RUGBYTWO Island rugby teams are venturing into a new era this weekend as they play their first games in Hampshire 1.
Hampshire 2 champions IW, and Ventnor, who finished second, have a tough task as Ventnor hosts Andover and IW travel to Farnborough.
Ventnor, under new captain Damien Marriott, are hoping there will be a good turnout of spectators at Watcombe Bottom for the match, which kicks off at 3pm.
Club treasurer James Morton said: "This season is going to be very tough, so getting points at home, early in the season, is really important."
Ventnor’s second team, under new captain Nigel Malkin, play Alresford at Ventnor Middle School.
There is nervous excitement in the IW camp, as the side prepare for their first Hampshire 1 match.
After winning the league last year, coach Dave Metcalfe now says the pressure is off the side.
"We were so focused on achieving promotion that the pressure was really on," he said. "This year I hope we can be more free to express ourselves. It is going to be interesting to see how we cope and I am nervously excited and optimistic about our chances."
Across the leagues teams can gain a bonus point if they score four or more tries, and can also gain a point if they lose a match by less than seven points.
"What’s also good is that, even if we are trailing, there are still points to play for," he added.
The club’s second team travel to Millbrook II.
In London South West 3, Sandown and Shanklin Hurricanes face a tough test away to Old Wimbledonians. Last season the Hurricanes comfortably defeated the Wimbledonians 34-3 but away, lost by six points.
This year, the squad has been boosted by the return of Ben Allman and James Keyworth, from Hartbury College, and Tommy Booth, who has re-signed from Havant.
The influential Joe Rees is due back in October from a spell playing rugby in Canada.
The second team makes the short trip to Southampton II for their Merit 1 clash, while the club’s third team host Fareham Heathens II in Merit 2.
Ryde’s first game against Lymington Mariners in Merit 2 has been postponed due to Bestival, so their season starts on September 25 at home to Gosport and Fareham III.