IWRFC 2nd XV 19 v Millbrook 2nd XV 50 - 09/04/11

The Isle of Wight second string completed their league campaign in sixth position, suffering a comprehensive defeat to Millbrook, who ensured their status as league champions at sunny Wootton Rec.

Boasting a squad of 25 players, the hosts were optimistic of a good showing, but were overpowered in the first half. They were unfortunate that Millbrook firsts did not have a fixture and that their seconds were stronger than usual as a result, but there was no denying the power and pace with which the visitors put the IW to the sword. The opening try came inside five minutes, and it was 21-0 before the home side saw any meaningful possession.

Errors had blighted the IW’s early use of the ball, but a blindside break by Gary Warvill pierced the Millbrook defence and allowed the supporting Ali Gates to crash over. Kieran Leahy added the extras, but Millbrook’s response was swift with an immediate try. A further try was added on the stroke of halftime, to leave the scoreline at 33-7.

The IW also struggled with injuries in the forwards in the first half, losing Charles Courtney and Sam Lock. However, some reshuffling of their ranks helped towards a much more even contest in the second half. Jack Preston and Colman Cotter strove manfully at the base of the scrum, while Lymington Precision Engineers man of the match Aidan Bryan also made an impression. Millbrook added a penalty early in the half, but saw their efforts to add further tries repelled, as the IW defence dug deep.

Parity in possession remained difficult for the IW to maintain, but they now showed the ability to break down the Millbrook defence, as the influential Warvill outpaced the cover for the IW’s second try. James Flux converted, but Millbrook responded in kind minutes later, and added another to bring up their half-century with ten minutes to go.

It was heartening that the IW managed the final score of the game, combining pace, ambition and slick handling to allow Flux to race clear and score. The final whistle sounded immediately after the unsuccessful conversion, as the IW congratulated Millbrook on their title success and looked forward to next season.

Tomorrow (Saturday), the IW host Haslemere in a friendly at Wootton Rec. Kickoff is at 2 pm. IW: Leahy, Collinson, Gates, Dalchow, Horton, Warvill, Cotter, Frost-Jones, Love, Boulter, C Courtney, Merry, D Gilpin, Lock, Preston. Replacements: S Flux, Reid, J Flux, Bryan, Wright, Clark, Greedy, Insley, Downer, Lilly.