IWRFC 12 v Spalding 38, Sat. 9 May 2009

The Isle of Wight concluded their playing season with a defeat against strong touring side Spalding at Wootton Rec.

Playing their league rugby three divisions above the IW, Lincolnshire side Spalding played in the spirit of touring sides, but with a physicality the Island were not accustomed to in their own league. What I mean by this is that they had a lot of blokes with green hair, one bloke in a death mask, and had allegedly been drinking in the morning. However, they were bloody ferocious and sometimes lawless in contact. As Dan said afterwards, if they can do that on tour, then we can be more physical in league games, to be sure, to be sure…..

Nevertheless, the first half was evenly contested and the home side will feel they should have been ahead at the break, spending much of the opening period on the attack. Spalding scored first from an interception to lead 7-0, but the IW were soon on the scoreboard, as a series of forward drives enabled industrious Irish flanker Noel Finn to sneak around the blindside and touch down by the corner flag for his first try for the club. Chuffed for Noel - 1. It may be his last game for us. 2. It wasn’t long ago he was saying how he’d never scored for us, and he’s been one of the most regular 2nds players over the years.

The IW continued to control possession with their scrum again superior, but errors and turnovers limited their rewards to one further try before the break. Again the forwards strung the phases together, and Neil Brading parted to Dean Jennings who raced over from some way out for a fine score. Gareth ‘Grim Reaper’ Paisley converted, but Spalding had the last word before halftime to lead 14-12.

In the second half, the Island pack continued to toil but were often undone by smart Spalding work at the tackle area. How diplomatic am I. Among the most prominent Island forwards were Adam Leal, Martin Newnham and Canadian second row Chad Wilson, playing his final game for the club. Thanks Chad, eh? Leal was of course excellent as usual, but I particularly have to mention him as apparently he scored a try against Alresford and I credited it to Brading! Sorry Adam.

Spalding made effective use of their increased possession in the second half, running in four tries. Puzey got injured and front row replacement Slucy was nowhere to be found. Leahy and Gilpin managed to injure each other, and generally everyone became knackered in the warm conditions. Though the Island had their moments towards the end and will feel hard done by at the final score, ultimately they failed to make the most of their opportunities. Oh yes, allegedly Spalding had 16-17 guys on the pitch during the second half. It certainly felt like it. This is a worrying trend which started with Alresford two weeks before!

Quotations: 
Coach Dave Metcalfe: “Can’t make it to the club today. Fell over at home while drinking wine.”
Neil Brading: “I gave the passes for both tries.”
The whole team: “That was a tough day at the office.”

With the restructuring of the leagues, we look forward to being serious promotion contenders next season. Let’s have a good turnout at touch during the summer, and particularly preseason training when it starts. Cheers for now… 

IW: Leahy, D. Gilpin, Paisley, Peters, Gates, Taylor, Brading, Puzey, Newnham, Jennings, Wilson, Thomas, Tombleson, Finn, Leal. Replacements: Sellick, Bell.