IW II 31-19 Trojans II
Isle of Wight RFC’s seconds tasted victory in their first home game of the season, moving to the top of Counties Five South East in the process. Rory Nobes’ charges were good value for their win but were made to work hard for it by a determined Trojans outfit.
The home side were on the back foot early on, giving away a series of penalties and eventually a try after good Trojans play. Undaunted by this start, IW fought back and forced a penalty of their own near halfway, which front rower and Biffa man of the match Tom Turtle took quickly and evaded the cover for a great solo try. Aaron Young converted to give IW the lead.
IW generally had the better of the play and created a number of openings, but too often the final pass went to ground or possession was turned over, when a try seemed certain. However, the excellent Dan Tennant finished off a flowing move for IW’s second score, though Trojans soon replied with a converted try, levelling the half-time score at 12-12.
Dan Tennant on the offensive (Thanks to Katherine Overton for the photos)
As the second half developed, IW lost momentum and the game was played more on Trojans’ terms, the older and more experienced mainlanders having a slight edge in the tight game and taking the lead at 19-12. IW recognised the need to keep the ball in play and tire out their opposition, Rouse Ltd man of the match Nick Blyth keeping up the pace while captain Nobes led by example. Exploiting the open spaces, Young touched down and converted to level the score at 19-19.
Karl Davey braces for contact
It was all IW in the last 15 minutes, centre James Biles scoring a fine try after good work by Syd Blease and Karl Davey in the build-up. Gaps were now opening as Trojans ran out of steam, Biles adding another, converted by Young to seal a pleasing victory. The seconds have next week off before travelling to Chichester III on 15 October.
IW: Baxter, Blease, J Biles, Young, Tennant, Blyth, Puzey, Turtle, Davey, Jones, J Bishop, Nobes ©, Cameron, Wynyard-Wright, Webster-Smith.
