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Mens 2nd XV Match Reports
2004 - 2005
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Date: Saturday 16th April 2005
Result: Isle of Wight II XV 15pts
V's Island Select 24 pts |
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The Island second team ended their season in defeat at Wootton, against a strong side containing players from Ventnor, Sandown/Shanklin and the Island club itself. The visitors' stronger forward pack took its toll, particularly in the scrum.
The first half involved a seesaw struggle for the lead, as it changed hands regularly. Newcomer Luke Misson was first to score for the home side, and speedster Blake Samson crossed twice to keep them in touch trailing 19-15 at the break.
Losing Will Peters at halftime was a blow to the hosts, and the visitors turned the screw up front, with captain Babington and usual IW players Richard and Paul Simpson prominent. An early try proved the last score of the game and it finished 24-15 to the visitors, despite the best efforts of Andy Woodbridge, Lee Redfern, and father and son pairing Hamish and Rory Wilson.
IW: R. Wilson, Butchers, Peters, Leahy(c), Samson, Woodbridge, Powell, Misson, D. Maunder, Redfern, Lees, Byrne, Love, H. Wilson. Replacement: Beaton.
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Date: Saturday 9th April 2005
Result: United Services Portsmouth II XV 70pts V's Isle of Wight II XV 5pts |
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The Island second string was overwhelmed before a large crowd at Burnaby Road, Portsmouth. Against a Services side containing a number of regular first-teamers and described by their captain as "our strongest ever", the game Islanders were overpowered and outpaced all over the park.
The gap in power and fitness was evident throughout as the hosts were quicker to the breakdown and stronger in the set pieces. However, the Island never gave up stringing together some good passages of play, and got their reward midway through the second half when Matt Debecki offloaded in the tackle for South African Johan Venter to force his way over. Best for the Island were Nick Bibby, John Maunder and man of the match Guillaume Pellat.
IW: Leahy, Finn, Venter, Pellat, Wright, Beaton, Woodbridge, Scovell, Love, Metcalfe, Redfern, Bibby, Debecki, J. Maunder, Collins. Replacement: Byrne.
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Date: Saturday 2nd April 2005
Result: Eastleigh II XV 15pts V's Isle of Wight II XV 13pts |
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A makeshift Island side with several newcomers and late defections travelled to Eastleigh and were unlucky not to come away with a win. The Island pressurised the hosts for the last quarter but were unable to find the cohesion to break down their defence. In warm and sunny conditions, the Island made light of the narrow pitch and gave their pacy backs plenty of chances to impress in the early stages. After 15 minutes the forwards made significant inroads, and from ball moved left, stand-off Dan Owen parted to fullback Rory Wilson who straightened the line and found Captain Kieran Leahy. Leahy rounded his man to score out wide, and Owen was unlucky with the tricky conversion. Eastleigh forwards then regained control, and assumed the lead with a converted try, but the Island roared back with their best spell of the game. Superb handling and forward momentum was generated, and the visitors went close several times, before Owen was able to send Leahy over for his second try. Further pressure followed but the Island had to settle for an Owen penalty. A pulsating half ended with Eastleigh scoring from a close range maul, and trailing 13-12 at the break.
The second half was a very different story as Eastleigh rejigged their side and tightened their defences, regaining the lead quickly with a penalty. For the remainder of the game the Island enjoyed the majority of possession, and despite the probings of scrum-half Brett Evans and new French centre Guillaume Pellat, could never get into scoring range. The injury-enforced departure of Owen with 10 minutes remaining proved the final nail in the Island's coffin. However, they will take heart from a competent performance in which others to impress included Angus Millar, Mark Wainwright, the Maunder brothers and Andy Woodbridge.
IW: Wilson, Wright, Pellat, Millar, Leahy, Owen, Evans, New, Wainwright, Carter, D. Maunder, Bibby, Byrne, Woodbridge, J. Maunder. Replacement: Day.
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Date: Saturday 20th March 2005
Result: Sandown/Shanklin II 33pts V's Isle of Wight II 17pts |
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In an open and entertaining game at the Fairway the hosts kept their noses in front throughout, in a game closer than the score line suggests. A fast pace was set from the off with the Island in the ascendancy and unlucky not to ground the ball after crossing the line. The Island passed up a number of scoring opportunities before the Hurricanes came into the game, scoring a converted try before the end of the first quarter. Soon the visitors were able to reply with an unconverted score by Matt Debecki, now operating in the unfamiliar surroundings of fly-half. Hurricanes led 7-5 at the break.
