Isle of Wight fall to Christchurch in thrilling encounter

It was an entertaining encounter at Wootton Rec, with the Islanders punished for defensive lapses at key moments.

The hosts were dealt a blow just three minutes in, with fly-half Neil Brading forced off through injury, and spent the bulk of the first half-hour defending their own territory.

Finlay Lockhart and Colin Stretch gave good accounts of themselves, limiting the visitors, who eventually crashed over to take a 7-0 lead on 20 minutes.

Isle of Wight II against Christchurch II. (Image: Isle of Wight Rugby Club)

The Islanders rallied, gaining a foothold and beginning to impose themselves, but it was Christchurch who struck next – a mazy run the Islanders couldn’t halt.

But the score spurred the hosts into action, with a fantastic break by Brian Fu supported by Joss Spence, who touched down to cut the deficit to 15-5 at the break.

Second half, the home side continued their ascendancy; Dan Bishop crashing over in the wake of a spell of multi-phase pressure.

Isle of Wight II against Christchurch II. (Image: Isle of Wight Rugby Club)

Geoff Scandrett added the conversion to take the score to 12-12.

The visitors did well to halt the Islanders’ momentum thereafter, and punished them for a loss of concentration.

The game ended 11-22.