Millbrook II 24 -10 Isle of Wight II
A much depleted Island 2nd team travelled to Millbrook RFC for what proved to be a testing encounter in cold windy conditions. With player availability issues for a range of reasons, IW travelled short, but were indebted to their friends at Alresford RFC who bolstered the squad and ensured a competitive fixture.
The first 25 minutes proved to be a highly even contest until Millbrook were able to break the deadlock with a try from their centre. The patched together IW team had ongoing issues at the scrum, largely a result of players having to play out of position. Millbrook scored twice more shortly after their opener and the score remained the same to half time, 2 conversions making it 19-0. The first half was extended due to an unpleasant head injury suffered by loanee Rob Salvi, who failed an HIA and was subsequently taken to hospital post match.
Injuries continued to mount up for the Island with Steve Dixon departing at half time and skipper Ian Puzey coming off late on with a suspected cracked rib. The game did open up in the second half and IW scored two quick tries, but the hosts scored again to take the final score to 24-10. Millbrook were tough competitors and good value for their win. Fountain Inn man of the match was Ryan Tulloch, who impressed despite playing out of position at scrum half.
IW II look forward to a home fixture on Saturday next, entertaining Lymington Mariners at Wootton Rec with a 2 pm kick-off, before the club’s Christmas party that evening.
IW: Puzey ©, Dixon, Tulloch, Rolfe, Toms, Wynyard-Wright, Bishop J, Jones, McQueen, Shea, May, Roff, Slevin, Salvi, Hornet, Griffiths.
