Isle of Wight RFC 2XV 15-19 Ventnor RFC 2XV friendly Sat 18 March 2023
The game kicked off with the Isle of Wight in the ascendancy but finding Ventnor RFC 2XV‘s erstwhile dodgy defence in combative mood with Bob Parker, James Green, Kyle Draper and Dean Magnurson to the fore, against Isle of Wight RFC 2XV in a friendly.
Ventnor’s scrum was coming off second best in the set piece but – marshalled by skipper Jack Rushton – the pack’s work around the field was exemplary and they set up a position where a Harris kick and chase almost resulted in a try.
Unfortunately, the influential Harris had to leave the field with a knock and Cory Turner slotted in at scrumhalf, the veteran Warren Riches moved to flyhalf with Dan Muir coming in at full-back.
While this new set-up was settling in, the Isle of Wight managed to pinch a ball from the back of a ruck and scored an excellent try out wide and then increased their lead with a second try when Ventnor failed to clean up a loose ball at the back of the scrum.
Image: Richard Priest
However, the game began to turn Ventnor’s way when a clean lineout put Charlie Magnurson in space and he charged through some ragged defence to score. Riches converted and the visitors were back in the game at 10 -7 at halftime.
Ventnor started the second half on the front foot and a Riches kick ahead saw Bradley Frances and Tim Davis make ground before a sweeping three-quarter move saw Nathan Frampton, Miles Taylor and Steve Maskell put Harry Ottley in for a great team try.
Charlie Magnurson almost got his second try after excellent work by Muir but he somehow contrived to lose the ball as he crossed the tryline!
Things were getting a touch testy in the exchanges and Maskell was giving his marching orders which meant it was all hands to the pump in defence and Callum Martin came on for Taylor to shore up the barricades.
The home team were held up over the line but returned the resultant drop-out to score and take a narrow lead 15 – 14.
With time running out, Ventnor won a penalty and Riches kicked for touch. Ten metres out from the line, Rushton called the move and Frances found Parker with a flat throw at the front of the lineout.
The powerful forward made ground, set the ball back and James Blake picked up and dived over for the try.
Riches took his time with the conversion attempt which slid just wide as the referee’s whistle blew for full time and a well-deserved win for Ventnor 15 – 19.
Image: Richard Priest
This was another step along the way for a resurgent Ventnor 2nd XV that owes a huge debt of gratitude to James Blake and Jack Rushton for their energy and commitment throughout the season.
With the recent intake of new players such as Bob Parker, Harry Ottley, Miles Taylor, Nathan Frampton, Callum Martin, Dan Mew and Bradley Francis plus the promised return of some of the older brigade, the future looks bright.
Image: Zoe Jones
Team: Rushton (capt), Frances, J.Blake, Green, Parker, D.Magnurson, C.Magnurson, Davis, Harris, Turner, Ottley, Maskell, Frampton, Draper, W.Riches. Subs. Muir, Martin, Taylor
A J Wells Man of the Match: Dean Magnurson
Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Charlie Magnurson
Coaches: Jason Evans, Fergus Kenny and Clive Cardwell-Hill
Physios: Sarah Watt and Zoe Jones
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.