Ventnor’s second team got their season off to a flyer with a dominant win over Fawley II.
Fawley opened the scoring within three minutes with a flowing move through their backs division but Ventnor retained their composure and used their superior pack to bully Fawley in the contact area, driving back their scrums and gaining possession for a talented back line. What followed was a glut of tries for Ventnor, including a classy move from flanker Penner which saw him chip, chase, gather and run in a try from 50m out. Winger Cripps also converted a basketball-style pass from Riches into a well deserved score.
Ventnor led 25 points to 12 at the break.
Fawley then came out of the blocks quickly for the first score of the second half, but Ventnor turned on the class earning further tries from Pascoe and scrum-half Bastock. Ventnor’s bruising forwards took their toll and Fawley were required to request uncontested scrums due to injury.
Ventnor kept up the pressure throughout the remains of the half, and second-rower Matt Collins went over in the last play to close the game.
Nine tries, including four for Wightlink Man of the Match Ed Pascoe, and twelve points from the boot of fly-half Riches made for a dream start to Ventnor’s season.
The A J Wells Black Dog award went to Rob Newton, for almost missing the ferry on his debut as captain.
Ventnor II:
1. Collins I 2. Franklin 3. Pratt 4. Collins M 5. Morley 6. Marsh 7. Penner 8. Pascoe 9. Bastock 10. Riches 11. Cripps 12. Blake 13. Draper 14. Wilson 15. Davies 16. Newton (C) 17. Costley