ISLE OF Wight RFC began their Counties 2 Hampshire campaign with the narrowest of victories — and in dramatic fashion — over old rivals, Locksheath Pumas.
ISLE OF WIGHT 18, LOCKSHEATH PUMAS 17
The match, watched by a large crowd at Wootton Rec, was packed with thrilling moments.
Despite five Island players having completed the UK Three Peaks Challenge the previous weekend, they showed no signs of fatigue.
Both teams started aggressively on the attack, but were met with equally strong defences.
IWRFC's Danny Rackett and Ian Puzey put in notable defensive performances.
The first half saw both sides miss penalty attempts, resulting in a goalless scoreline at half-time.
Three minutes into the second half, Isle of Wight RFC broke the stalemate with a penalty from George Huish.
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The game intensified, with a confrontation at a Pumas ruck, which led to yellow cards for Puzey and his opposite number.
After Puzey was punched by the Pumas' scrum-half, the offending player was shown a red card.
With IWRFC now with a player more advantage, the pace of the game increased, which led to Huish scoring under the posts, then converting his own try, for a 10-0 lead.
The Pumas managed to score, but Huish responded with another penalty.
A line-out led to a try from Rackett, putting Isle of Wight ahead 18-5.
However, the Pumas scored a converted try, putting pressure back on Isle of Wight.
With Puzey receiving a second yellow card, were also reduced to 14 players.
In the dying moments, a Pumas line-out resulted in a try, but the conversion to win was missed, to secure Isle of Wight's victory.
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