Andover II 39-12 IW
Though within a score entering the final quarter, IW were well beaten by in-form Andover in their Counties Three encounter.
IW started their trip with travel plans disrupted by high winds, forcing kick off to be pushed back to 2.30pm. Despite turning up to the ground a mere 15 minutes prior to the re-arranged kickoff, they started strongly applying pressure from the off, resulting in Aidan Martin scoring the side’s first try after only 5 minutes, George Huish converting. It didn’t take long for Andover to respond, scoring an unconverted try of their own a few minutes later. Heartbreak again for the Island, as a misplaced pass allowed Andover to scoop the ball up and a few phases later, score again, despite some good scramble defence, this time converting. It was 12-7 Andover after 15 minutes.
A strong individual effort from George Huish resulted in being tackled inches from the line, only to concede a penalty for holding on, allowing Andover to relieve pressure. An impressive performance all day from Ricky Keyes in the scrum allowed a Keith Wallace special from the base to dive across the line for the Island’s second score, the conversion just drifting wide and leaving the scores level. A penalty on their own 5m line from the Island side gave Andover a chance at the posts to take the lead going into the break, eagerly taken by their fly-half, the hosts leading 15-12 at the short whistle.
5 minutes into the half, the Island gave away another kickable penalty, scored by Andover stretching their lead to 18-12. The match could have gone either way at this point, but at the 60 minute mark, Andover struck a crucial blow with their 3rd try. Almost straight from the restart, Andover regathered the ball to race through soft shoulders to secure another 7 point score. The score now stood at 32-12 to Andover. The Island’s defence held strong for almost the remainder of the game, with a final slip up seconds before the end of the game, allowing an Andover player to break through multiple tackles to conclude the scoring.
IW will take positives from elements of the performance, but also frustration on how they managed key moments and allowed the game to slip away. There is a chance to atone with home comforts next, as the club hosts a double home fixture on Saturday 21st, 1st XV vs Romsey, and the 2nd XV welcome Eastleigh 3rds.
