IWRFC XV 27-17 Honiton RFC XV
Isle of Wight finished their playing season by hosting Devon-based touring side Honiton at Wootton Rec. Former IW captain Dan Taylor now plays for the tourists and was welcomed back to the Rec by all. With both sides fielding a club squad, a competitive and enjoyable game ensued.
In glorious sunshine, IW were well on top early on, tries from captain Luke Blackman and Chris Ormerod giving them a 10-0 lead, before Honiton opened their account. The home side extended their lead to 22-5 at the break, with scores by the evergreen Stu Browne and Karl Davey, the latter adding a sumptuous conversion.
Honiton battled back in the second half and IW had to be on their mettle to maintain ascendancy. Fountain Inn man of the match George Huish was solid at the back and Biffa man of the match Tom Turtle carried well, before Ormerod notched his second and gave the victors breathing space, though Honiton had the last word.
IW were pleased to win to conclude their season, though most important was the social element of the day and friendships forged with the tourists. As chairman Browne stated afterwards, ‘rugby is the winner.’ IWRFC hold their AGM at the club on Wed. 10 May at 7.30 pm, with the club’s awards night at Northwood House on Sat. 13 May.
