West Warwick pulled away late to defeat Aquidneck Island Wrestling 49-30 on Tuesday night at Portsmouth High School in the home team’s first home match of the season.

The two teams battled back and forth through most of the night, with Aquidneck Island rallying to take a 24-22 lead after Cashman Downes won at 150 pounds in the third period. But the Wizards closed out the match strong, winning the final four bouts to pull away.

West Warwick’s Ronnie Malloy set the tone early with a first-period pin over Luis Lopez at 106 pounds. Aquidneck’s Aidan Rushton answered with a forfeit victory at 113 pounds to knot the score at 6-6.

Chris Duarte provided a highlight for Aquidneck with a 44-second pin at 132 pounds. Haynex Schmidt (144 pounds), Downes (150 pounds), and Mike Gagal (190 pounds) also recorded victories for the home team.

All photos by Justin Walker/What’sUpNewp.

Justin Walker is a Newport County native who specializes in sports, portraits, weddings and events as a freelance photographer around New England. Justin has over a decade of experience starting in college covering high profile events, collegiate and professional sports in Washington, D.C. His photojournalism and freelance work can be seen in various local and national publications. Check out his work at justinlwalkerphotography.com!