The second half followed a similar pattern with the Island forwards gaining the upper hand, but the Hurricanes backs proving more dangerous. Tries continued to be exchanged, the Hurricanes stretching their lead each time only for the Island to riposte - firstly through a Ben Rouse try converted by Eric Wright, and then through a Lee Redfern score. Sandown/Shanklin led 21-17 entering the last five minutes, but with the game in the balance, tiredness led to missed Island tackles and the hosts scored two tries converting one. Victory was deserved but the Island will kick themselves for passing up a winning opportunity. Best for the Island were Debecki, debutant Rory Wilson, Redfern and man of the match Andy Woodbridge.
IW: Leahy, Finn, Millar, Debecki, Venter, Wilson, Woodbridge, Byrne, Love, Powell, Rouse, Redfern, Lees, Davis, Collins. Replacement: Wright.
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Date: Saturday 5th March 2005
Result:Gosport & Fareham III XV 29pts V's Isle of Wight II XV 14pts |
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Strong Island Performance no match for Gosport & Fareham
The Island second string suffered a third successive defeat, but will be satisfied with their performance against the high-flying and well-drilled hosts. The Islanders did not help their cause early on with some dropped possession and sloppy turnovers, and trailed by 14-0 at the end of the first quarter. Thereafter, the forwards asserted themselves and the backs made some inroads, and some concerted pressure led to the Island's opening score five minutes before half-time. Debutante recruit from Fordingbridge Dave Gogin made the initial incision, and when the ball was moved right Richard Simpson set the ball up for fellow front rower Tim Cole to touch down. Paul Courage converted and the Island were within a score at the break. Prop Sandy Powell was forced off at half time and the hosts started strongly with an unconverted try. Again however, the Island forwards reacted well and man of the match Gogin was unlucky not to be awarded a try after grounding following a powerful maul. The pressure told however, as Courage and Neil Emerson worked Andy Woodbridge into space to score, Courage converting. The visitors were now confident of victory, but a long-range drop goal and the loss of Lee Redfern to injury served to put the game out of reach, Gosport scoring once more before the end for a 29-14 final score. Others to impress for the Island included Will Peters, Chris Lees and Mark Allen.
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IW: Emerson, Millar, Woodbridge, Peters, Leahy, Courage, Farmer, Powell, R. Simpson, Cole, Redfern, Lees, Allen, Gogin, Collins. Replacements: Venter, Metcalf and Sawle.
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Date: Saturday 26th February 2005
Result: Ventnor 41pts V's Isle of Wight II 10pts |
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Island struggle at Watcombe Bottom
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The resurgent Ventnor second string had a convincing victory over a depleted Island side at Watcombe Bottom. The Islanders played the first half with 14 men owing to late unavailability, and Ventnor made full use of the advantage to build a convincing halftime lead. The early minutes were even, but into a diagonal breeze, Ventnor showed better hands and ball retention, and established a 17-0 lead, the Island missing two straightforward penalty kicks. The visitors then spent more time in home territory, and from a five-metre tap penalty Lee Redfern burrowed over. Ventnor scored again before halftime, just as Nick Robbins was introduced to bring the Island team back to full strength. The score at half-time was 24-5.
The second half was more even, though Ventnor were more economical with their chances. They drew first blood, before again the Islanders had a lengthy period
of dominance. Chris 'Tiger' Byrne was living up to the hype with an all-action performance in the back row and then at wing. Eventually, returning centre Nick Puckett broke two tackles from close range to score. Ventnor's key men continued to be influential though, bringing the final score to 41-10.
Best for the Island were James Burt, Nick Farmer, Dave Metcalf, Dan Maunder and man of the match Mark Allen.
Team: Leahy, Wright, Woodbridge, N. Puckett, Burt, Farmer, Powell, Love, Metcalf, Maunder, Redfern, Allen, Byrne, Collins. Replacement: Robbins.
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Date: Saturday 19th February 2005
Result: Fordingbridge 59pts V's Isle of Wight II 7pts |
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Island 2XV struggle against strong home side
A depleted Island side were heavily defeated by a strong home side in excellent conditions at Fordingbridge. Weakened by a number of late defections and the fielding of a third side, the Island played the whole game with 14 men and a number of players out of position. The Island produced some good passages of rugby in both halves but found it difficult to come to terms with the power of the Fordingbridge 15, especially their backs. The loss of fly-half Matt Beaton to a suspected broken nose shortly before halftime was another blow, with club stalwart R. Sole forced to play at stand-off. 26-0 was the halftime deficit.
