IW 15-15 Tottonians II
Both sides had to be content with a share of the spoils after a hard-fought Hampshire One encounter at Wootton Rec. Tottonians came into the game arguably as favourites for outright league honours at season’s end based on recent form, but had to battle hard for their two points to take back to the mainland, as IW were also left with a sense of ‘what might have been.’
Totts started ominously with a stunning 40 metre drop goal in the opening minutes. This was shortly followed by a sniping try from their scrum-half, after IW were caught napping at a lineout. Recent big wins for the mainlanders seemed as if they would be replicated here, but IW were roused by their poor start and began to impose themselves, especially up front. There were impressive showings by Fountain Inn man of the match Tom Marriott and Biffa man of the match Mark Waterer in the back division. Dan Ward was controversially forced off after a late tackle, but George Huish was on the mark with a penalty to narrow the gap, IW trailing 8-3 at halftime.
The IW scrum again proved itself a formidable weapon throughout and soon the hosts were in the lead, pushing the opposition pack over the line for Keith Wallace to touch down. Huish’s conversion put IW 10-8 ahead. However, Totts retorted effectively, a crossfield kick leading to their second try, converted for a 15-10 lead.
It was almost entirely IW in the second half, with relentless pressure on the Totts line. Strong carries by Andrew Brown and replacement Alex Smith taxed the opposition defence, while Huish and Luke Blackman looked threatening in attack, and the eternally youthful Alex Augustus controlled play. However, there were occasions when the Islanders were guilty of attacking too narrowly and ignoring opportunities out wide. IW were also frustrated that multiple infringements in the 22 went unpunished until a yellow card was issued a few minutes before the end. Eventually, IW sucked in enough defenders to move the ball wide for Marriott to finish with aplomb in the last minute. Huish had a difficult conversion attempt which would have won the game, but the kick went wide and the final whistle sounded.
IW can be pleased with their competitiveness against a side that may yet go on to win the league, though victory was within reach. They are in action next Saturday at Southampton University Hospitals, while the seconds host Hook & Odiham at Wootton Rec.
IW: Waterer, Ward, Huish, L Blackman, Jones-Evans, Marriott, Augustus, Keyes, Bennett, Newnham, Blackburn, Pudney, Brown, Webster, Wallace. Replacements: S Browne, Smith, Webster-Smith.
