Isle of Wight ladies' rugby team put up a fight in Salisbury

The Islanders' team of eight, in what was their fourth touch tournament of the season, was boosted by the host club providing two of their squad because they were unable to raise a team. 

This allowed the wolf pack, who have been short of players in previous tournaments, to substitute players as needed — a rare luxury this season.

The Wight Wolves rugby team on Sunday. (Image: Wight Wolves)

With some teams unable to play, it meant the Wolves only had four matches instead of ten. 

On a heavy pitch, the Wolves lost all four matches — most by the finest of margins.

In their opening match, Gosport and Fareham had an even first half. 

But their opponents darted through the defensive line on the turnover, to score the only try of the match.

Newly-formed Winchester saw Wolves player Phoebe Tombleson score a superb try when guesting for them. 

"Such tight score differences reflected how tough the matches were and how solid the defending that all the teams kept up," said captain, Claire Mumford.

In their third match, league leaders Andover won 3-1, but it was not made easy for them.

However, Andover broke through to score a try — quickly countered by Phoebe for the Wolves. 

But Andover came back with another try before half time, then killed the game off with their third. 

In their final match against Fordingbridge, the Wolves frustrated their opponents. before succumbing to a 2-0 defeat.

"We placed fourth in the tournament, but this was no reflection of the standard and speed at which we played," Claire added. 

The next touch tournament is at IWRFC at Wootton Rec on Sunday, January 21. 

A week earlier, the Wolves will also be hosting their Inner Warrior event, which is open to ladies and girls interested in playing rugby.