ISLE OF WIGHT 12, FARNBOROUGH 30

TRYING to beat high-flying Farnborough proved to be tough task for the Isle of Wight in Hampshire 1 at Wootton on Saturday.

With the wind and slope in the visitors’ favour in the first half, they got off to a storming start, with a cross-field kick gathered for their first try.

A penalty added to the Farnborough total.

The bigger Farnborough pack dominated, but the Islanders held firm in the scrum throughout the game.

Stout defending, led by Dave Blackman and Rouse man-of-the-match Andrew Brown, staved off the attacks.

On a rare visit in to the visitors’ half, an IW attack broke down and they were made to pay when the ball broke for a Farnborough centre to pick it up and race to the try line unopposed, with the conversion added.

This was quickly followed by two further tries, giving IW supporters the feeling it was going to be a long day as they trailed 25-0.

However, IW showed determination and struck back.

Laying siege to the visitors’ line, a cross-field kick was gathered by Connor Grant to open the Isle of Wight’s account, with Lewis Murray adding the conversion.

IW came out for the second half rejuvenated as they moved the ball about and dominated possession and territory.

Grant Smith was a big focal point up front and the vision of Gary Warvill tested the Farnborough defence.

Committing the visitors and then moving the ball wide led to Andy Rann scoring.

Despite creating more chances, the Island were unable to cross the line again, with Farnborough, in their only attack in the Island 22 of the half, scoring a sucker punch try to prevent any further thought of a comeback.

Isle of Wight I: Grant, Reed, Rann, L.Blackman, M.Smith, Murray, Marriott, Brown, Webster, D.Blackman, Pudney, G.Smith, Newnham, McQueen, Puzey. Subs: Raunigger, Groves, Warvill.