Ventnor II sink top of table Pirates, again

By GH

Ventnor II XV 27 – 5 Markethouse Pirates

On a glorious spring afternoon Ventnor once again proved to be too strong for league-leaders Pirates, who had only lost two games this season before Saturday’s encounter (6 April 2013).

Ventnor seem to have worked out how to beat this side by running at them early, keeping the pressure on and playing with intensity. This paid dividends immediately following the kick-off when Paul Berry picked up a loose ball and executed a perfect pass to Ed Blake who scored in the corner.

Before the Pirates had time to breathe Ventnor were at it again, this time it was Olly Davis who bullied the opposition and crashed through. Tim McAdam added the extras.

Ventnor were buoyant and were soon running back at the opposition. Olly Davis nearly scored a second try in minutes but he was bundled into touch, and an injury to his leg meant he had to come off again. Olly has been really unlucky with injuries this season but has always made a difference when on the pitch.

Ventnor appeared to be disrupted by this blow and the Pirates raised their game, playing like a top-of-the-table side, finally breaking through Ventnor’s defence to score in the corner.

After this lapse in concentration Ventnor soon bounced back and this time Ed Clarke weaved his way through the opposition to make the score at half-time 17-5.

The second half took a bit of time to get going but once Tommy Engelgardt came on at full back he began to find space, soon crashing over for his customary try. Tim McAdam converted.

Tommy Engelgardt soon scored again, this time with some good interplay between him and Captain for the day Nolan Winter.

Ventnor had a few more chances as the half neared its end, notably from Gavin Davis, but they were unable to extend their lead any further.

Pirates were once again sunk at the hands of Ventnor, which means Ventnor are in 2nd place in the Merit Table 3 with two games remaining in the season. The match was sponsored by Emile Rouby, Abacus Express Logistics, Ninham Country Holidays and Sunnyside Holiday Cottages.

VENTNOR II: Adam Pratt, Lewis Jones, Jacobus Stemmet, Olly Davis, Mark Wilson, Nathan Ricketts, Paul Berry, Nolan Winter, Ed Clarke, Allan Bridges, Matt Cripps, Tim McAdam, Fred Newman, Ed Blake, Gavin Davis. Replacements – Tommy Engelgardt, James Morley, Dan Newbery, Todd Riches, Ryan Cooper