A magnificent match between two pretty equal sides saw the Isle of Wight Islanders suffer a 50-43 home Premier Trophy loss to Rye House at Smallbrook last night.

The Islanders, heavily criticised for their home defeat by Somerset last week, put in a much better performance against the 2005 league Champions but didn't quite have strength in depth to pull off their first win of 2006.

With both Jason Doyle and Krister Marsh declared race fit, but clearly not 100 per cent, it was once again a backs to the wall job for the hosts, but they battled for every point with Chris Holder, Jason Bunyan and Kryzstof Stojanowski particularly impressive.

Rye, though, had a real sting in their tail in the form of 17-year-old Steve Boxall from Maidstone, who claimed his first ever maximum riding from reserve.

And it was at reserve that the difference between the two sides showed, with Rye winning 15-5.

Heat 12 virtually settled things as Rye slammed in another 5-1 over Marsh and Simmons to lead 42-30.

Their was a glimmer of hope in the 13th as a tactical ride for Holder and some brilliant team riding by Bunyan saw the Islanders close the gap to five points.

Isle Of Wight: Chris Holder 14+1, Jason Doyle 2, Krister Marsh 3+1, Krzysztof Stojanowski 10, Jason Bunyan 9+3, Daniel Giffard 5, Nick Simmons 0.

Rye House: Ross Brady 7, Jamie Courtney 4+1, Edward Kennett 10+1, Tommy Allen 2,3,1,1 = 7, Chris Neath 7, Luke Bowen 2+1, Steve Boxall 13+2