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After conceding shortly after the restart, the Island exerted some sustained pressure and finally got their reward. Man of the match Matt Pattinson collected a wayward Fordingbridge clearance and offloaded out of the tackle to fullback Kieran Leahy, who likewise found Andy Woodbridge. The latter employed his usual elusive running to score under the posts, R. Sole converting. Yet Fordingbridge, stung by this, scored four more tries before the end.
Others to impress for the Island included wing Johan Venter, centre Andy Reynolds, and prop Chris Fleming.
Team: Leahy, Wright, Woodbridge, Reynolds, Venter, Beaton, R. Sole, Dass, Love, Fleming, Maunder, Lees, Pattinson, Bibby. Replacement: Knight.
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Date: Saturday 15th January 2005
Result: Ryde10pts V's Isle of Wight 27pts |
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Island 2nds in merit league win
The Island earned a much needed merit league win at Ryde High School on Saturday, with a strong overall performance which deserved the points. On a short and narrow pitch there was little room for the Island backs to stretch their legs, so the emphasis was on a forward driven performance, which worked a treat.
The Island had another strong squad of 21 for this fixture, which gave coach Metcalf a pleasant headache when selecting the starting lineup. The team he picked started well, and a slick breakaway involving busy scrum-half Nick Farmer and Mark Allen enabled Richard Simpson to scorch over for a scarcely believable try. The visitors then lost there way though, as Ryde scored from a turnover to level. Then straight from the kickoff, Island backs were sucked in and Ryde made their six on two overlap count for a 10-5 lead. Kieran Leahy's charges were angered by their rapid concession of two tries and knew that a modicum of control up front would see them better the hosts. Some efficient pick and drive rugby was employed which eventually saw the returning Paul Simpson emerge with the score, converted by Matt Kemp for a 12-10 lead. Ryde still posed problems but the Island had by now woken up, and their forward supremacy led to another try from Lee Redfern. At half time the score was 17-10.
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Coach Metcalf made four changes at halftime, and the introduction of Simon Boulter, returning from his brush with the mumps, at no. 8 was central to the Island's sealing of the game. Some marvellous phases were strung together with Boulter, Simmo, and Kevin Scovell especially prominent, and after determined Ryde resistance it was Scovell who gleefully drove over. He then promptly got himself sin-binned for equally gleefully getting involved in a minor incident at a ruck. The loss saw Ryde get on top in the scrums for a period, but the visitors weathered the storm, as some good running by replacements Dan Taylor and Eric Wright helped to maintain field position. On the hour mark Boulter received the ball 30 yards out and advanced - some called it greed but the tacklers failed to halt him and he made it all the way for a fine individual try. The last quarter was open but Ryde never seriously threatened the Island line, and the final score was 27-10.
This was an efficient Island performance despite a shaky start, against a young, pacy and improving Ryde side. Best performers were Scovell, Farmer, Allen, Boulter and man of the match Paul Simpson, whose big dirty handoffs were a regular feature of the game.
IW: Beaton, Finn, Woodbridge, Kidd, Leahy, Kemp,Farmer, Scovell, R. Simpson, Fleming, P. Simpson, Redfern, Lees, Allen, Collins. Replacements: Venter, Wright, S. Boulter, Taylor, Love, Robbins.
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Date: Saturday 29th January 2005
Result: Fareham Heathens 51pts V's Isle of Wight II 0pts |
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Island overpowered by powerful Heathens
The Island seconds slumped to another defeat at
Heathens, taking them into the bottom half of the
table. Conditions were astonishingly bad at Fareham,
as the barely playable pitch was a patchy mix of near
quagmire and firmer ground. However, this should not
detract from the home side's efforts, as they were too
powerful and efficient for a gallant but overpowered
Island side. There were several plus points for the
defeated Islanders, as the lineout functioned
especially well. Nick Bibby was the main target and
earned man of the match, but he was helped by the
accurate throwing of first Mark Allen and later
Richard Simpson, and also some sterling lifting.
Others to show up well were the returning Lee Redfern,
fly-half Matt Kemp, Chris Fleming and evergreen prop
R. Sole.
Next Saturday afternoon the Island are entertained by
Ryde.
IW: White, Finn, R. Simpson, Beaton, Leahy, Kemp,
Woodbridge, Fleming, Allen, R. Sole, Martin, Redfern,
Robbins, Bibby, Collins.
