Market House Pirates 0 – 27 Ventnor II
Ventnor put on a stunning performance, showing unsurpassed spirit and commitment against unbeaten Market House Pirates.
The game started well with Ventnor uncompromising in contact- surprising the undefeated home team with their aggression and pace. The end result of this pressure was a lovely run by Marriott, who side-stepped to defenders to earn a try. Skipper Warren Riches converted. Then, following powerful forward work and some slinky back moves, Babbington dummied and ran in another. Riches capitalised on a late first half penalty to put the score 15 – 0 at the break.
Ventnor started the second-half strongly, with bursts from Winter, Davies and Berry – ending in Engelgardt, returning from injury, crashing in for a try under the posts. Riches converted.
Ventnor’s defence was rock-solid, refusing to give ground when Pirates had possession. In fading light, big-hitter Engelgardt again crashed over, scoring in the corner to complete Ventnor’s best performance of the season.
Wightlink Man of the Match was Nolan Winter and the AJ Wells Black Dog Award went to Mickie Buttle.