Thanks to Nolan for this latest report from Ventnor RFC. Ed
Aldershot and Fleet 9 – 22 Ventnor 1st XV
After a week’s rest, Ventnor were keen to keep their momentum going and travelled away with a strong side.
As has become almost a tradition, Ventnor were slow to get into the game. The first points came from a Damien Marriott penalty after captain Todd Riches made the call to settle the game down. It took 25 minutes before Sam Lines danced his way though several defenders to touch down for the first try. The game picked up some pace when Paul Berry caught the long line out throw from Danny Newbery and ran half the pitch to make the score 15 – 0 at half time.
Countering tactical play by the opposition
The second half brought tactical play from Aldershot. A lot of kicking from the home side using the wind hampered Ventnor’s attacks on the poor quality pitch.
Despite this there were some good moments, with strong running from James Pemberton, James Morley, and Tobias Penner. There was a period of constant pressure from Aldershot close to the try line, but strong tackling from all 15 kept anyone from going over.
A final try came from Riches to answer three kicked penalties from Aldershot.
Another win for Ventnor in a game that in past seasons would have probably gone the other way. A sign of the progression Ventnor have made this season.
The future is bright…the future is blue and white.
Team: Price, Jones, Newbery, Morley, Riches, Davies, Berry, Penner, A.Marriott, D.Marriott, Babington, Pemberton, Kenny, Blake, Lines
Subs:Pratt, Winter, Pete
Man of the Match: Ed Blake
AJ Wells Black Dog Award: Tobias Penner
Ventnor 2nd XV 73-0 Petersfield 2nd XV
After suffering defeat in their previous two league outings, Ventnor 2s, The Mighty Lions, preparations for their key match against Petersfield suffered an early blow when they lost regular second rowers Nolan Winter to first team duties and James Blake to personal commitments.
Second team captain Jacobus Stemmet led an experimental side on the field with some new players, some players returning from injury and some playing out of position. It was clear from the kick off that the Mighty Lions wanted the win more, and inside centre Tommy Engelgardt dived over the line for his first try soon after.
Brilliant team play
What followed after that was some brilliant team play that blew Petersfield out of the game. Big runs from macro prop Andy Gilbert had the Petersfield defenders reeling. The Lion’s Rob Simpson and Ben Savill also made some big runs.
Ross Harris made a number of brakes and kept the opposition guessing, not even Fizz could keep up with him.
It was one way traffic all day as the Mighty Lions never allowed Petersfield access to the ball, with Ross Harris, Ryan Cooper, Rob Simpson, Darryl Bolton and Jacobus Stemmet crossing the whitewash.
Petersfield never gave up and came close to scoring when winger Fred Newman broke free and weaved through the Lions defence only to be bungled into touch inches from the line.
Ben Savill got man of the match for his barn storming runs and strong scrummaging.
AJ Wells Black Dog Award Tom Engelgardt.
Team: Andy Gilbert, Ben Savill, Rob Simpson, Tim Ross, Dan Williams, Shaun Williams, Jacobus Stemmet(c), Deano Magnurson, Ryan G Cooper, Allan Magic Bridges, Aaron Newnham, Tom Engelgardt, Ross Harris, Darryl Bolton. Buck Rogers
Subs: Matt Cripps, Rob Ward, Martin Newbury, Chris Dobbas
Image: Trek Track under CC BY 2.0
