Thanks to Nolan for sending through this week’s report from Ventnor RFC. Ed
With new 1st team captain Todd Riches, Ventnor were fired up for their opening game of the season against Kingsclere a team that has moved to Hampshire 2 from the Kent league last year and had come over with their passports and in good spirit of the game.
Ventnor showed off their strength in the forwards by dominating their own and turning over the oppositions as well. With great work by the forwards to drive Ventnor up the pitch it wasn’t long before the first try of the game. After a ruck the ball was passed to the backs and found Jake Babington on the wing to score the opening try of the season.
Damien Marriott converted the try to take it to 7-0 within the first ten minutes. Ventnor continued to show their dominance in the forwards with strong runs from Todd Riches, Tobias Penner and James Morley all making hard yards. This would again lead to another try this time for Marriott to score but unable to convert this time.
Kingsclere then kept the home side at bay for the remainder of the half but were unable to put any points on the board with excellent defence and tackling from the likes of Neil Turner, Fergus Kenny and Lewis Jones.
Keeping their lead in second half
With the second half kicking off Ventnor looked to keep their lead intact and came out with the same fight as in the first half. With the team playing as a 15 and making sure they were there in support for any breaks that were made and getting to the break downs.
Paul Berry was able to add another try to extend the home sides lead and for Marriott to convert once again. Daniel Newbury would also get on the score sheet with again excellent work from the forwards making the hard yards for Newbury to crash over. This would be one of the last plays Newbury would be involved in as he was then Sin binned for constant talking to the ref (he must of forgot he was no longer captain). Kingsclere would try and capitalise on having the extra man but were still unable to break Ventnor’s defence. Todd Riches would be the last player to score on the day with Fergus Kenny converting to secure the victory for Ventnor.
Great start to the season
A promising start for the Ventnor team looking to get themselves promoted this season and work for every inch on the field.
Ventnor would like to thank Match Sponsors Perks of Ventnor, Ayres-Punchard, Abacus Express Logistics and Bill Gee.
WightLink Man Of The Match: Lewis Jones
A.J.Wells Black Dog Award: Daniel Newbury
Ventnor Team D Newbury, L Jones, T Price, J Morley, N Turner, P Berry, T Penner, T Riches, A Marriott, D Marriott, J Babington, F Kenny, S Lines, G Davis, G Davies subs: A Pratt, E Blake, J Pemberton
