts had given away a number of penalties in the second half, and captain Blackman was shown a yellow card after a team warning, deemed to have infringed at a ruck. The visitors finally got the try their pressure deserved and were back within eight points with ten minutes left.
The crowd were being royally entertained despite the cold conditions, and now witnessed IW’s best spell of the second half, a strong and direct carry by scrum-half David Blackman setting up field position. Again IW were patient in the opposing 22, and not to be outdone by his brother, this time it was big Dan Bishop who got the touchdown, doing well to ground ball after almost being held up.
Winch were not finished and as normal time expired, they breached the IW defence and a converted try brought them back within six points. These were nervous times for IW, but the rearguard was strong during stoppage time and kept Winch well away from the danger zone until the final whistle sounded.
In the end, this was a win based on gritty defence and efficiency in the red zone, against a strong opponent – a game IW would probably have lost a few months ago. They are again at home on Saturday seeking a fourth successive win, but face a tough test against second-placed Tottonians.
The club would like to thank its matchday sponsors Richard Beardsall, Paul Fincham and Wally Peters, and its regular supporters Biffa IW, Red Funnel, Island Healthcare, Arid Design, Ravenprint, Stay Ready Strength, Joedan, Boojum & Snark and SD Tanner Electrical.
IW: Browne, Wynyard-Wright, Jones-Evans, Sanderson, Vickers, Huish, D Blackman, Savill, McQueen, Newnham, Blackburn, D Bishop, Lynch, Bennett, L Blackman, J Bishop, Webster.
Thanks to Katharine Overton for the photographs!
