Isle of Wight 38-7 Portsmouth II
Three games, three wins and three try bonus points for IW, who continued with their impressive start to the season, despite six enforced changes to last week’s derby-winning side. This disruption allowed the return of evergreen forward talisman Ollie Boulter, as well as the experienced Ed Lynch, back from a year long injury sustained against the same opposition.
Early Island pressure was made to tell as Fountain Inn man of the match Ian Bennett finished off a sustained move. With continued possession, a further try was added as young centre Toby Margham crossed the line.
Playing to their game plan, the home side continued to pressurise the Portsmouth visitors and were rewarded as Huish finished off a flowing backs move and added the conversion.
Turned over ball on the halfway was quickly rucked to the short side, and with a directional change and planned three quarter move Huish scored and converted his second try. This secured the bonus point by halftime for the second consecutive week, IW leading 24-0 at the short whistle.
On the resumption, Portsmouth started to carry the ball better and threatened the home team, but good defence, especially by the excellent James Webster, allowed the Island to counter and move the ball through both forwards and backs’ hands.
One such move allowed Margham to score his second, the conversion added. Continued pressure led to a try for prolific captain Luke Blackman, before the home side seemed to take the foot off the pedal and allowed Portsmouth a deserved consolation try.
An excellent debut for Aidan Martin was supported by a Biffa man of the match showing from the ever improving Chris Ormerod. IW were pleased to continue their fine start to the season, but know that a tough test is up next, against fellow unbeaten side Winchester II. Kickoff this Saturday is at 3 pm at Wootton Rec.
Team: N Rolfe, C Ormerod, T Margham, H Jones-Evans, L Blackman, A Augustus, E Lynch, J Webster, I Bennett, A Martin, S Webster-Smith, R Keyes, S McQueen, M Newnham, K Wallace, O Boulter, I Puzey.
