IN A return to winning ways Isle of Wight RFC produced an excellent result at second placed Fareham Heathens to keep them in touch at the top, while struggling Ventnor lost without reply away at Eastleigh II, in Counties 3 Hampshire.
IW's 33-17 result was a notable triumph against the high-flying Heathens at Cams Alders on Saturday.
The visitors opened the scoring with an Andrew Brown try after strong play from the pack.
Heathens quickly levelled with a try, but big carries from centres Sam McQueen and Harri Jones-Evans, and a range of line-outs, gave IW the momentum again.
Island pressure resulted in captain Luke Blackman trotting over out wide.
Again, Heathens replied, as IW led 14-10 at the break.
The second half started well for IW, and from a line-out, Brown scored his second try.
Blackman made Fareham pay with a try under the posts to make it 26-10. But defensive errors let Heathens back in, to narrow the gap.
Appearing from nowhere with an intercept near half-way, Aaron Young raced clear to score for IW.
George Huish added his fourth conversion to set the seal a fine victory — and claim back the Mike Blow Memorial Shield, played for annually by the two clubs he served with distinction.
Meanwhile, division rivals Ventnor were soundly beaten 37-0 at Eastleigh II.
The Islanders — stricken by injuries, player unavailability and last-minute call-offs — showed plenty of heart.
After an early Eastleigh score, Ventnor took the game to the opposition, but conceded a penalty and a second try just before half-time.
This seemed to knock the confidence out of Ventnor, who never looked like making a comeback, despite some spirited individual efforts.
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