IWRFC 24 v Sandown & Shanklin 2nds 26 - 04/04/2011

A local derby match that showed how two old rivals can produce expansive and open rugby, compete for every ball and come off the pitch with mutual respect. With the Island needing a run out ahead of their vital league match at the weekend, Sandown came to Wootton Rec aiming to win the second encounter between the sides this year. Just as in the first it was to prove a close and entertaining match.

Early advantage went to the visitors as a drive from their line led to Chris Perfect crashing over. This woke the Island up and their pressure created turn over ball, yet Hurricanes defence kept them at bay.

It was from another line, stolen by the Island, that led to a strong run by centre Ali Gates and the momentum was maintained as James Curran picked to score, with Neil Brading adding the kick.

The home side then seemed to lose focus as a strong run by Alex Hiscock took the visitors ahead, with Tom Monks adding the conversion.

It was now that the Island pack started to gain the upper hand, and attacking from scrum ball, down the back line and then recycled allowed Ed lynch to pull the sides level. With the game all square, everything was to play for in the second half. An island driving maul led to Martin Newnham scoring, with Brading adding the kick. This seemed to galvanise the home side and continued forward pressure was rewarded when Brett Evans scored.

The Hurricanes were not to be outdone and back came the response with Adam Tyas finishing off some sustained pressure. Monks again on target for the extra points.

With minutes to go, Simon Mayne ran at gaps in open play to score the decisive try. Yet pressure was on the kick, and Monks again obliged.

Both sides can take much out of this game with the style of rugby they were attempting to play and the youth potential on show, with the Island fielding their youngest side for a number of years.

Next week the Island face their last league game of the season against Farnborough knowing that a result would keep them above Southampton and the likelihood of remaining in Hampshire 1. Kick off at 3pm at Wootton Rec.

IWRFC: S Tyson, A Lillington, J Collinson, A Gates, J Caccia, N Brading, B Evans, E Lynch, J Nicholls, J Curran, N Harrison, A Thomas, D Jennings, M Newnham, I Puzey, C Courtney, B Frost-Jones.

Sandown: S Perfect, A Tyas, T Eldridge, J Misleback, C Perfect, M Barrett, A Gough, N Healan, M Cooper, R Edmonds, A Hiscock, A Morey, M Jones, S Ayres, T Monks, H Booth, S Routledge, T Borrer, L Berry, S Maine