IWRFC 75 v Farnborough 37 - 09/04/11

What a response to the need for a result to maintain their Hampshire one status. With a near strength side, warm conditions and a determination to succeed the Island took on a Farnborough team who have shown good form of late.

Early signs showed the nerves as early turn over and quick recycled ball led to the visitors taking an early lead with a converted try. The Islands reply was a well taken line out, drive and recycle and Dan Taylor crashing over. Gareth Paisley adding the conversion.

Farnborough showed early dominance in the scrum and at close quarter driving, and it was this strength that took the visitors back in to the lead. The Island seemed to get the better of the line outs throughout and used these to launch their attacks. One such leading to Brett Evans first score of the day. Paisley added the conversion and followed that with a penalty.

Again the strong forward play by Farnborough saw them pull level. The Island now seemed to gain equality in the scrums, and a 5 metre scrum was recycled on two occasions for Andy White to power over, Paisley adding the kick. This was followed rapidly when a Neil Brading kick was chased and the visitors defence were caught, the ball turned over and Evans added his second.

Farnborough replied with two scores before half time, resulting in a 29 to 27 lead for the home side. The Island were in no mood to let this slip. Refocused after a half time chat saw them turn up the pace of the game and began a seven try rout of the visitors to close out the game. Taylor first claimed his second, with the kick added. A Nick Puckett interception was completed after recycle ball led to Evans scoring his hat trick.

Continued pressure, stopped on two occasions on the visitors line, saw White add his second. A ¾ break out from their own half allowed ruck ball to be popped to prop Dean Jennings to score, the kick again added. Number 8 Ed Lynch was rewarded for his continuous pressure on the opposition as he charged down a kick and pounced on the loose ball to score. Evans added his fourth then his fifth as the Island added forty one unanswered points. As the home side tired Farnborough used their forwards to control close ball and were rewarded with two tries.

But the Island were to have the last say in the game as, aptly in his last game, Nick Puckett crashed over to conclude the scoring. All players should be proud of the resilience and determination shown to produce this performance to keep them in Hampshire one.

IWRFC: S Tyson, A Lillington, D Taylor, N Puckett, G Paisley, N Brading, B Evans, E Lynch, J Nicholls, J Curran, A White, A Thomas, D Jennings, M Newnham, I Puzey, C Williams, N Harrison, J Caccia.