By Isle of Wight Observer
IW Rugby narrowly lost 19-7 away at Haslemere in the RFU Counties Three Cup, with Haselmere maintaining their pre-season and early season momentum.
The Islanders rucked well from the start and were disappointed to concede an early score. With the home side continuing to pressure the Islanders, the half-time score was 14-0 with player-of-the-match Ben Savill inspiring a spirited defence.
Haslemere’s strength added a third try, but the Islanders sensed a tiring side and after a succession of forward drives. George Huish spotted an opportunity to score and then with conversion the Island trailed 19-7. Gritty tackling came from Huish, Jacob Wynyard-Wright and David Blackman. There were regular incursions into the opponents 22, but they were unable to convert pressure into deserved points and Haslemere progresses to the next round. The IW must now wait until October 4 for the start of their league season at Alton.
At Ventnor, the annual season curtain-raiser between the President and Chairman’s XVs was played in the usual good spirits with some pre-match antics seeing kit belonging to some players go missing. The result was a 43-12 victory for the Chairman’s XV.