The three senior Island sides were defeated against strong mainland sides, with a friendly fund-raiser, at Wootton, demonstrating the strength of the rugby family.

Hurricanes lost 69-5 away at table topping Havant II, who were crowned undefeated champions after the match, which saw a gallant Island side score a single try from Jack Winter.

In Counties Two, Hants, the injury-impacted IW Rangers lost their final home match, 34-24 to Fareham Heathens. There was a close-in try from experienced Ian Puzey, followed by the Blackman brothers combining for centre, David, to score, with George Huish converting for a 14-7 lead. The front row of Ricky Keyes, Martin Newnham, and Puzey, worked together to free Huish jinking wide to touch down, followed by a conversion, and a penalty, the half finished with the Island side two points ahead.

With momentum changing, points were hard to get, with joint players-of-the-match Prince Mutsinze and Sam McQueen, who had a score disallowed, putting in a shift, despite errors creeping in as the Rangers chased the game. There was disappointment, because they gave their all in the 34-24 loss.

In Division Three, after starting strongly, Ventnor narrowly lost 19-13 at home to Southampton. Harry Ottley slotted an early penalty, with Jack Gilbey and Iain Reeves excelling in the ruck, and player-of-the-match Lewy Morton and Joe Coghlan dogged.

Centres, Ben Cooper and Ben Bulpitt, made inroads before the Islanders went to the break 14-3 behind.

Coaches, Clive Cardwell-Hill and Todd Riches, encouraged the side to play away from the scrum. Sub Will Broomfield entered the fray, and Louis Wyatt made a spectacular sprint to score. The visitors had a player yellow-carded, seeing skipper, Ben Savill, touch down to narrow the gap to 19-13. Despite having momentum and a supportive crowd, the yellow-carding of George Collett restricted Ventnor’s options. Players and fans were disappointed to not have got something out of the match, other than a losing score bonus.

Wootton also hosted a ‘friendly’ second XV match, with players from Southampton RFC and Fareham Heathens, with the spirit of rugby winning and Team Teddy raising £565.50. The IW 2nd’s first match for over a year saw the Islanders lose 34-27, with player-of-the-match Nick Blyth exploiting a gap, followed by James Webster collecting Colin Stretch’s pass to score; but the visitors strength showed to lead 22-10 at the break.

Defensive errors proved costly, but two quick tries from the experienced Dan Bishop saw the score at 27-20 to the visitors. Joint player-of-the match Ross Edmunds converted Karl Davey’s try to level the score at 27 all, but the ref awarded a controversial try as spectators and players saw the ball grounded short of the line. In sporting spirit the Islanders accepted the decision and defeat of 34-27.

Team Teddy supports the Lily Foundation, which researches mitochondrial disease and metabolic disorders to find cures and aid affected families. IW Rugby player, Dan Ward, and his wife, Jess, were devastated when their son, Teddy, was diagnosed with life-limiting mitochondrial disease and a rare genetic heart defect. Teddy is the only UK case and one of only 55 in the world.

This weekend the Hurricanes are at home to Gosport & Fareham, IW are away at Petersfield II, and Ventnor are home to Eastleigh, with all matches due to start at 3pm.