RUGBY
Andover II 40, Ryde 17
DESPITE a better performance from Ryde in this Merit Two match, they were ultimately outclassed by Andover II, a side who had been relegated from Merit One last season.
Ryde fielded a depleted squad, with several key players missing, so they knew they would be in for a tough game, and so it proved.
They hosts went 6-0 ahead with two penalty kicks, but Ryde took the lead when Wilks Lettings man of the match Josh Sayers led a charge, which resulted in Vince Kennedy touching down and converting.
Stung into action, Andover hit back with two tries, one converted, before the break.
Ryde started the second half in scintillating fashion and tries from Rob Knight and Ben Cox made it 18-17.
But Andover pulled away for the win.
Falcon man of the match was Paul Roberts.