Thanks to Nolan for this report from Ventnor Rugby Club. Ed
Commons & Lords RFC 12-17 Ventnor Invitation XV
On Saturday, a group of 40+ VRFC club members, were up at the crack of dawn to catch the 6am ferry and travel to London for a day of sport and raising money for two incredibly worthwhile causes.
The touring party were playing a game of Rugby versus the House of Commons & Lords Rugby club, in a charity match for the RFU’s injured player’s and the Richard Englegardt Trust.
Richard is the Brother and uncle of two of Ventnor’s players, who was involved in a training incident that paralysed Richard. Over the past five years Ventnor have been raining funds for the trust and are supporters of the Injured Player’s Foundation too.
Game at Lensbury
The game took place at the Lensbury Club, where the Argentina players (and indeed most of the visiting international teams do) were staying and had trained. The playing conditions, were not conducive to an open running game, but for Ventnor, whose team were mainly full of Veteran players, this was a blessing!
Ventnor started strongly, and although having to adapt to the “laws” of this type of game, were soon on the scoresheet when Mike Walker spotted a gap and burst through to score.
Warren Riches stepped up to convert.
Ventnor dominated first half
For the remainder of the half Ventnor dominated, but with the strict “10 metre” running rule they couldn’t quite make the score higher. Nathan Ricketts and Jake Babington both “scored” but were pulled back for running further than the allotted ten metres.
With a squad of 25, Ventnor, rotated players throughout the half and the second try came with Phil Robert’s powering over after an outrageous dummy which Dave Martin converted. It was at this point that the bizarre moment of the match happened when the referee was sick in the middle of the pitch, why? We never did find out! Half time 0.14.
Challenging second half
The second half was greeted with more driving cold rain! Only the few hardened supporters remained to watch, while some of the older wiser members retired to the clubhouse the enjoy the barrel of Yates “front row” beer, that was part of the sponsorship for the day.
In the second half and the wind behind them the Commons & Lords began to put pressure on Ventnor, and the age of the majority of Ventnor’s squad began to tell.
Steve Marsh had to limp out of the game after a clash of heads with a young conservative, who has a broken nose and Marsh was concussed (or so he says!). With all the interchanges, Ventnor found theirselves without a scrum half and Lord Addlington took advantage with a nip round the blindside to score. Ventnor, tried to rally, but the C&L were now on the up & next Mick Wildgoose crashed over and with the kick converted by young John Callaghan the C&L were only two points behind.
Ventnor ran out winners
Ventnor needed to make changes and strengthen their attack. Warren Riches did just that down the left wing, but his pass to Tim Ross was spilt and then father-son team Rob and Tom Engelgardt combined but were stopped short. The tackles were coming in thick and fast with Paul Cope taking a massive hit at scrum half and then Dean Magnursson coming in late on his opposite number (not the first time he was late on the day!).
As the game drew to an end, Dave Martin, who had been sniping away all morning, seized a pass from the back of the scrum and “grubbered” a kick perfectly between the posts to put the visitors five points ahead. With little time remaining the C&L attacked again and again, but to no avail and Ventnor ran out winners.
Charity auction
After the game both teams and supporters were treated to an excellent luncheon at The Lensbury club, where an auction for the charities was held (raising just shy of £1,000). Then it was off to watch England beat Argentina at Twickenham.
A great day had by all and one in which both Charities were well supported. The Commons & Lords have invited Ventnor to return next year, which should see another great day for all.
Wightlink Man of the Match – Nathan Ricketts
AJ Wells Black Dog – Dave Martin
Thanks to our sponsors for the day – Mark Rogers Finance & Steve Camm (Hiscocks) & Yates Brewery
Team: Mike Walker, Bob Engelgardt, Steve Marsh, Nathan Ricketts, Stuart Babington, Matt Taylor, Nolan Winter, Dean Magnursson, Paul Cope, Dave Martin, Tom Wells, Warren Fresle, Jake Babington, Tom Engelgardt, Warren Riches. Ron Newton, Ed Clarke, Phil Roberts, Neil Gadsby, Rick Newhouse, Rick Orkney, Drew Drummond, Trev Heal, Tim Ross, Martin Newberry
Match Report by Stuart Babington
Ventnor 1st XV-HWO-Alresford 1st XV
Unfortunately Ventnor 1st XV were let down for the second time in three weeks with opposition Alresford failing to travel. Once again a lack of players was cited as the reason. Ventnor were awarded a Home Walk Over and the 4 points.
Petersfield 2nd XV-Postponed-Ventnor 2nd XV
Due to the number of players committed to the Commons and Lords Charity game the second team game against Petersfield has been rescheduled for 4th January 2014.
