The Mens 1st XI started the season with a much changed, youthful and exciting team – the average player age has decreased by about 10 years since last season! With this has come energy, motivation and exciting talent, mixed with some steep learning curves.

The game began at a very high speed as Romsey were keen to stamp their mark on what they saw as a winnable game. Attacks were repelled and counter attacks at times looked very positive. Romsey did manage to score a couple of goals but the island were unfortunate to have one of their own disallowed after a very skillful deflection into the net by Wightlink Man of the Match Alex Breach. In the second half a goal was pulled back when, following a short corner, debutant Tom Turney smashed a bouncing ball first time with a drive straight out of the cricket manual and into the top corner! Hopefully the first of many for a very promising forward. Not to be outdone, the youth in the side demonstrated some great skill and interplay. Bailey Woodford, Pete Wright, Joe Arnold, Ethan Edmunds-Lamb, Alex Breach and Tomas Turjanicová were at times unplayable, and one final pass away from getting the goals they deserved.

The squad tired toward the end of the game and injuries put players in unfamiliar positions resulting in a two more goals for Romsey. The 4-1 scoreline flattered the opposition but it did not take away from the buzz and excitement about the rest of the season if the right mix of experience and youth can be found.