Ventnor Rugby Club News Update 18 March 2026
It was a tough day at the office for Ventnor’s 2nds when a heavily reinforced United Services Portsmouth came to town on Saturday.
However the spirit and hard work by the lads was unrelenting – qualities epitomised by co-captain Jack Gilbey whose commitment and tackle count were through the roof.
Read the full match report here
The A J Wells Man of the Match was Chris Skelley while Ewan Castle took the Red Funnel Moment of the Match award.
Many thanks to Roly (once again) for sorting the post-match food and for looking after the bar with Molly and Bradders.
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
Match report; James Morton
Ventnor Rugby Club Player Membership
Ventnor Rugby Club Player Membership is just £16 per month, with a range of benefits including exclusive use for players of the Ventnor Rugby Club Gym at Watcombe Bottom – sign-up to become a Ventnor Rugby Club Player
image courtesy: Ⓒ 2026: Andrew Cooper Sport Photography | Moral Rights Asserted | All Rights Reserved
Next Saturday, Ventnor 1sts play Portsmouth RFC 2nds at Watcombe. This is a crucial match in terms of our ambitions of winning the league, so please come along and give the lads the support that they deserve.
Ventnor RFC Sponsors 21 March 2026
As ever we must thank our match sponsors for next Saturday, namely:
The Isle of Wight Coffee Co, John Liddelow Financial Services, The Fradgley family, Lake Laundry Services Ltd, Lesley Hall, Nettlecombe Farm, No 64, Ryde, No 7 & Niton Post Office, Norris Family Grocers, Oven Wizards and Reynolds & Read Ltd.
The Saturday after that, 28th March 2026, Isle of Wight RFC will be playing Ventnor RFC 1XV at Watcombe.
We’re having a VPs’ lunch to accompany this huge match. Spaces are going fast . . .
If you want to attend the lunch, let me know asap because it’s bound to be well attended.
Ventnor RFC Oxford Shirt
You can now order your Ventnor RFC Oxford Shirt in long or short sleeve online.
Josh Ford, Cody Hayman, Harry Bexon-Stone and Riley Lloyd played for Hampshire Under 20s
Congratulations to Josh Ford, Cody Hayman, Harry Bexon-Stone and Riley Lloyd for their selection to play for Hampshire Under 20s, in the Jason Leonard Under 20 County Championship 2025-26.
They played Kent U20s on Sunday (15th March 2026) afternoon and ‘did an England’ and lost to a last minute penalty (20 – 22).
Notwithstanding, it’s a massive achievement for the guys and a great advert for how Ventnor are progressing.
About the Hampshire U20 program
The Hampshire Under-20 rugby team provide a platform for young talent in Hampshire to showcase their skills at the county level. The team competes in the Jason Leonard Under-20 County Championship.
Related links: Hampshire RFU Kent RFU
Jake Babington to run The London Marathon 2026 raising funds for Blood Cancer UK
A reminder Jake Babington is running the London Marathon 2026 and raising funds for Blood Cancer UK.
Jake’s fundraiser for Blood Cancer UK
Donate to Jake’s fundraiser for Blood Cancer UK – he’s running the London Marathon 2026 (Sunday 26th April)
image: Jake Babington
Best Regards
James
JAMES MORTON
Chairman Ventnor RFC
T: 07901 938 317
Book a PSA test with the Isle of Wight Prostate Cancer Support Group
Ventnor Rugby Club, Watcombe Bottom Sports Centre, Watcombe Bottom, Whitwell Road, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 1LP – view on Google Maps
what3words: ///harshest.debater.flipper
It is FREE to attend and watch Isle of Wight rugby games at Ventnor Rugby Club, of both teams. The clubhouse and bar are open on match days: Ventnor Rugby Club Fixtures
For information: Match Day FAQs
Become a Club Member
Please consider Ventnor Rugby Club Membership from £5p/m for a Ventnor RFC Vice President Membership – the club’s social membership (non-players).
Player Membership – £16 per month
Ventnor Rugby Club Player Membership is just £16 per month, with a range of benefits including exclusive use for players of the Ventnor Rugby Club Gym at Watcombe Bottom – sign-up to become a Ventnor Rugby Club Player
Dog are allowed – kept on a lead. Please ensure you clean up after your dog (DO NOT allow your dog/s to foul on playing fields).
All fixtures are subject to change or cancellation at short notice.
All fixtures are correct at the time of publication and given in good faith. E&OE.
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