This in from Nolan on behalf of Ventnor RFC. Ed
Southsea Nomads 1st XV 17-33 Ventnor 1st XV
Ventnor travelled with a strong side to a very determined Southsea Nomads and for the first time would be playing on a 3G pitch, due to the Nomads normal playing surface being waterlogged. This made for interesting playing conditions and a surface that was new to the Ventnor squad. However, with many games being called off across Hampshire, the fact the game was played when others couldn’t was a bonus.
Right from the kick off Nomads were up for a game, with Ventnor receiving the kick there was a fumble which led to nomads getting the ball and scoring an unconverted try in the first few minutes. This seemed to anger Ventnor and led to a try right after the restart with Paul Berry scoring. However, with the normal Ventnor kicker missing, Andrew Gough took over the duties, only to miss the conversion. However, with strong phase play from the forwards and coordination from the backs this led to two more tries both scored and converted by Gough.
Edward “SpongeBob” Blake was held up after crossing the line in the corner attempting to ground the ball under the posts. The spectators likening it to watching a turtle stuck on its back after the Nomads number eight didn’t give up on his chasing back and tackling Blake. The first half was ended early by two minutes due to an ankle injury to Ross Harris which thankfully wasn’t as serious as he made it sound.
Second half
The second half went much like the first with strong defence and attack from both sides. Once again Gough scored and converted. Making that three hat tricks for Gough since joining the club late in 2015. Nomads answered with their own try after slick hands from their back line and a number of missed tackles from the Ventnor side.
Ventnor were fast to answer with Sam Pickard (Man of the Match) making his trademark crashing run over the line. A lull in the intensity from Ventnor saw Nomads took full advantage of the leading to another try from them to finish the scoring.
Ventnor forwards were strong and skilful as always winning six balls against the head in the scrum. The lineout was working like a finely tuned machine winning all their own line outs and together with many of Nomads. Huge credit going to Ventnor line out jumpers. Another bonus saw Daniel Newbury playing the full 80 minutes and avoiding his usual yellow card.
Ventnor Squad: Marsh, Jones, Gilbert, Magnurson, Pickard, Newman, Newbury, Gough, Berry, Lines, Riches, Babington, Blake, Urbonas, Harris, Price, Marriott, Winter
AJ Wells & Son Man of the Match: Sam Pickard
Ventnor Haven Fishery Cod Eye: Edward Blake
Image: sjbresnahan under CC BY 2.0