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Date: Saturday 15th January 2005
Result: Isle of Wight 29pts V's Stoneham Park 12pts |
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Islanders Back To Winning Ways
Despite early pressure in the scrum, the Islanders set out their style of play with close support, driving mauls and movement of the ball. Taking every opportunity to turn their opponents, the Island took a quick tap penalty. Recycled ball was then moved down the three-quarter line for Will Peters to score. Stoneham hit back almost immediately, with loose ball being gathered for a try under the posts. Further Island pressure saw Edward Drake break through two tackles to score under the post. Matt Beaton converted. Back came the Park, with a try for on loan Debiki, leaving it at 12 all at half time.
Again quick ball from a penalty lead to an Island driving maul for the returning Rob Abel to touch down. This was soon followed by a break from a scrum, with Peters making a break, tackled short. Man of the Match Beaton was on hand to collect, score and convert. The home side then lost back rower Collins. Despite being down by a player the Island showed great resilience in defence as the repelled the visitors attacks for the next 15 minutes. This stout defence was a match winning performance, as again the Islanders broke out for Andy Woodbridge to round off a pleasing victory.
IW 2nd XV: Drake, Venter, Peters, Kidd, Woodbridge, Beaton, Farmer, Abel, Love, Collins, Davis, Lees, Scovell, Allen, Dass, Saunders, Brading, Dibicki
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Date: Saturday 9th October 2004
Result: Alresford II 34pts V's Isle of Wight II 0pts |
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Island lose Five Match Winning Streak
The Island seconds were clearly second best at windy Alresford, meeting a powerful and well-drilled
outfit. Yet the exchanges were close and even for long periods, the home side's strong defence and superior finishing proving decisive.
The first 15 minutes were scoreless as the Island competed well in the lineout and at the breakdown, but Alresford broke through from close range for a converted try. Island then had their best spell, with Scott Lillystone and Lloyd Collins prominent ball-carriers and newcomer Nick Robbins effective at the breakdown. In fact they crossed the Alresford line twice, once being held up and once when the referee deemed that Lillystone had not grounded. Alresford then scored against the run of play to open a 12-0 halftime advantage.
It was always going to prove difficult for the Island against the wind, and so it proved as Alresford established territorial dominance. The visitors tried everything to breach the home defence, but it held firm despite the best efforts of halfbacks Andy Woodbridge and Matt Beaton. Eventually the Island line cracked and Alresford wreaked havoc in the last 15 minutes, leaving the final score at 34-0, which was rather harsh on a gallant Island side. Man of the match was back row Tom Davis.
IW: Leahy, Finn, Butchers, Kidd, Wright, Beaton, Woodbridge, Saunders, Scovell, Lillystone, Rupert,
Jules, Davis, Robbins, Collins
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Date: Saturday 18th December 2004
Result: Fawley 13pts V's Isle of Wight 33pts |
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Island Win Entertaining Game
A depleted Island side put up a fine showing on the
mainland on Saturday, dealing with the strong Fawley
challenge in a friendly which provided great
entertainment for the crowd.
From the outset it became obvious that Fawley were up
for this one, seeking a higher division scalp. It was
their especially powerful scrum and weak Island
defence that led to their opening score, a converted
try. The Island strove hard for the first half, but
without reward until a fine Will Peters break just on
halftime. He was backed up by Andy Woodbridge who
found Dan Taylor to score. Paul Courage converted for
a 7-7 halftime score.
The Island started the second half in devastating
form, as with his first touch replacement Eric Wright found Peters to score, and soon after Woodbridge sneaked over following relentless pressure. Courage converted both for a 21-7 lead. Fawley were not
finished though, and scored a fine converted try to
halve the gap.
Though under pressure in the setpieces, the Island
forwards did well led by 'new' flankers Phil Hemopo and Neil Brading, while the backs cut through at will, especially centres Taylor and man of the match Peters. It was Hemopo who made the break to set Matt Beaton clear for try number four, to which Courage again added the extras. Then, after another Taylor break, the ball was recycled to Jan Butchers who bewildered his own teammates and Fawley with an audacious chip and chase score. The hosts showed their spirit by scoring last to leave the final score at 33-19. Others to impress for the Island included Ollie Boulter and Brett Shepherd.
IW: Beaton, Finn, Peters, Taylor, Leahy, Courage,
Woodbridge, Dass, Love, O. Boulter, Shepherd, Lees,
Hemopo, Brading (c), Collins. Replacements: Butchers,
Wright.
