Isle of Wight 33-7 Overton
IW started their season with a fine win before a large and appreciative crowd at Wootton Rec. Visitors Overton were the last away team to win at the Rec, back in October 2025, but they had to leave empty-handed on this occasion.
This was a belated start to the season because of the summer drought, and without a pre-season fixture, IW’s handling was found wanting often in the early stages. Yet the same could be said of Overton, who had a friendly win at home last week. It was the home team who capitalised to open the scoring inside five minutes, as an error by the visitors was gathered and passed to the returning Dan Ward, who showed his pace to race through the disorganised defence. He converted his own try.
There has rarely been much between these teams over the years, and the first half was very evenly contested, Overton having plenty of possession despite a malfunctioning lineout. When they threatened by moving into IW territory, the hosts were effective at jackalling and relieving the pressure, captain Luke Blackman leading the way with a trio of turnovers. IW were also in debt to Biffa IW man of the match Harri Jones-Evans for a couple of ferocious tackles on Overton attackers. It was his turn to shine in attack on the half-hour mark, applying the finish after IW again turned over opposition ball and skilfully moved the ball wide to the hard-hitting centre. IW now led 14-0 and kept this advantage to the break.
Though two tries separated the teams, the balance of play had been even in the first half. Overton came out all guns blazing on the restart and spent the first 10 minutes of the second period in the IW 22. Outstanding defence repelled them several times, but they were patient and got their reward of a converted try on 50 minutes to halve the deficit.
Momentum was with the visitors at this point but IW critically took it back straight away, playing some of their best rugby for the next 20 minutes. A purposeful run by full-back George Huish up the left was supported by Jones-Evans, and though Overton appeared to have halted the initial danger, wing Cameron Browne showed initiative by sniping from the ruck and outpacing the despairing tacklers for a great score.
IW were now rampant and gave an exhibition of offloading and support play for the next few minutes, almost resulting in another try for Browne. It did not matter as Ben Sanderson dispossessed an Overton carrier, and a couple of phases later, Huish had enough space to score in the corner. This try secured a bonus point and a 26-7 lead.
Overton battled away but were tiring, the IW scrum getting on top after a see-saw contest. A thrilling break by Red Funnel man of the match Blackman took his team back into enemy territory before the offload to Huish allowed the speedster to score his second. Ward added his fourth successful conversion to conclude the scoring.
In truth, the final score was hard on a battling Overton, but IW were more efficient with their opportunities and were well worth the victory. Their next assignment is away to Ellingham & Ringwood on Saturday.
Isle of Wight RFC would like to thank its sponsors for their support: Biffa IW, Red Funnel, Dragonfly, SD Tanner Electrical, Arid Design, Joedan, Ravenprint, Island Healthcare, Boojum & Snark, SDS Scaffolding and DJH Plumbing & Gas.
IW: Huish, Marsh, Jones-Evans, Sanderson, Browne, Ward, Hanson, Hart, McQueen, Newnham, Savill, J Bishop, Turtle, D Blackman, L Blackman©. Replacements: Wynyard-Wright, Vickers, Mutsinze.
