IW II 47-29 Hook & Odiham
Isle of Wight seconds snapped their recent losing streak with an emphatic win over title challengers Hook & Odiham at Wootton Rec. In spite of a long unavailability list for injury and COVID-related reasons, the home side delivered some thrilling rugby at times and were good value for the triumph.
It should be noted that the mainland side were also depleted, and both sides took to the field with the bare 15 and no replacements. Recent dry weather led to much improved conditions compared to previous weeks, which was reflected in the twelve tries that were scored. There was a stiff breeze which favoured IW in the first half, though it had little impact on their dream start. They regained possession from the kick-off and after a couple of good phases, the ball was moved for Jordan Langdon to score. Langdon was impressive in the unaccustomed position of full-back and had a hand in the next try after six minutes, as IW generated quick ball and alert scrum-half Harry Rumens sniped through for the score. Hook were shell-shocked and had no answer as IW again attacked directly, winning a penalty which Rumens took quickly and raced clear. Incredibly, IW led 21-0 after 8 minutes.
Belatedly, Hook & Odiham settled and were able to get their hands on the ball, achieving some continuity and exploiting some lax IW tackling to score after 15 minutes. Soon after this, IW attempted to clear their lines but the sliced kick went straight to a Hook player 15 metres out, and this led to another try, narrowing the gap to 9 points.
The game was now a true contest, though IW forwards always had the edge at the breakdown, Fountain Inn man of the match Tom Turtle and the ageless Dave Metcalfe impressing on their return to action. The experience of Ollie Boulter and Andy White also played a huge part, especially on 27 minutes as IW extended their lead, the forward pair spotting a gap on the blindside for White to power clear. IW led 28-12 at half-time.
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Now facing the wind, IW knew that the game was far from over and Hook started the second period well, scoring within 10 minutes from another errant IW kick, but striking the post with the conversion. The hosts responded with their best spell of the match and the pick of their seven tries, as superb offloading and option-taking saw captain Stuart Browne touch down under the posts. Shortly after this, it was time for youth to have its turn as defensively strong centre Toby Margham showed his ability with a strong hand-off and outside break to race over.
At 40-17 ahead, IW spent the next 15 minutes in their own half as their opposition rallied, but defence was not found wanting and no points were conceded. The last 10 minutes saw another flurry of tries, centre Chris Ormerod breaking a tackle for IW’s final score, while Rumens added his sixth conversion from seven kicks. Hook and Odiham were nothing if not spirited and scored two tries at the end, though IW felt that the second should not have been awarded. It mattered little, as they celebrated a welcome win, while Hook contributed handsomely to a fine game.
The seconds are next in action at home to Andover 3rds on Saturday, with a 1 pm kickoff.
IW: Langdon, Wilson, Margham, Ormerod, Wynyard-Wright, S Browne, Rumens, Turtle, McQueen, Metcalfe, J Bishop, Boulter, Jones, Cameron, White.