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Date: Saturday 4th December 2004
Result: Isle of Wight II 32pts V's Ryde 17pts |
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Hard earned win extends winning form!
The Island extended their winning run to four with victory over fellow Islanders Ryde in perfect conditions at Wootton. The win was hard earned as Ryde, true to form, were spirited and determined opponents.
The home side were quick into their stride and after a spell of pressure, the ball was worked wide for winger Richard Simpson - returning after shoulder surgery - who barrelled over and scored his first ever try for the Island. Then the forwards made the hard yards before debut centre Edward Drake crossed for a 10-0 lead. Ryde were not out of it though, and soon registered their first try. The Island were dominant all over the pitch nevertheless, and guest Irish centre Tom Casey broke two tackles to score, before a turnover saw no. 8 Lloyd Collins gather and burst through for a fine individual try. At halftime the score was 20-5 to the Island.
The home side continued to exert control though the forward exchanges were never less than close and whole-hearted. Casey was again set free to score his second, to which he confidently added the conversion. Ryde replied with a seven-pointer despite Simpson's best efforts, but Drake got his reward for 80 minutes of hard, straight running with his second try. Still it was Ryde who had the last word with a clever chip and chase try in the last minute, leaving the final score at 32-17. Others to impress for an in-form Island included Dan Maunder and debutante flanker Mark Allen.
IW: Leahy, Wright, Casey, Drake, Simpson, Kidd, Farmer, Scovell, Gascoigne, Fleming, Maunder, Bibby, Allen, Woodbridge, and Collins.
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Date: Saturday 27th November 2004
Result: Isle of Wight II 29pts V's Eastleigh II 17pts |
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Island extended their winning run
The Island extended their winning run in an entertaining clash at Wootton on Saturday. In soft underfoot conditions but good weather, the Island's greater penetration out wide was the difference between the sides. The early exchanges were closely fought but the home side hit the front with a try scored by full-back Kieran Leahy in the left corner, after a crafty double loop by Phil Hemopo. Eastleigh levelled quickly after an Island turnover, but the home side were on top and Andy Woodbridge's alertness saw him split the defence from a quick tap and score. Shortly before half-time, Jan Butchers' well-timed pass allowed wing Eric Wright to scorch clear from inside his own half to touch down. Hemopo added the extras for a 17-5 halftime lead.
The loss of influential prop Aaron Parkman left the Island one short for the entire second half, and Eastleigh managed two quick tries to level the score at 17-17. It was now that the Island's need was greatest, and they responded with Wright scoring his second in the right corner, Hemopo again the architect. James Burt was next to succumb to injury, but despite being two players short the Island had the last word with a fine individual try by Hemopo, converted by himself. 29-17 was a satisfying final score for the hosts. B est for the Island were Wright, Hemopo and debutant second row Dan Maunder.
Team: Leahy (c), Wright, Butchers, Wainwright, Burt, Hemopo, Love, Parkman, Maunder, Davis, Woodbridge, Collins, Attrill.
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Date: Saturday 6th November 2004
Result: Overton II XV 12pts V's Isle of Wight II 21pts |
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Back to Back Victories for Island 2nd XV
Overton 2nds 12 IW 2nds 21 The Islanders made it back-to-back victories in North Hampshire on Saturday with a hard fought triumph over a physical home side. Overton's strength lay in their pack and the Island had to work hard to subdue them before unleashing their backs. A much changed Island side were slow to settle and a deceptive bounce allowed Overton an early converted try. The Island were using possession well though and moving the hosts around the pitch. After 20 minutes, Phil Hemopo moved quick ruck ball to Neil Emerson, who found Will Peters. Peters' skip pass enabled IOW 2nd XV Captain Kieran Leahy to touch down in the corner, and Emerson landed the touchline conversion to level the scores. Shortly afterwards centre Peters ripped the ball from his opposite number on halfway and sprinted in for a superb individual score, improved by Emerson.
Halftime saw the Island leading 14-7. The Overton forwards came out fired up and caught the Island sleeping to score out wide and narrow the gap to 14-12. Matters then grew indisciplined as the referee was forced to sinbin an Overton forward, but the Island kept their composure and after a long spell of pressure, Emerson sold a dummy to slip over for the clinching score. He himself converted for a 100% placekicking record (apart from an ambitious and wayward drop goal attempt). From then until the whistle Overton never looked dangerous and the Island looked most likely to score again. Best for a spirited Island were Peters, Emerson, Hemopo, Sawle and man of the match flanker Paul Attrill.
