Joy of six for Eastleigh (From Daily Echo)

Joy of six for Eastleigh

4:26pm Wednesday 2nd November 2011 in Rugby

Eastleigh enjoyed a day trip to the Isle of Wight – returning to Bishopstoke Road with another important bonus point win.

The 45-11 victory keeps them in second place and on the same points as leaders Fordingbridge in a nailbiting battle to dominte Snows Group Hampshire 1.

Eastleigh, though, had to suffer some pressure before they could get into their stride.

The Islanders made good use of their sloping pitch and the wind to put their guests on the back foot for 25 minutes.

Eastleigh went behind to a couple of penalties but had the upper hand after 40 minutes with tries from man-of-the-match Dave Craddock and Paul Fudio – both converted by fly-half Phil Baldwin.

They crossed the line within a minute of the restart with a backs’ move that started in their own 22, centre Martin Kirby grounding the ball.

Further scores came from Baldwin, a brace for Paul Talor and one from Jack Curtis, along with three more conversions.

Eastleigh coach Andy Boyes said: “Isle of Wight made it difficult for us in the first 25 minutes and I was pleased to only concede six points.

“The guys didn’t panic and took control and we ground out a good victory against a strong team.”

Fordingbridge thrashed Petersfield, who were relegated alongside them to Hampshire 1 last season, 53-0 at The Recreation Ground.

Steve Brown, right, took over kicking duties for injured skipper Mat Norton and was named his side’s man of the match.

Dan Brown, Dee Stone and Tim Donnell crossed the line twice during the onesided encounter and further tries came from Adam Glenn and Paddy Flood.

Millbrook joined the chasing pack when they inflicted defeat on US Portsmouth at Five Acres.

Brook were looking to take the game to the Services side and did that when Rich Colmer’s penalty was followed by a try from tough tackling second row Luke Wilson.

Then a superb kick and chase saw the backs win the ball and spin it out wide to winger Mike Randell, who held off a tackler to score for a 13-0 half-time lead.

US Portsmouth retaliated with a converted try after the break but Brook’s advantage was restored when Colmer intercepted and touched down before converting.

Winger Randell also picked up an interception and took the ball over the line to bring up Brook’s bonus point.

Millbrook were reduced to 14 when centre Mike Cronin was sin binned and a late converted try from the visitors was too little, too late to affect the outcome.

Romsey’s revival continued at the Sports Centre. They defeated bottom side Farnborough 22-5 to take up a mid-table position.