VENTNOR FAIL TO OVERCOME OVERTON DESPITE 2-MAN ADVANTAGE

Ventnor RFC came up short against a fired-up Overton side who travelled with just 13 players. The visitors played to their strengths, which were in their pack, and, with their greater size and excellent skills of supporting the ball carrier, they were able to make ground despite the relentless tackling of Joe Coghlan, George Collett, Andy Teague and Ben Cooper. When in possession, Ventnor admirably tried to play all the rugby when a kick-and-chase may have paid more dividends by turning the Overton pack and putting pressure on their short-handed backline. Overton scored the only try of the first half while Ventnor got themselves into promising positions only to lose the ball by lack of support of the runner or by losing a critical line-out due to the conditions. Skipper Ben Savill led by example as he, Dan Lythgoe, and Grant Richardson made the hard yards while Cory Turner was unlucky that his little chip and catch came to nothing. Halftime seemed to be whistled early as Ventnor were putting on the pressure, but they made it stick in the 2nd half when Joel Cocks made a break, and Will Harrison set up a ruck from which Ben Souter put Guy Entwistle in for a try. Cooper converted and Ventnor were in the lead. However, the Islanders’ advantage didn’t last long as Overton’s kick off evaded everyone and bounced to within 5 metres of the corner flag. Ventnor fluffed their lines and – despite their numbers disadvantage – Overton were able to go wide on the left, where their winger touched down.

The conversion of this try was remarkable, considering the position and the conditions and meant that Overton were back in the lead. Ventnor kept playing the passing and running game, and Martin put in a couple of promising bursts while Luke Butler came close before Richardson was able to touch down when Collett, Lythgoe and Harrison marmalised an Overton scrum. Cooper narrowly missed the conversion and the game ran out with the scores even. Full time: Ventnor 12 – 12 Overton Frustration was the overriding emotion after the match coupled with great respect for their opposition. Ventnor will be hoping for the return of some of their injured players as they prepare to meet the Isle of Wight at Watcombe next Saturday. Ventnor:  Collett, Harrison, Lythgoe, Teague, Richardson, Savill (capt), Coghlan, L.Morton, Souter, Cooper, Turner, Entwistle, Cocks, Gray, Butler.  Subs: Martin, Bridges Coaches: Jason Evans and Clive Cardwell-Hill Physio: Zoe Jones The A J Wells Men of the Match: George Collett The Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Andy Teague Next Saturday at Watcombe, Ventnor 2nds take on the Isle of Wight 2nds (Hampshire League 5, kick off at 12.00) followed by Ventnor 1sts against the Isle of Wight 1sts (Hampshire League 3, kick off at 14:00).