Saturday, May 17, 2008
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ISLAND GET ONE OVER DOVER IN SEASON FINALE

Friday, May 2, 2008
Sport/Rugby
IW 43, Dover 21
AN IW XV rounded off their season in some style against touring side Dover at sunny Wootton Rec.
The Island selected from a large squad and plenty of first and second team players got game time. They fell behind after five minutes due to an intercept pass while on the attack but replied almost immediately as Nick Puckett broke blind from a scrum to score.
Sam Heighway converted to level the scores and the IW were soon in front thanks to a pushover try grounded by Matt Pattinson. Dover then scored another converted try for a 14-12 lead after 15 minutes.
Captain Dan Taylor burst through to regain the Island lead before he was on hand to touch down again after a strong Dan Stirrup run. A rampant IW rounded off the half with a try from wing Mike Dalchow, for a 31-14 halftime scoreline.
The IW rang the changes but began the second period as they ended the first, Puckett registering his second before Taylor completed his hat-trick in the 50th minute. In the heat and widespread changes, the game fizzled out somewhat after this, Dover managing the only score in the closing quarter to complete an entertaining end-of-season contest.
The club held a successful dinner dance and awards evening at East Cowes Masonic Hall. Tributes were paid to all those involved in running the club’s activities, while the following main awards were presented.
Winning the chairman’s award was Kieran Leahy while Dan Taylor won the president’s award.
Matt Pattinson was the first team’s player of the year, while John Dry was the seconds player of the year.
The players’ player of the year was Nick Puckett
Touch rugby will soon begin on Wednesdays at 7pm at Wootton Rec and more details can be found on www.iwrfc.co.uk.
• The club’s AGM will take place at the clubhouse on May 16 at 7pm.
• More rugby reports in the Friday, May 2, County Press.