Ventnor seconds played Portsmouth 4 in this tough merit table clash. The game was typically physical with both sides putting in big hits. Ventnor welcomed back from injury Winter, Newbury, Cripps and Rogers who all put in a massive shift.
The first half ended 0-0 and the second half was where Ventnor began to dominate – with Fred Newman stealing all line outs and Newbury making good yards. The breakthrough came from a penalty which skipper Warren Riches deftly kicked into the corner and Newman caught from the lineout, Newbury then powering through two players to score the try.
Then half way through the second half Edwards powered over from a sustained attack from the Ventnor Lions . Riches converted – the visitors came back with a try and conversion just as Engelgart making his season debut got sin binned. With Newbury already off through injury and both subs used Ventnor were down to 13 men. However, Ventnor held on for a 12 -7 victory.
Squad: Newbury, Petifer, Saville, Beckley, Winter, Newman, Simpson, Edwards, Rogers, Cripps, Davies, Ward, Simons, Donavan, Riches, Adkins, Engelgart
AJ Wells Man of the Match Fred Newman
Ventnor Haven Fishery Cod eye of the day Rob Simpson for ruining a shirt before the game started!