Rugby: Isle of Wight take spoils in derby showdown

THERE may not have been a title at stake, but in terms of bragging rights, there was a huge derby at Wootton Rec, with the Isle of Wight side dominant in their revenge of Ventnor in Hampshire 1 on Saturday.

After two previous close encounters between the great Island rivals, which saw Ventnor win the last time they met, at Watcombe Bottom in October, the tables were turned, with IW winning by a comfortable 23-point margin on a heavy, rain-lashed pitch.

Isle of Wight's Alex Augustus in the thick of the action against Ventnor.

The Isle of Wight side came out of the blocks the more determined and took the lead in the third minute — a lead they were never to relinquish.

Taking a Ventnor line in their 22, the Island drove the ball into the visitors’ heart and moved the ball to full back Martin Smith, who ghosted in to touch down.

Isle of Wight's Angus Brown making a big tackle against Ventnor.

The visitors got themselves back into contention with a Todd Riches penalty.

Ventnor were their own worst enemy — continuously giving away penalties in their own half as Isle of Wight pegged them back.

Expert with the boot, Lewis Murray converted four of them to leave the Islanders 19-3 in front at half-time.

Ventnor's Todd Riches with the ball, who registered the side's only points with an early penalty.

Despite Ventnor having the wind at their backs after the interval, and having more ball than the home side, their attack was constantly blocked by IW’s powerful defence.

They also isolated Ventnor players, which allowed them to clear their lines into touch through the award of penalties.

Action from the Isle of Wight v Ventnor derby in Hampshire 1 on Saturday.

Ventnor were the more determined, but were unable to turn their pressure into points.

With 20 minutes left, Isle of Wight put the visitors under pressure towards their try line, and a drive led to the excellent Angus Brown crashing over.

Murray added the conversions.

Isle of Wight’s Callum Pudney wins the line-out ball.

Isle of Wight: M.Smith, Hooper, Marriott, Angus Brown, Rann, Murray, Augustus, Andrew Brown, D.Blackman, L.Blackman, Pudney, Raunigger, Newnham, McQueen, G.Smith. Subs: Blackburn, Webster, Guy.

Ventnor: Pratt, Jones, Dawson, Pemberton, Griggs, Edwards, Gough, Morton, Cook, Riches, Berry, Babington, Blake, Cooper, Teague. Subs: Harris, Savill.