Match report Ventnor RFC XV v Bishopston RFC in the Community Plate Semi Final

Match report Ventnor Rugby Club XV v Bishopston Rugby Club in the Community Plate Semi Final

Saturday 9 May 2026

Ventnor just came up short in a game where the commitment to the tackle from both sides dominated proceedings despite the sun-baked surface at Watcombe.

After an early converted by Bishopston RFC, Ventnor took the lead through a Josh Ford penalty and  a try following a typically powerful burst from Jewy Jones that Ford converted. 10 – 7.

Bishopston had Ventnor under increasing pressure as the half drew to a close but found the Islander’s defence to be an impenetrable wall until a three-quarter move finally resulted in an unconverted try. Half time 10 – 12.


The second half was characterised by Bishopston pressure and Ventnor’s unremitting defence. Eventually the visitor’s persistence paid off with a penalty and a converted try to stretch the lead to a seemingly unattainable 10 – 22.

However, Ventnor’s character shone through and, with the minutes ticking away, after some massive attacking dominance that saw the visitors down to fourteen players, Harvey Wheeler scored under a pile of bodies.

Tom Crews converted and the large crowd at Watcombe urged their team forward for one last effort. Ventnor responded with terrific attacking intent and were in the ascendancy as the final whistle blew to bring the game – and the season – to an end. Final score 17 – 22

After the match, head coach Damien Marriott had this to say.

“Gut wrenching one to take. Losing 22-17 in a semifinal will hurt for a long time because the boys left absolutely everything out there. I thought our effort, physicality and fight was outstanding throughout, especially defensively where at times we were under massive pressure.

We had moments in the game where we looked the better side but in semifinals the small details and key moments decide it and unfortunately we came out on the wrong side of them today. Massive thank you to everyone who came to watch and backed us today. The support was unreal”.

Damien Marriott, Head Coach

Image: James Morton

Team: D.Lythgoe, Jones, Rushton, Hayman, Coltham, Broomfield, L.Morton (capt),  H.Wheeler, Coghlan, Ford, E.Blake, M.Wheeler, Butler, Bulpitt, Crews.
Replacements: Bexon-Stone, Gilbey, Scadden, Souter, Banks.


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image courtesy: Ⓒ 2026: Andrew Cooper Sport Photography | Moral Rights Asserted | All Rights Reserved

The A J Wells Man of the Man – Lewy Morton
The Red Funnel Moment of the Match – Dan Gilbey
The Howden Insurance Supporter of the Day: Ian ‘County’ Payn and Biz & Maggie Burrows

Coaches: Damien Marriott, Todd Riches, Clive Cardwell- Hill and Andy Teague
Physio: Sarah Watt

Match Report by James Morton

Best Regards

James

JAMES MORTON
Chairman Ventnor RFC