IWRFC 2nd XV 34 vs Fawley 2nd XV 10

The Isle of Wight RFC second team made sure not to spoil the party of their first team counterparts who secured league honours, by earning a comprehensive victory on the adjoining pitch at Wootton Rec. A remarkable 27 players represented the club, and Fawley were gracious enough to allow the Island to use the whole squad, in the spirit of rugby.

Playing with the slope and slight breeze in the first half, the Island needed a strong start and got it. The scrum functioned well against a bigger Fawley eight, while Neil Harrison stole a number of the opposition’s lineouts. This ensured that the hosts had the edge in possession and territory. Fawley’s defence was resolute at first, and it took exceptional handling under pressure from the entire backline to allow Josh Collinson enough room to touch down as he hit the corner flag.

Buoyed by this start, the seconds proceeded to play some of their best rugby of the season. It featured patience and intelligent use of slow ball, coupled with aggression at the breakdown. Despite a swift Fawley response when they scored a levelling touchdown, the IW were soon back in front. A long succession of phases were strung together before Ali Gates was hauled down in the 22, and the impressive James Curran was driven over in the left corner for the Island’s second try.

Now the IW turned the screw, winning lineout ball deep in the Fawley half, where a rolling maul made progress before Kevin Scovell peeled off unnoticed to score by the corner flag. Their dominance continued as halftime arrived, as Kieran Leahy and fly-half general Gary Warvill combined well down the blindside for the latter to score. Leahy’s conversion kick heralded halftime as the IW led 22-5.

A long list of substitutions was bound to lead to some disjointed play in the second half, though this was not a reflection on the players who entered the fray. Fawley fared better in the second half, but had to absorb a lot of pressure. Tom Enticknap almost scored but was stripped of the ball over the line, but the next score was soon to come as wing Tom White was set free to score.

The sixth and final try came soon after the hour mark, and fittingly was scored by one of the Island’s primary ball-carriers for the day, evergreen lock Paul Simpson. Replacement Steve Sellick converted. Fawley showed good spirit to register the final try of the game soon after this, but the Island finished the game in the ascendancy, driven forward by Lymington Precision Engineers man of the match Sam Tyson and returning club stalwart John Dry. Dave Gilpin and debutant James Horton were among others to impress in a fine Island display.

Today (Friday) the Isle of Wight embark on their annual tour, as they travel to Belgium to partake in the Ghent International rugby tournament. Both firsts and seconds complete their league campaigns away from home on Saturday 10th April.
IW: Leahy, Collinson, T Enticknap, Phillips, Gates, Warvill, Tyson, Lilly, Love, Scovell, P Simpson, Downer, Curran, D Gilpin, Harrison. Replacements: Horton, T White, S Gilpin, Sellick, Heighway, Brodie, Byrne, Curless, Frost-Jones, J Wright, Pugh-Panther, J Dry.