Isle of Wight fall to heavy home defeat to United Services

ISLE OF WIGHT RFC 19, UNITED SERVICES PORTSMOUTH 56

The home side, forced to make six changes due to injuries and other player commitments, managed to stave off the visitors' pressure initially, conceding only a penalty goal in the opening exchanges.

Despite all of Portsmouth's early pressure, IWRFC chalked up their first try after 15 minutes, with a breakaway move involving Dave Hanson and Sam McQueen — finished off by fly-half George Huish.

IWRFC score a try against United Services Portsmouth at Wootton Rec on Saturday. (Image: Katherine Overton) His conversion gave the Islanders a brief 7-3 lead.

However, Portsmouth quickly regained control — stretching the Isle of Wight defence and running them ragged from all directions.

Two more tries saw the visitors sweep into a 17-7 lead.

IWRFC, however, continued to compete well, with Luke Blackman touching down under the posts after a series of penalties and a five-metre scrum — bringing the score to within three points.

IWRFC (with the ball) in action against United Services Portsmouth at Wootton Rec on Saturday. (Image: Katherine Overton) Portsmouth's two centres were particularly impressive — repeatedly breaking through the Islanders' defence.

Subsequently, two more tries extended their lead to 29-14 at the break.

Despite strong performances from Ian Bennett and returning winger, James Fitton, IWRFC struggled to contain Portsmouth in the second half.

Kevin Blackburn was yellow-carded for obstruction, which led to another Portsmouth penalty goal.

Portsmouth added more tries at intervals during the second period, scoring eight in total.

The hosts, to their credit, never gave up and scored the final try through Huish.