Match report Ventnor RFC 2XV v United Services Portsmouth RFC 2XV Saturday 14 March 2026
United Services Portsmouth travelled to Watcombe with a squad barely recognisable from the team that played the abandoned game two weeks previously.
Ventnor had looked very good in that game and, again, they held their own in the first half where co-captain Jack Gilbey led by example with an irrepressible display in which his work-rate and tackle count were off the charts. He with his front row mates – Iain Reeves, Grant Richardson and co-captain Jack Rushton – were on top in the set piece and Pat Banks kept the well-drilled USP lineout honest throughout.
The visitors scored a couple of converted tries in the first half but found the going tough against the stubborn defence of Ventnor’s back row of Dean Magnurson, Charlie Magnurson and the hugely impressive Charlie Sutton. Nathan Frampton also put himself about in the first quarter and Ewan Castle never stopped working as the pressure began to build.
Rosco Harris and Beau Bridges had their work cut out as the possession began to dry up but Ed Blake made the most of the limited ball and gained ground whenever it came his way.
Ventnor started the second half only 14 points down but then had to face a torrent of tries as USP’s drills, hard running and overall fitness began to count. It took some brave defence from Luke Starkey, Olly Wood and Blake Tombleson to keep them coming round the edges and Chris Skelley put in some crunching tackles in the close contact areas.
Henrik Brown demonstrated his ever-improving game and Warren Riches did well under the high ball while Adam Wade’s commitment was illustrated by a lung-bursting chase back to thwart a flying USP winger. Although it appeared to be a bit of a thrashing, Ventnor never wavered and the spirit and camaraderie of the squad was exceptional despite the fact that USP travelled with such an enhanced squad.
Henrik Brown demonstrated his ever-improving game and Warren Riches did well under the high ball while Adam Wade’s commitment was illustrated by a lung-bursting chase back to thwart a flying USP winger. Although it appeared to be a bit of a thrashing, Ventnor never wavered and the spirit and camaraderie of the squad was exceptional despite the fact that USP travelled with such an enhanced squad.
Image: Luke Butler
Ventnor RFC 2XV Team 14 March 2026
Team: I.Reeves, Gilbey (co-capt), Richardson, Castle, N.Frampton, D.Magnurson, Banks, C.Magnurson, Harris, Bridges, Wade, E.Blake, Starkey, Wood, W.Riches. Subs: Brown, Peat, Sutton, J.Blake, Tombleson, Rushton (co-capt), Skelley.
The A J Wells Man of the Man – Chris Skelley
The Red Funnel Moment of the Match – Ewan Castle
The Howden Insurance Supporter of the Day: Mike Knight and John Metcalfe
Coaches: Damien Marriott, Clive Cardwell-Hill, Todd Riches and Andy Teague
Physio: Todd Connor
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image courtesy: Ⓒ 2026: Andrew Cooper Sport Photography | Moral Rights Asserted | All Rights Reserved
Next Saturday (21st March) Ventnor 1sts play Portsmouth 2nds at Watcombe
The next game for the 2nds is a friendly against Fordingbridge away on 4th April
Match Report by James Morton
Best Regards
James
JAMES MORTON
Chairman Ventnor RFC
T: 07901 938 317
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