Thanks to Edward Blake for the report and Silas Gregory for the photos.
Ventnor 1st XV 44-0 Southsea Nomads 1st XV
A day hit with nippy conditions took a bit of heat out of Round 5 of the Snows Group Hampshire 2 match between Ventnor and their geographically closest neighbour.
Nomads had originally stated that they would not be playing this fixture, but a last minute change of heart saw it commence at a slightly earlier than usual time of 1pm.
Good start
Ventnor started well, keeping almost complete possession of the ball and the first try soon came in through Sam Lines. This was followed up by a try from Jake Babington. Ventnor thought this might open the floodgates but it didn’t; in fact things slowed down quite a bit and just before the end of the half, a decision was to take a shot at goal from a penalty to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
Fergus Kenny slotted home the three points, along with three conversions throughout the match. Before the end of the half Ross Harris threw a wide pass to Ed Blake, who scored in the corner to make the halftime score 22-0.
Accuracy and decision making needed
With the change of ends, player/coach Damien Marriott took the chance to remind players about how they’d succeeded in the previous games this season. Accuracy and decision making were the key things to put this game to bed.
The first try of the second half went to Jake Babington for his second. Nomads then had a chance to put some points on the board, but missed a kickable penalty. A brace of tries from AJ Wells Man of the Match, Lewis Jones gave him a match to remember and a final try from Paul Berry sealed the bonus point win.
Injuries hit Nomads hard throughout the game. They were forced to bring on their chairman, in return Ventnor brought on theirs – Nolan Winter, whose foray earned him the Ventnor Haven Fishery ‘Cod Eye of the Day’ award.
Another bonus point win which puts Ventnor in a good position before they head up to league leaders Alresford in two weeks time.
Thank you
Thank you to match sponsors Boabab Gardens, Stewart Blackmore, Island Auction Rooms, Besozzi’s Life Changing Lasagna and Island Food Services.
Team: Newbery, Jones, Gilbert, Pemberton, Morley, Magnursson, Williams, Penner, Berry, Kenny, Blake, Lines, Babington, Harris, Marriott. Subs: Winter, Dawson, Newman, Wilkinson.
Image: © Silas Gregory
