Christchurch RFC 1XV 52 – 0 Ventnor RFC 1XV match report
Counties 3 Hampshire Saturday 21 October 2023
This was another disappointing day for Ventnor RFC 1XV who started well and put pressure on Christchurch’s line with another powerful performance from skipper Lewis Jones and a set piece that stamped their identity on the game.
Image: Andrew Cooper Photography
Image: Andrew Cooper Photography
George Collett and Ben Savill stood tall with great support from Jason Coltham and Andy Teague but Christchurch had a kicking game ideally suited to their short pitch which turned the game in their favour despite some great defence from the returning Dan Greaves.
Image: Andrew Cooper Photography
Against the run of play, the home team scored after twenty minutes with a try down the short side after a lineout and – having established their kicking tactic – kept Ventnor on the back foot that only some remarkable defence by Ben Souter was able to resist.
Image: Andrew Cooper Photography
Defending from another lineout, Ventnor’s standout player Lewy Morton took a bang to the head but the referee allowed the game to carry on and Christchurch scored again. Morton came off and Ventnor lost Ben Cooper – their defence ringmaster – at the same time with a knee injury so Will Harrison and Harry Ottley came on – the latter after a strong performance in the 2nd XV game only half an hour before!
Image: Andrew Cooper Photography
Fergus Kenny rolled back the clock with a powerful burst that went through three defenders but it was the big Christchurch RFC forwards who were on the ascendancy and the tries began to mount up with only the determination of Jones, Joe Coghlan, Ed Blake and the remarkable Collett holding back the stampede.
The game became more difficult for Ventnor when Guy Entwistle was harshly red-carded for a minor altercation. A Christchurch player was dismissed at the same time.
With both centres now off the pitch, Ventnor’s midfield defence was entirely compromised and it became one-way traffic until the end culminating in two more kick and chase tries – both involving knock-ons which distorted the scoreline to a very harsh 52 – 0
Team: Collett, Jones (capt), Savill, Teague, Coltham, Coghlan, L.Morton, Richardson, Souter, Kenny, Turner, Cooper, Entwistle, E.Blake, Greaves. Subs: Pratt, Harrison and Ottley.
The A J Wells Men of the Match: Harry Ottley
The Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Guy Entwistle
Coaches: Jason Evans, Clive Cardwell-Hill
Physio: Sarah Watt
Match Report: JAMES MORTON
Next Fixture – Saturday 4th November 2023
The team’s next Counties 3 Hampshire fixture is at home with Ventnor RFC 1XV v Fareham Heathens RFC on Saturday 4th November 2023
kick-off 2.30pm (TBC)
Best Regards
James
JAMES MORTON
Ventnor RFC
T: 07901 938 317
All fixtures are subject to change or cancellation at short notice.