Thanks to Nolan for this latest report from Ventnor RFC. Ed
Locksheath Pumas RFC 2nd XV 7-7 Ventnor RFC 2nd XV
With neither Ventnor team having a league game this weekend, Captain for the day and ex-South African under-15 international, Jacobus Stemmet, led a mixed first/second string to Locksheath for a friendly encounter.
Neither team threatened to score until Man of the Match, Ross Harris, pounced on a loose ball midway through the first half. Harris used his footballing skills to dribble over the line and touch down ahead of the Locksheath defence. Warren Riches dually converting the try for a 7-0 half time lead.
Tight defensive lines continue
The second half began as the first had ended with tight defensive lines and strong forward play. Ventnor engineered an opening for winger Darryl Bolton to use his speed and skill. However, as Bolton neared the try line he fell, knocking the ball on.
The true cost of this handling error was not realised until, with ten minutes to go, Locksheath finally broke the Ventnor line and scored a converted try under the posts.
Final push
Not settling for the draw, Ventnor pushed for the final ten minutes, but with tiring legs could not make and more scoring opportunities.
Squad: R. Simpson, B. Saville, A. Gilbert, J. Blake, N. Winter, T. Engelgardt, J. Stemmet, S. Williams, R. Cooper, S. Lines, R. Harris, A. Newnham, D. Bolton, E. Blake, W. Riches, P. Berry.
Wightlink Man of the Match : Ross Harris
AJ Wells Black Dog: Sam Lines
Image: Trek Track under CC BY 2.0