Team: Metcalf, Finn, Woodbridge, Peters, Leahy, Emerson, Hemopo, Cole, Love, James, Puckett, Lees, Attrill, Bibby, Sawle.
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Date: Saturday 30th October 2004
Result: Isle of Wight II 32pts V's Alresford II 27pts |
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Island 2nd XV Record 1st Win of Season
The Island recorded their first win of the season in a thriller at unseasonably warm Wootton. The game featured an enjoyable mixture of gritty forward exchanges and fast-moving back play, and yielded a total of ten tries, six to the Islanders.
The home side were quick into their stride and new prop Aaron Partman burst over from outside the 22. Marvellous team tries followed, finished by experienced hooker John Gascoigne and scrum-half Andy Woodbridge, as the Island raced into a 15-0 lead in as
many minutes. The side let their collective guard down, however, and Alresford fought back to 15-12 by the break.
The second half proved a ding-dong battle with the lead changing hands on several occasions. Scott Lillystone touched down after a well-orchestrated forward drive, and then new player Dave Rees, switched from back row to wing at halftime, raced home from 80
yards to put the Island back in the lead at 25-24. However, Alresford were doing well up front and forced a penalty, which was kicked accurately, to leave the score at 27-25 entering the last five minutes. The Island continued to take the game to the opposition, and another burst by Partman set up a superb multi-phase try, with the ball passing through many pairs of hands until wing Jan Butchers stepped inside his man to score. Matt Beaton converted with the last kick of the game to put the gloss on a dramatic victory. Best for a delighted home side were Keith Ross, Scott Lillystone, Andy Woodbridge and man of the match Aaron Partman.
Team: Leahy, Butchers, Kidd, Peters, Love, Beaton, Woodbridge, Scovell, Gascoigne, Partman, Lillystone, Ross, Saunders, Rees, Davies.
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Date: Saturday 9th October 2004
Result: Isle of Wight II 5pts V's Fareham Heathens II 98pts |
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Island give much improved performance
The Island gave a much improved performance but still managed to be trounced at windy Wootton. The home side had a 20 strong squad to choose from and started very strongly, with scrum-half Nick Farmer probing and Mark Wainwright testing the opposite defence. Eventually James Burt ran an excellent line and burst through for the opening score. The Island defence was also holding up but after 20 minutes, Heathens broke through to score, and added further scores in quick succession. The home side were dogged by constantly turning the ball over and seeing Heathens profit - the visitors only really created two of their many tries, while all others came from Island possession and were gleefully finished by young, pacy Heathens backs. Half time saw the score at 39-5.
Island scrummaging was superb throughout with the front row of Boulter, Gascoigne and Roche starring, but possession continued to be surrendered and the score was a bewildering 5-98 by the final whistle. Man of the match for the Island was Tom Love, closely followed by new centre Rees.
Team: Burt, Leahy(C), Rees, Wainwright, Woodbridge, Williams, Farmer, O. Boulter, Gascoigne, Roche, Lees, Darroll, Davies, Love, Collins. Replacements: Finn, Wright, Saunders, Attrill, Byrne.
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Date: Saturday 2nd October 2004
Result: Isle of Wight II 10pts V's Gosport III 72pts |
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Gosport backs Cause Island Problems
The Island were outclassed by the classy and powerful visitors at a sunny but windy Wootton. From the off it became obvious that the fast, strong Gosport backs would cause problems and they raced into a 20-0 lead in as many minutes. The Island were beaten up front and starved of possession, but eventually good ruck ball was won, scrum-half Woodbridge spun it out to Williams, in turn to Roche, and Blake Samson sped outside his opposite centre and the cover to score in the corner. This was a brief respite though, as the visitors turned over 39-5 in front.
The whole game was peppered by Island injuries, and the team would end up with only 14 players for the last 30 minutes. Keith Ross only lasted 5 minutes with a dislocated finger, Chris Fleming fractured two ribs, and Jan Butchers pulled a calf muscle, while others bravely played on despite numerous ailments. Possession grew scarcer and the score widened to 72-5, before the score of the game. Island were awarded a penalty under their own posts, and returnee Scott Lillystone threw a high-risk but successful pass to Samson, who proceeded to beat four defenders and race 100 yards to score.
Best for a gallant but outclassed Island were Samson, new Irish wing Noel Finn, Woodbridge and man of the match James Burt with several powerful breaks from fullback.
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Date: Saturday 25th September 2004
Result: Isle of Wight II V's New Milton III |
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Report Pending
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