Match report Ventnor RFC 1XV 22-13 Portsmouth RFC 2XV 9 November 2024
The game didn’t start well for Ventnor when – once again – running the ball out of defence left the ball carrier unsupported and Portsmouth were able to kick the consequent penalty.
This was followed by a second penalty to the visitors when their excellent flyhalf was adjudged to have been high tackled whilst actually falling over at the time!
Ten minutes into the game and Ventnor were 0 – 6 down and looking ragged as the penalty count rose. Deservedly it was the returning Max Wheeler who got the team back on track with a direct run through the opposition for an excellent try after Lewy Morton stole an opposition line out – a feat he would repeat several times in the match. Wheeler converted his own try.
Portsmouth hit straight back with a try of their own after the position was set up by their superior kicking game. It was a very even game at this point although it was becoming obvious that Ventnor’s set piece was gaining the upper hand with Dan Lythgoe, Jewy Jones and Adam Pratt winning the front row battle and Morton and skipper Ben Savill ruling the airways in the lineout where Jones’ throw-ins were pinpoint accurate.
Although the penalty count was still unacceptably high, the home teams defence was looking evermore assured with Ben Cooper, Alec Bulpitt, Wheeler and Morton putting in the hard hits with tremendous support over the ball from Iain Reeves and Jason Coltham – the latter playing his first game at Watcombe this season after a shoulder injury and, once again, looking the part.
It was good to see Ventnor beginning to gain confidence in their patterns which constantly challenged Portsmouth’s fringe defence and the power of the carries by Lythgoe, Jones and Savill provided a target for the forwards and clean ball for Ben Souter who continues to grow into the number nine shirt.
His speed and accuracy of passing was top drawer throughout the game. His kicking game also came into play for Ventnor’s next try when his penalty put the Islanders into a good position from which Savill won the line out, Jones went on the peel and after a couple of pick and goes, the abrasive Cooper powered over for the try.
With the halftime score at 12 – 13, Ventnor were well in the game without having played anywhere near to their maximum.
The second half was a hard-fought affair with Ventnor on top but pinned back by the excellent kicking game of Portsmouth flyhalf. This was putting great pressure on Ventnor’s wide players but Ed Blake and Jack Gilbey showed they were up to the task.
Gilbey, in particular, had a stellar game which belied his inexperience that was more than compensated by his assuredness under the high ball and his enthusiasm for contact. George Collett was very evident in this phase of the game, repeatedly turning up at the right place at the right time and taking the battle back to the opposition.
Coach Clive Cardwell-Hill began to ring the changes and Andy Teague came on for Reeves who looks more and more at home in the second row whilst Tim Davis replaced Adam Pratt who had given his opposing prop a very uncomfortable afternoon. Davis moved into the backrow whilst the ubiquitous Collett took over in the front row. Both replacements announced their presence on the pitch with Davis setting up a bruising drive and Teague breaking through completely and galloping forty metres before being stopped.
Images: Luke Butler
The constant attacking patterns were beginning to find holes in the Portsmouth ranks and a slick move involving Bulpitt and Blake set Louis Wyatt away down the left. The fullback was stopped just short but the support was there quickly and a moment later Jones was over for an excellent try. Ventnor were in the lead.
The scoreboard had hardly had time to change when Wyatt was at it again, this time going the whole way and just touching down as he was tackled in the corner.
Cory Turner was now on for Gilbey who had definitely announced himself in this game. Turner immediately showed that he will be missed when he heads off to Canada with a couple of thunderous tackles as Portsmouth tried to wrest the game back. They came close when a break out looked to end in a certain try but the cover tackling of Wyatt and Wheeler stopped the move in its tracks and the resultant penalty to Ventnor was the final action of the game.
This was an excellent bonus point win for Ventnor who managed to keep a very strong Portsmouth side scoreless in the second half with every player contributing to a collective performance that was far from perfect but can only improve as everyone buys into the coaches’ mantras.
The game was preceded by a minutes’ silence to mark Remembrance Day and the passing of Joey Valvona – quite simply a Ventnor legend.
Image: James Morton
Tottonians RFC 3XV v Ventnor Rugby Club 2XV Saturday 9 November 2024 – postponed
Ventnor 2nds had to postpone their game away at Tottonians due to technical problems with the Red Jet. It was good to see that all the players returned from West Cowes and line up on the Watcombe touchline to encourage their squad-mates and help them celebrate after the game.
The rescheduled Tottonians game will now be played on 30th November.
Ventnor Rugby Club 1XV Team 9 November 2024
Lythgoe, Jones, Pratt, Coltham, Reeves, Collett, L.Morton, Savill (capt), Souter, M.Wheeler, E.Blake, Cooper, Bulpitt, Gilbey, Wyatt. Subs: T.Davis, Teague, Turner, Fox (the latter not used)
Image: James Morton
The A.J. Wells Man of the Match: Ben Cooper
The Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Andy Teague
Coaches: Neil Evans, Clive Cardwell-Hill, Todd Riches, Dean Magnurson
Physio: Sarah Watt
Ventnor Rugby Club Match Sponsors Saturday 9 November 2024
Finally – as ever – we must thank our match sponsors, namely:
Besty and Spinky’s, Groundsell Contracting, Hose, Rhodes and Dickson, John Liddelow Financial Services, Josh Kerley Tree Services, Lesley Hall, Magpie Blu, Stubbings Bros, The Crab and Lobster, Ventnor, The Smoking Lobster, Ventnor Haven Fishery
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Match Report by James Morton
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