Vectis Colts showed plenty of fight despite suffering a 59-7 defeat in their Hants U18 Division 2 opener on Sunday (27th September).
Vectis faced Ellingham & Ringwood RFC at Ventnor’s Watcombe Bottom following a disrupted build-up which included enforced delays, 2 venue changes and limited pre-season contact rugby because of the hard summer pitches.
The Island side were pinned back from the opening kick-off but defended strongly, producing committed tackling and effective work at the breakdown while also threatening on the counter from inside their own 22.
Ellingham & Ringwood eventually made their pressure count, opening up a 12-0 lead inside the opening 10 minutes.
Vectis responded positively, with centres George Cowell and Milo Fell beginning to make inroads.
A powerful carry from Cowell was well supported on the outside, allowing new No.8 Freddie Hiom to crash through 2 defenders and score to the left of the posts.
Tom Chamberlain added the conversion to reduce the deficit to 12-7.
Vectis continued to battle defensively, but Ellingham & Ringwood’s polished wide play and effective kicking game gradually took control of the contest.
The visitors’ left winger completed a hat-trick as Ellingham & Ringwood pulled clear to record a 59-7 victory.
Despite the scoreline, there were plenty of positives for Vectis to take from their first full-contact fixture of the season.
George Cowell was named Player of the Match, while Zary Hristov impressed on his first full start.
Chamberlain performed well while covering at outside half, with Hiom making his first start at No.8 and Fin Brown his first at openside flanker.
Nick Waghorn and Hector Lovett-Fenner also put in strong shifts in the second row, while Michael Watts adapted well to a new role at full-back.
In other games…
The Under-16s opened their league campaign away against US Heathens at US Portsmouth, where a strong defensive display kept the hosts scoreless throughout the first half.
Vectis impressed with their tackling and disciplined work at the breakdown, but 2 second-half tries proved decisive as US Heathens secured a 12-0 victory.
Coach Glenn McGinness praised the physicality and cohesion shown by his squad despite the defeat.
Vectis Under-15s endured a challenging away fixture against Gosport & Fareham RFC, coming under sustained pressure during the opening half.
The Island side responded strongly after the interval, however, with George Pim leading a renewed effort which saw Vectis enjoy more territory and put the Gosport defence under sustained pressure.
The Under-13s enjoyed a winning start to their season during a trip to Eastleigh RFC, where Vectis fielded 2 full squads – the Chiefs and Warriors.
The Chiefs fought back to level the overall score at 3-3 by half-time, with Harry Hooper crossing alongside a brace from Albert Branston.
The Warriors then continued that momentum after the break, with Finn Simpson, Joe Anderson and Isaac Braham all scoring as Vectis held firm to secure a 6-5 overall victory.
