Ventnor RFC’s season came to a heartbreaking end on Saturday as Bishopston edged a fiercely contested Community Plate semi-final 17-22 at Watcombe Bottom.
Played out under warm sunshine on a hard, dry surface, the encounter was dominated by huge defensive efforts and relentless physicality from both sides.
Bishopston struck first with an early converted try before Ventnor responded superbly. Josh Ford got the Islanders on the board with a penalty before Jewy Jones powered over following one of his trademark bursts through the defence. Ford added the extras to hand Ventnor a 10-7 advantage.
As half-time approached, the visitors piled on sustained pressure, but Ventnor’s defensive line stood firm time and again in front of a large home crowd. Eventually Bishopston found a way through with a slick three-quarter move that resulted in an unconverted try to edge ahead 12-10 at the break.
Half time: Ventnor RFC 10-12 Bishopston
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Bishopston dominating territory and possession while Ventnor produced a heroic defensive display to stay in the contest.
The pressure eventually told as the visitors added a penalty and a converted try to extend their lead to 22-10, leaving Ventnor facing an uphill battle in the closing stages.
But the Islanders refused to give in.
After a sustained spell of attacking dominance, which also saw Bishopston reduced to 14 men, Harvey Wheeler crashed over beneath a pile of bodies to ignite hopes of a dramatic comeback. Tom Crews converted to narrow the gap to just 5 points and the Watcombe faithful roared Ventnor forward for one final assault.
Ventnor finished strongly and were firmly on the attack as the final whistle sounded, bringing both the match and their season to an agonising conclusion.
Full time: Ventnor RFC 17-22 Bishopston
After the game, head coach Damien Marriott said:
“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.”
Ventnor: D Lythgoe, Jones, Rushton, Hayman, Coltham, Broomfield, Lewy Morton (capt), Harvey Wheeler, Coghlan, Ford, E Blake, M Wheeler, Butler, Bulpitt, Crews. Replacements: Bexon-Stone, Gilbey, Scadden, Souter, Banks Coaches: Damien Marriott, Todd Riches, Clive Cardwell-Hill and Andy Teague Physio: Sarah Watt
A.J. Wells Man of the Match: Lewy Morton
Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Dan Gilbey
Howden Insurance Supporters of the Day: Ian ‘County’ Payn and Biz and Maggie Burrows
