Match report Ventnor Rugby Club XV 24-36 Midsomer Norton Rugby Club XV
Friendly, Saturday 12 April 2026
An eclectic Ventnor XV hosted a touring team from Midsomer Norton RFC and a highly enjoyable game of rugby was played with the visitors coming out on top with a 24 – 36 victory.
Both teams were displaying signs of wear from their respective weekends in which Ventnor had celebrated their Hampshire Counties Three title win with characteristic enthusiasm and the visitors had been embroiled in a detailed examination of the Island’s many excellent drinking haunts.
Despite this unique approach to athletic activities, there was some good rugby played with Ventnor’s tries being scored by Harry Ottley, Josh Ford, Harry Bexon-Stone and Harvey Wheeler.
Warren Riches converted Ford’s try and Bexon-Stone converted his own. Ventnor fielded one debutant – Chris Rose – who looked good with one break and offload being the highlight of the day.
Image: James Morton
Ventnor RFC XV Team, 12 April 2026
Team: Gilbey (capt), J.Blake, Brown, I.Reeves, N. Frampton, Castle, Ford, Bexon-Stone, Bridgeman, H. Ottley, Wood, Wade, Rees, Rose, Jacobson, Tombleson, Fox, W.Riches, Cocks, Henley.
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
The A J Wells Man of the Man – Iain Reeves
The Red Funnel Moment of the Match – Chris Rose
The Howden Insurance Supporter of the Day: Tim Davis
Match Report by James Morton
Next games:
Saturday 18th April – Ventnor 2nds away to Christchurch RFC
Sunday 19th April. Tristan Price (Beast) Memorial Game (A Ventnor XV v an Executive Command XV) and family fun day at Watcombe. All welcome. Bouncy Castle, Bar and BBQ – all in a good cause.
Don’t forget the Ventnor Rugby Club Dinner Dance and Awards Night on 13th June 2026. You need to get going if want a ticket!
Tickets: £40 per person. Dress code: black tie
Venue: The Ryde Castle Hotel, Esplanade, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 1JA – view on Google Maps
from 4pm, for sit-down at 5.20pm
Spaces are limited so get your tickets today.
Deadline for purchase of tickets: Sunday 23rd May 2026
Tickets are on sale until 23:59 on Sunday 23rd May 2026 inclusive or until sold out (whichever is sooner)
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
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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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