Club News and dates for your Diary
Mixed fortunes at Eastleigh Priates RFC last Saturday with the 1sts (compromised by some injuries and player unavailability) going down against a strong Eastleigh RFC squad, while the 2nds took another excellent win having broken down Eastleigh’s powerful opposition during an hour-long first half!
Second-half tries by skipper Jack Rushton, Charlie Magnurson and Layton Greatorex (who had a storming debut for the mighty Lions). The boot of the remarkable Warren Riches supplied the rest of the points in a 12 – 25 victory.
Chilli Night after Training this Thursday 16th November 2023
There’s a chilli night after training this Thursday. Sally is providing the food. £8 per head – but you have to attend training first!
Next Saturday 18th November 2023 the 1st XV play Havant 3rds. Kick off at 14:30.
Saturday 18th November 2023 sees Ventnor RFC 1XV v Havant RFC 3XV Counties 3 Hampshire 2023-24
Many thanks to Liz Simpson for providing the post-match food for the lads. Thanks also to our match sponsors for the day, namely:- Ayres Punchard Financial Management Ltd, Dan Noyes Sports Therapy, Howdens of Sandown, LJ Plumbing, Smugglers Haven Tea Gardens, The Bistro in Ventnor, The Smoking Lobster and Ventnor Haven Fisheries.
VP Lunch – Saturday 18 November 2023
Don’t forget the VPs’ lunch on Saturday. We have few places still available.
Ventnor RFC Work Morning at Watcombe – Sunday 26th November 2023
There’s going to be a WORK MORNING at Watcombe on Sunday 26th November to get some essential projects sorted and for a general tidy up of our precious facility. Let me know if you can help. We’ll finish the morning with a burger in the bar.
Tug-o-War at Ventnor’s Santa Dash 2023 – Saturday 16th December 2023
Ventnor Council have invited us to take part in a Tug-o-War contest on the beach on the morning of Saturday 16th December.
It’s the day of our home doubleheader (Ventnor RFC 1XV v Isle Of Wight RFC 1XV Counties 3 Hampshire 2023-24 and Ventnor RFC 2XV v Isle of Wight RFC 2XV Counties Counties 5 Hampshire South West) AND Christmas party but we hope to get a couple of teams out. It’s part of Ventnor’s Santa Dash celebrations.
Make sure you’ve acquired your Christmas jumper so you’re ready for 16th December.
Fundraiser to get Luke Orton home
A reminder that Luke’s family have recently launched a fundraiser to get Luke home.
Luke was playing for Ryde Rhinos beach rugby team (Instagram), back in July as part of the beach rugby tournament at South Island Sevens when he was seriously injured.
‘Weʼre raising £20,000 for adaptations needed to get Luke home after a rugby accident left him paralysed and without the use of his hands.’
Luke suffered a serious life-changing injury on 22nd July 2023, while taking part in a beach rugby tournament on the Isle of Wight. He suffered a broken neck, also suffering spinal cord damage, including a bleed, leaving him paralysed from the chest down and without use of his hands. Luke has been hospitalised since the accident happened.
Sadly, Luke will be coming home in a wheelchair, with little chance of walking again. It has been a really tough time for Luke, spending 6 weeks in Southampton ICU spinal unit before being transferred to Salisbury District Hospital, Spinal Treatment Centre, where he is undergoing rehab. He works hard and has a positive attitude but it is long road ahead.
Luke is looking forward to coming home next year and for this to happen, we need to raise funds for adaptations for the areas in the home, which are not covered by the local authority. All the money raised here will go entirely towards the adaptations for Luke’s needs. We would really appreciate any contributions, whatever the amount.
We would also welcome any offer of labour with the work, whatever time you could spare and the possible supply of any materials, either from small local businesses or local suppliers – please send a message via this page.
Thank you everyone – Luke and family.
If you wish to donate to the appeal please go to ‘Weʼre raising £20,000 for adaptations needed to get Luke home after a rugby accident left him paralysed and without the use of his hands‘.
Best Regards
James
JAMES MORTON
Ventnor RFC
T: 07901 938 317
All fixtures are subject to change or cancellation at short notice.