Ventnor 11-12 Fareham Heathens
After a long Christmas break due to weather conditions causing games to be re arranged. Ventnor 1XV played their first game of 2014 against the top of the table team Fareham Heathens.
Thanks to Ventnor club members going to fork the pitch early to get it playable. The home side were eager to show their appreciation and get a big win against a strong opposition. They started well with Damien Marriott kicking a penalty to give them a small early lead. The visitors came back strong and were able to score with a converted try in the corner after using the overlap they had created. It seemed Ventnor had a wake up call after this and with excellent work from the forwards managed to drive and carry the ball almost the full length of the pitch to then allow Lewis Jones to crash over the line meaning the home side were leading before the break.
Fareham came out strong attacking for long periods in the second half but Ventnor’s defence was holding strong and not letting them through with excellent tackles being made by every member of the Ventnor side. Marriott managed to convert another penalty kick keeping Ventnor in the lead. With so much pressure Fareham eventually managed to score yet another try within the dying minutes of the game. Ventnor still in the lead at this point if they visitors were unable to covert. Their first attempt didn’t make it yet after the referee allowed them to retake it due to grunting from Ventnor, they moved the ball forward and this time converting meaning they took the lead by one point and seeing the last few minutes out to take the win.
Wightlink Man of the Match: Scott Jesney
A.J. Wells Black Dog Award: Nolan Winter
Team: Newbury, Gilbert, Jesney, Jones, Pickard, Morley, Penner, Gregory, Riches, Winter, Jacobus, Cooper, Marriott, Dobass, Davis, Babington, Blake, Harris, Winter
Match Sponsors: IW Owl & Falconry Centre, Mark Rogers, Smugglers Haven Tea Rooms, Paddingtons, Island Wine Co, The Leconfield, Sarah’s House.Com
Team Sponsors: AJ Wells and Wightlink