Thanks to Damien for this week’s report from Ventnor RFC. Ed
Ventnor travelled to Overton on Saturday looking to break 12 year record of defeats on the road. Travelling with a much changed side after suffering an open day defeat to Romsey, coach Marriott made eight changes in all looking to get the season kick-started
Straight from the kick-off Ventnor looked pumped up, taking full control of the match, moving the ball left to right hitting and clearing rucks with pace and power, finally opened up an opportunity for the ever so improved James Morley, crashing over from five metres after some excellent running from fellow second rower partner Dan Bell, Damien Marriott adding the extra two points 0-7.
From this Ventnor knew a rapid response was coming from a never say die Overton, hitting back working their way up field winning a penalty 30m out there kicker steps up slots it between the post 3-7.
Ventnor knew this was the wake-up call we needed, strong words from new captain and AJ Wells man of the Match, Tobias Penner, leading by example with his new role back at number eight, tormenting Overton lineouts, winning so much of their ball they panicked pull down the rolling maul, which resulted in an extra three points again from Damien Marriott, 3-10.
“Keep the points ticking” was the call, but unfortunately, Ventnor went down to 14 as skipper Penner was sent to the bin for an illegal tackle. Overton looking to take full advantage of a man down, kicked for Territory every opportunity they had, but soon found out kicking to ‘Cod Eye Ventnor Fishery’ own, Ed Blake, called up for the first time this season on the wing was a big mistake with his pace power running the ball back hard at times unstoppable finally opened an opportunity for Marriott to slot a drop goal 3-13.
With sides back to 15, Ventnor fell asleep conceding silly penalties giving Overton the chance to use their massive pack and the chance to use their main weapon, a rolling maul, was the only way they were ever getting back into the game, eventually pushing Ventnor over the try line for their first try of the game.
Again their excellent kicker adding the extras, 10-13, confidence was growing for the next 10-15 minutes as they threw everything at us, but Ventnor’s well recognised defence held firm from big hits, body on the line guys Dean Magnurson and Andy Gilbert given Shaun Williams the chance to constantly win the ball back at the breakdown, helping Ventnor to use their pace out wide, with Aaron Newham combined well with William Babington somehow bouncing of three players to score the second try for Ventnor right on the stroke of halftime 10-18.
Change of game plan was needed going uphill in the second half. Ventnor knew Overton would use their 10,13 and 15 who all had great kicking qualities which made Ventnor have to shake-up and be well-prepared using replacements, Mark Turner on wing and Adam Pratt prop entered the field, settling any nerves.
Leadership and experience from evergreen, Warren Riches, at fullback stopped their game plan excellently, showing the reason why he’s broken his way back into the first team with big kicks to clear our lines put constant pressure, eventually giving Overton the chance to score again in the comer and again adding the extra two points, 17-18, this guy never looked like he was ever going to miss.
New off-season addition, Sam Dawson, making his debut, showed his qualities, out to impress, hitting the game line with his modern day prop. Almost acting as an extra flanker was key in freeing up and allowing strong runs and clever passing by hooker Lewis Jones, who opened up the chance for a breakaway attack ending in training ground move for M Turner, scoring in the corner, 17-23. However with Overton not backing down, Ventnor could hit back right after the kick-off, scoring again and adding the extras, putting the hosts 24-23 ahead for the first time, leaving the visitors shell-shocked and wondering how they’d take control back.
With five minutes left, strong runs from Jim Pemberton all game back at 12, taking some stopping the host defence always having to double up to bring the wrecking ball down always opening space out wide it took almost the whole game, but finally patience, control and believing in the game plan finally paid off, as the excellent Ryan Cooper found space out wide to release W Babington to score his second, and Ventnor fourth put the extra work in to make the kick as easy as possible for D Marriott to add the extras 24-30.
However Overton wasn’t finished and hit back hard, with Ventnor thinking the game was in the bag – celebrating too early and not playing to the whistle – conceded a very soft pen on the halfway line, Overton had time for the lineout for one last push using effective rolling maul, went over the try line, nobody could see the ball grounded, but referee Neil Posthumus, excellent throughout, was in the perfect position. Unfortunately for us and awarded the try. Needing the kick to win, striking the ball perfectly throughout the day, set himself up for the kick and fortunately Ventnor had Lady Luck on their side dragged, his kick wide of the left post, 29-30, with the referee blowing his whistle for the end of the game, our 12 year wait for victory on this ground was over.
Team: Dawson, Gilbert, Jones, Bell, Morely, Magnuson, Penner, Williams, Cooper, Marriott, Babington, Pemberton, Blake, Newman, Riches, Pratt, Turner, Winter
AJ Wells Man of the Match Tobias Penner
Ventnor Haven Fishery Cod Eye Award : Ed Blake
IWRFC 2nd XV 22-12 Ventnor 2nd XV
Once again the 2nd XV started the game well and scored a try within the opening five minutes through the returning Gavin Davis.
However, Ventnor then switched off and allowed the IWRFC to get back into the game. Davis scored again, but with the IWRFC scoring three more tries against the run of play Ventnor could not get back in the game.
There were a number of debuts and players returning to the game after long breaks which will all show good signs for the future of the club.
AJ Wells Man of the Match Sam Pickard
Ventnor Haven Fishery Cod Eye Award Tommy Engelgardt
Squad: Stemmet, Pettifer, Saville, Reece, T.Davis, Ross, Downs, Pickard, Rogers, Bridges, Peak, G.Davis, Ward, Adkins, Engelgardt, Donovan
Image: sjbresnahan under CC BY 2.0
