Sandown & Shanklin Hurricanes racked up the points against Ventnor in front of a large crowd at Watcombe Bottom.
Ventnor started strongly and camped on the opposition’s line for the first 5 minutes (and inflicted so much pressure that the referee issued an early yellow card). It was the visitors who scored first when Ventnor failed to deal with a kick-ahead.
Soon afterwards, the score was 0 – 14, but Ventnor fought back with a try of their own when newcomer Tom Branagh darted over after some powerful runs from Will Broomfield and Harvey Wheeler.
The Hurricanes then upped their game, and a series of tries followed as the half unfolded, and it wasn’t until the 2nd half before Ventnor troubled the scorers once more when Branagh scored again after Luke Steele and Ben Souter made ground. Soon afterwards, Tim Davis was unlucky that a kick-ahead and chase didn’t result in that illusive first Ventnor try, but the position that he set up allowed Ben Souter to skip over for a try which Jack Davis converted.
In almost the last move of the game, Layton Greatorex charged over for a try from a tap penalty. Again, Davis converted to leave the final score 26 – 58.
Full time: Ventnor 2nds 25-58 Sandown & Shanklin 2nds
Ventnor: T.Davis, Francis, Rushton (capt), N.Frampton, H.Wheeler, Gilbey, Greatorex, Broomfield, Souter, H.Ottley, Wood, J.Davis, Bulpitt, Steele, Crews.
Subs: Branagh, S. Frampton, A.Morton, Fairman, Martin Wheeler, G.Davis Coaches: Clive Cardwell-Hill, Todd Riches and Lewy Morton Physio: Zoe Jones
A.J.Wells Man of the Match: Jack Davis
Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Martin Wheeler
Howden Insurance supporters of the day: Ange Newbery and Molly Ford
Next Saturday (22nd March), Ventnor 1st XV play away against Andover 2nd XV.
