Chichester 3rds 32-30 Isle of Wight 2nds
A thrilling encounter in Chichester went down to the last kick of the game as the home side landed a penalty kick to take the spoils. With the Island travelling short, the loan of a couple of Chichester Uni players allowed the game to be fully competitive. Both sides attacked the game with flowing rugby and physical confrontation, yet in a true grassroots manner, with excellent sportsmanship in evidence throughout.
First score was to the visitors, after Tom Turtle finished off a driving maul from a lineout. Back came Chichester to score a converted try, but Fountain Inn man of the match Turtle powered over for his second, Aaron Young adding the extras.
Tom Turtle, pictured here against Trojans recently, scored two tries for IW at Chichester. Photograph by Bronte Debenham
The visitors went further ahead as the ball was moved wide and one of the Uni loan players outpaced the defence. By half time Chichester had scored their second for a half time score of 17-12 in the Rangers’ favour.
After a few changes at half time, Chichester applied pressure and scored first. With strong runs from Karl Davey, Sam Jones and Jayme Bishop, impressive pace and skill from debutante Huw Roberts and powerful carriers by winger Syd Blease, the visitors were soon back in the game. A Young penalty was then followed by a try, as Aidan Martin broke blind from forward pressure to score.
The Island then lost Biffa man of the match and captain Rory Nobes to injury, with the ageless Dave Metcalfe taking over the role in his first game of the year in what is his 50th season of playing. Applying further pressure allowed another of the Uni loan players to score.
As the visitors tired, back came Chichester to leave the score 30-29, and the last play of the game yielded a kickable penalty, which the hosts converted to secure maximum points. IW themselves earned bonus points for four tries and the narrow margin of defeat, and look forward to their next assignment away to Eastleigh III.
