Friendly Local Derby Ventnor RFC 2XV 31-40 Sandown and Shanklin RFC 2XV Sat 15 April 2023 match report
In front of the customary large crowd at Watcombe, Saturday 15 April 2023, the Sandown and Shanklin RFC 2XV Hurricanes squad beat an emerging Ventnor RFC 2XV team in an open and fast-paced match which was full of enterprise from both teams.
The Hurricanes cohesive squad put on all the early pressure with only the defiance of Ventnor’s side keeping them out, epitomised by the work of Joe Coghlan, Dan Lythgoe, James Blake and Bradley Francis.
Eventually the dam broke and the visitors took a deserved lead which they then doubled when some uncharacteristic sloppy tackling allowed the Hurricanes right winger to score from far out.
Dean Magnurson got one back for Ventnor after good work from his son Charlie and Ross Harris and Ventnor began to get into the game as skipper Jack Rushton rallied his troops.
Lewy Morton and George Collett came on to challenge the Hurricanes at the gain line but it was the visitors who stretched their lead as their better teamwork began to show and it all looked grim for Ventnor when the score reached 7 -33.
However, there’s a common thread of determination, spirit and pride that runs through this eclectic squad of Ventnor’s and they rallied with two quick-fire tries by the outstanding Jack Davis after some great support work from his father, Gavin and Tristan Price.
James Green then crashed over after some tryline pressure featuring the returning Adam Coates and, with Ed Blake’s conversions, suddenly the score was back to 24 – 33.
Morton was then harshly yellow carded and the visitors scored against the run of play despite a break out and kick ahead by Jason Evans. Still Ventnor came back with Harry Ottley showing some great pace and skill and Neil Evans – in a brief cameo – demonstrating the importance of pressure defence.
Callum Martin came on to bolster the attack and, in the final play of the game, Ed Blake crashed over to score a try that he then converted leaving the final score at 31 – 40.
Although it was a deserved win for Michael Copper and his Hurricanes squad, it is obvious that there is more to come from this Ventnor squad whose collective enthusiasm and camaraderie are a credit to departing skipper James Blake and to Jack Rushton as we move forward.
A J Wells Man of the Match: Jack Davis
Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Jason Evans
Team: Rushton (capt), Francis, D.Lythgoe, Green, J.Blake, D.Magnurson, Coghlan, C.Magnurson, Harris, J.Davis, Ottley, E.Blake, G.Davis, Souter, W.Riches
Replacements:- Price, Coates, Collett, Martin, L. Morton, J. Evans, N. Evans, Flanagan
Physio: Sarah Watt
Very Best Regards
James
JAMES MORTON
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.