Chineham 1st XV 0 Isle of Wight 1st XV 37

Every game is a ‘must win’ game in order for the Island to remain top of Hampshire two so it was pleasing to secure another clean sheet as well as the win away to Chineham. Playing on a sloping pitch the Island had the advantage in the first half and went straight to work with some excellent driving play from the kick off. To the fore were Ollie Boulter and Martin Newnham with some big carries that put the home side on to the back foot. Early pressure and astute tactical kicking from Baldwin had the Island inside Chinehams 22. From a scrummage, No 8 Tombleson picked and drove through tackles a neat off load to Ian Puzey allowed the prop to power over for the opening score which went unconverted.

The signs were ominous for Chineham as the Island’s scrummage got into it’s stride and the lineout began to function smoothly. From a lineout on the home side’s five metre line the ball was spun wide in a neat set play that saw Will Peters roll back the years, picking a great line to wrong foot the defence and score the Island’s second. At this point it was one way traffic as Chineham were unable to maintain possession or field position and Baldwin added a penalty. The Isle of Wight’s third try was another team effort scored following good play in the loose from the forwards. Cotter at 9 fed the ball left and again a set piece neatly executed this time created space for the pacy Williams to score in the corner. Baldwin converted. The final try of the first half was a forward effort as a rolling maul sucked in the home defence and Leal pounced to go over for a well taken try.

Turning round at 30-0 to the good the Island were prepared to defend as Chineham now had the advantage of the considerable slope, however it was the Island side who dominated territory and possession in the second half. Key to this was an action packed performance from Adam Thomas whose selection on the blindside allowed him to give an epic performance in both offence and defence, earning him the Lymington Engineers man of the match award. To their credit Chineham defended admirably and only conceded one try to substitute James Curran, who scored under the posts with an athletic dive. Baldwin converted. Two clear scoring opportunities were squandered as the Isle of Wight’s concentration slipped toward the end of the game. Overall, another satisfiying performance on the road and good preparation for Saturday’s rearranged fixture away to Alresford.

IW 1st XV : Browne, Williams, Gilpin, Peters, Paisley, Baldwin, Cotter, Tombleson, Leal, Thomas, Boulter, Church, Puzey, Newnham, Jennings, Rock, Curran.

Comments

[chris w junior]

I'm sure the pacy winger williams notched two tries, Browner remeber I ghosted over.

[stu browne]

Bum! Sorry Chris. Rushed it to get to the county press. Do you mind ghosting over this weekend and I will see what I can do?

[chriswjunior]

If selected

[Martin Newnham]

loving the mention Browner, much appreciated!

[stu browne]

I accept cash bribes or payment in kind!

[Newnham]

Noted, we'll sort somthing out for sat ;)