By Isle of Wight Observer
Isle of Wight Men’s 1st XI overcame a very strong Basingstoke side, 3-2 at Smallbrook, going a goal down after 10 minutes.
Outstanding goal-keeping, from Steph Boyd, driving attacks from Sam Challis and Adam Payne saw the Islanders equalise before the break. Scoring twice in the second half, a Reuben Smallwood-Butler field goal and penalty corner winner secured a win under the floodlights.
The 2nd XI won 3-0 away at Portsmouth to move to fifth in Solent 1.
Ladies’ 1st XI secured a well-earned 1-1 draw away at second-placed Romsey in Division Two South.
The 2nd XI were disappointed to lose 8-3, in Solent One, to a table-topping Gosport Borough side. Sienna Holbrook scored twice for the Islanders from penalty corners, and Aly Townend scored from the edge of the D, in a match where the youthful Island side ran and competed throughout the match.
This weekend, the 1st XI travel to Haslemere in Division Two South, and 2nd XI welcome Trojans, when a win would move them to fourth place. Island Ladies’ 1st XI entertain Hamble, with the 2nd XI travelling to Chichester.