Ventnor RFC 2XV 0-64 Lymington Mariners RFC Match Report Sat 4 February 2023
Lymington Mariners RFC are not the runaway league leaders for nothing and their all-court game gave a developing Ventnor RFC 2XV team a lesson in control, speed of thought and continuity of play. In all the visitors scored ten tries without reply but that is not to say there weren’t some very positive signs from this Ventnor side.
Their set scrum was on top throughout with props Gary Ball and Jack Rushton doing what they do best despite disruptions caused by Aaron Newman and Dan Mew having to leave the field so that Grant Richardson finished the game as hooker in a powerful front row.
There were good showings once again from Nathan Frampton, Harry Ottley and Miles Taylor – all having just their second games in Ventnor colours – whilst Joel Cocks, on his debut, was a revelation on the wing making some startling breaks as well as being solid in defence against a very mobile Lymington back-line.
Bob Parker and Alex Morton – both returning to the fold – had good games off the bench with each of them making metres through the middle of the pitch as the second half progressed.
Dan Greaves had a storming match from full-back and was unlucky not to score early in the first half when he was tackled into touch inches from the line. He had to leave the field later in the game and was replaced by Matt Cripps who added a focal point around the back of the scrum giving Todd Riches and Max Wheeler some room to show their skills.
Before the match, there was a minute’s silence for Emile Rouby who died earlier in the week. As someone who never gave up on the rugby field, Emile would have been proud of the commitment and grit shown by Ventnor’s players throughout this game.
Image: Sarah Watt
Team: Ball, Newman, Rushton, J. Blake (capt), Richardson, D. Magnurson, Frampton, T. Davis, Harris, T. Riches, J. Babington, M. Wheeler, Green, Cocks, Greaves. Subs: Parker, Mew, C. Magnurson, Ottley, Taylor, A. Morton
A J Wells Man of the Match: Gary Ball
Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Aaron Newman (Fast Fred)
Coach: Jason Evans
Physio: Sarah Watt
Referee: Clive Cardwell-Hill
Ventnor RFC 2XV’s next scheduled fixture is away to Christchurch RFC on Saturday 18th February 2023, in a Counties 5 Hampshire South West league game.
Next Saturday, 11 February 2023, Ventnor 1st XV play Gosport & Fareham 2nds at Watcombe, in a Counties 3 Hampshire league game.
Match Report: James Morton
For more information, please contact JAMES MORTON, Hon Club Secretary, Ventnor RFC
T: 07901 938 317
The fixtures are correct as of the date of the time of publication and are given in good faith. E & OE. All fixtures are subject to change or cancellation at short notice.