Ventnor RFC 1XV 12-12 Overton RFC 1XV match report
Counties 3 Hampshire Saturday 9 December 2023
Ventnor came up short against a fired-up Overton RFC side, who travelled with thirteen players. The visitors played to their strengths which were in their pack and with their greater size and excellent skills of supporting the ball carrier, they were able to make ground despite the relentless tackling of Joe Coghlan, George Collett, Andy Teague and Ben Cooper.
When in possession, Ventnor’s 1st XV admirably tried to play all the rugby when a kick-and-chase may have paid more dividends by turning the Overton pack and putting pressure on their short-handed backline.
Overton scored the only try of the first half while Ventnor got themselves into promising positions only to lose the ball by lack of support of the runner or by losing a critical line-out due to the conditions.
Skipper Ben Savill led by example as he, Dan Lythgoe and Grant Richardson made the hard yards while Cory Turner was unlucky that his little chip and catch came to nothing.
Halftime seemed to be whistled early as Ventnor were putting on the pressure but they made it stick in the second half when Joel Cocks made a break and Will Harrison set up a ruck from which Ben Souter put Guy Entwistle in for a try. Cooper converted and Ventnor were in the lead.
Image: Andy Wall
At halftime, Callum Martin came on for Dylan Gray and the veteran Allan Bridges replaced Turner.
However, the Islanders’ advantage didn’t last long as Overton’s kick off evaded everyone and bounced to within five metres of the corner flag.
Ventnor fluffed their lines and – despite their numbers disadvantage – Overton were able to go wide on the left where their winger touched down. The conversion of this try was remarkable considering the position and the conditions and meant that Overton were back in the lead.
Ventnor kept playing the passing and running game and Martin put in a couple of promising bursts while Luke Butler came close before Richardson was able to touch down when Collett, Lythgoe and Harrison marmalised an Overton scrum. Cooper narrowly missed the conversion and the game ran out with the scores even at 12 – 12.
Frustration was the overriding emotion after the match coupled with great respect for their opposition. Ventnor will be hoping for the return of some of their injured players as they prepare to meet the Isle of Wight at Watcombe next Saturday.
Image: James Morton
Team: Collett, Harrison, Lythgoe, Teague, Richardson, Savill (capt), Coghlan, L. Morton, Souter, Cooper, Turner, Entwistle, Cocks, Gray, Butler.
Subs: Martin, Bridges
The A J Wells Men of the Match: George Collett
The Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Andy Teague
Coaches: Jason Evans
, Clive Cardwell-Hill
Physio: Zoe Jones
Match Report: JAMES MORTON
Ventnor RFC would like to thank our match sponsors, namely: Cheetah Marine, Flowers for You, Inspiration Fabrication, Isle of Wight Coffee Company, Nettlecombe Farm, Solent.co, The Bistro at London House, The Spyglass and Whitwell Garage.
Meanwhile Ventnor RFC 2XV lost in their away game to US Portsmouth RFC 2XV 31-24 – match report may follow.
Next Ventner RFC Fixtures – Saturday 16 December 2023
Next Saturday, 16 December 2023, at Watcombe, Ventnor 2nds take on the Isle of Wight RFC 2nds (Hampshire League 5, kick-off at 12.00) followed by Ventnor 1sts against the Isle of Wight RFC 1sts (Hampshire League 3, kick-off at 14:00).
Followed by the Ventnor RFC Christmas Party.
Best Regards
James
JAMES MORTON
Ventnor RFC
T: 07901 938 317
All fixtures are subject to change or cancellation at short notice.