Match report Sandown & Shanklin 1st XV RFC 63-17 Ventnor RFC 1st XV 16 Sept 2017

By GH

Match report Sandown & Shanklin 1st XV RFC 63-17 Ventnor RFC 1st XV 16 Sept 2017

After a disappointing performance last week, Ventnor would travel the arduous journey all the way to Sandown and Shanklin Rugby Club, where some of the older members of the club were treated to a pre match appetiser of cheese and wine before kickoff.

Ventnor travelled with a strong squad that would see the first game for new skipper Jake Babbington, after missing the first game due to being on his honeymoon. Ventnor started strong with some well rehearsed forward play, gaining some ground early on. However, the Hurricanes had other ideas and no sooner had they gained possession, used their swift backs to ship the ball out wide where they would score their first try early in the game. This would be an ongoing theme for the next 80 minutes but Ventnor refused to let their heads drop and kept up the physical battle to push on forward.

After conceding two more tries, Ventnor finally found themselves with a line out in a try scoring position which, after a well worked maul, Mark Tucker was able to eventually touch down and give the team some hope. This put a spring in the step of Ventnor and after some more forward play ex skipper and the eventual Man of the Match; Andrew Gough would break the gain line and score a second try, converted by himself, for Ventnor.

During half time, although still trailing, Ventnor felt they were within reach of coming back from behind and getting their first win. This wasn’t to be, as the second half began in much the same fashion as the first and the Hurries would score early on and consistently throughout the half. Ventnor stuck to their plan and refused to give in, eventually being rewarded a try from Sam Lines deep in the corner. This would be the last points for Ventnor and the game ended in a 63 – 17 defeat.

Although another loss for Ventnor, some positives were able to be taken from it and with some more work over the next week in training Ventnor have high hopes of improving and hope to cause a big upset within the league against U.S. Portsmouth next week on home turf at Watcombe Bottom, Saturday 23rd at 15.00.

Price, Tucker, Pratt, Savill, Morley, Jones, Newman, Dawson, Gough, Lines, Blow, Dobbas, Edwards, Blake, Babington, Green, Richardson, Teague

AJ Wells & Sons Man of the Match Andy Gough.

Ventnor Haven Fishery Cod eye of the Day Ed Blake

Match report by: Sam Dawson

Images courtesy of Isle of Wight rugby photographer Andrew Cooper Photography