Thanks to Nolan for sharing this latest rugby report from the Ventnor RFC. Ed
Southampton 1st XV 0-10 Ventnor 1st XV
The Islanders travelled over with a number of key players missing due to injury, meaning players being called up from the second team and asked to step up. As well as some members of the team having to play out of position.
Ventnor started well, the same as the week before by getting an early try. The ball was worked well round the field with nearly the whole team being involved at some point before Daniel Newbury broke through a tackle to open the scoring.
Southampton came back strong as suspected and the visitors penalty count kept mounting, this eventually led to a sin bin for Sam Pickard. The home side had three opportunities to try and put some points on the board by opting to kick but were unable to convert any.
The rest of the half stayed at 0-5, with Ventnor seeing little of the ball and doing the majority of defending which was faultless and unwavering.
Refocused for second half
The half time break gave Ventnor the chance to regroup and get themselves focused on what they needed to improve on. When Ventnor have the ball in hand they are able to play some of their best rugby. Which is exactly what happened in the second half. They were able to capitalise after the backs were released and their speed and movement created space for Ross Harris to score the second try.
Not long after this there was a big tackle put in by Sam Pickard on their winger, looking to break through. Unfortunately in the same instance, managed to knock himself out and get concussion putting a lengthy stop to the game, with Zoe Willmot Aimes on hand to make sure of his safety. Ventnor being the team they are, had a willing volunteer in Ed Blake (who was sub for the day) gave up any playing time to go with Pickard to get him checked over at the hospital.
Once the game had restarted the Islanders were fired up and look to extend their lead. Unfortunately were unable to add any more points to the score board. Southampton would also look to try and get anything from the game, but yet again, Ventnor’s defence was solid and snuffed out any danger. A solid team performance from all 18 that travelled and to the players who stepped up and to those playing out of position.
Team: R. Simpson, L. Jones, A. Gilbert, D. Newbury, S. Pickard, G. Davies, P. Berry, T. Riches, A. Marriott, F. Kenny, R. Cooper, J. Babington, R. Harris, S. Williams, S. Lines
Subs: N. Winter, E. Blake, A. Newman
Wightlink Man of The Match: G. Davies and S. Williams
Image: sjbresnahan under CC BY 2.0
