Match report Ventnor RFC 1st XV v Sandown and Shanklin RFC 1st XV 16/12/2017

Ventnor RFC 1st XV 0-50 Sandown and Shanklin RFC 1st XV

Ventnor went into the game knowing that the last time Hurries had travelled to them at the end of last season they had managed their first win over them in over 20 years. As a result confidence was high and a repeat performance would see their first win of the season.

The opening 15 minutes saw a strong defensive performance which is something that has been lacking in the first half of the season. However, with the artic wind swirling around Watcombe Bottom Sandown and Shanklin RFC finally crossed the line with some good work from the backs. Several more tries where scored by the visitors through similar fashion with the half time score 0-38.

After a strong half time team talk and a change of tactics from the Ventnor coaching team the second half proved a lot more difficult for the visitors. With only 12 points scored the home team showed some good form which would have made the game more evenly poised if they had shown from the start.

There were strong performances from some of the newer Ventnor players which shows some positives for the remainder of the season and future campaigns.

AJ Wells Men of the Match: Justinas Urbonas and Ben Savill

Ventnor Haven Fishery Cod Eye of The Day: Ed Blake

Thank you to match sponsors Wight Waters, Hepburns Planning, Mike Buttle, TF Solutions, Island Food Safety and Mackenzies Chartered Accountants.

Squad: Savill, Jones, Pratt, Green, Morley, Edwards, Pickard, Dawson, Roberts, Lines, Dobbas, Gough, Blake, Babington, Urbonas, Tucker, Teague, Blow

Match report: Nolan Winter

The club also collected 37 sweet selection boxes that they will distribute over the Christmas Period to those less fortunate at this time of year.

Thanks to Isle of Wight rugby photographer Andrew Cooper Photography