THE Isle of Wight were soundly beaten against the Counties 2 Hampshire leaders, Havant, on the road on Saturday.  

HAVANT III 64, ISLE OF WIGHT 19

Travelling across The Solent heavily depleted, IWRFC's match was played as a friendly, with a couple of home players bolstering the Islanders' squad.

Impressive forward, Ben Hart, touched down, while IWRFC were awarded a penalty try. George Huish added a conversion.

A loaned player also scored a try.

Meanwhile, Ventnor's seconds travelled with a reduced squad and faced an uphill battle against a bulging Millbrook complement.

MILLBROOK II 70, VENTNOR II 7

The Islanders started strongly, with Luke Ottley and Bob Parker making impressive carries.

A potential try came when Will Broomfield broke through the defence, but the ball was lost before it reached the try line.

Despite their efforts, Ventnor struggled against Millbrook's depth.

A club spokesperson said: "The fight and spirit was there from start to finish, despite Millbrook’s apparent infinite number of substitutes."