Ventnor 2XI’s game against Lymington Mariners on Saturday (4th February) began with a minute’s silence before kick-off to remember club stalwart Emile Rouby who sadly died earlier in the week.
James Morton of Ventnor rugby club said: “Emile was one of the great servants of VRFC as well as a great man.”
Lymington are not the runaway league leaders for nothing and their all-court game gave a developing Ventnor 2nds team a lesson in control, speed of thought and continuity of play. In all the visitors scored 10 tries without reply.
However, there were some very positive signs from the Ventnor side. Their set scrum was on top with props Gary Ball and Jack Rushton doing what they do best despite disruptions caused by Aaron Newman and Dan Mew having to leave the field so that Grant Richardson finished the game as hooker in a powerful front row. There were good showings once again from Nathan Frampton, Harry Ottley and Miles Taylor – all having just their 2nd games in Ventnor colours – whilst Joel Cocks, on his debut, was a revelation on the wing, making some startling breaks as well as being solid in defence against a very mobile Lymington back-line.
Bob Parker and Alex Morton – both returning to the fold – had good games off the bench with each of them making metres through the middle of the pitch as the 2nd half progressed. Dan Greaves had a storming match from full-back and was unlucky not to score early in the 1st half when he was tackled into touch inches from the line. He had to leave the field later in the game and was replaced by Matty Cripps, who added a focal point around the back of the scrum, giving Todd Riches and Max Wheeler some room to show their skills.
Full time: Ventnor 0 – 64 Lymington Mariners
Ventnor: Ball, Newman, Rushton, J.Blake (capt), Richardson, D.Magnurson, Frampton, T.Davis, Harris, T.Riches, J.Babington, M.Wheeler, Green, Cocks, Greaves.
Subs: Parker, Mew, C.Magnurson, Ottley, Taylor, A.Morton Coach: Jason Evans Physio: Sarah Watt
The A.J.Wells man of the match: Gary Ball
The Red Funnel moment of the match: Aaron Newman (Fast Fred)
After the game, Ventnor spokesperson James Morton said:
“As someone who never gave up on the rugby field, Emile would have been proud of the commitment and grit shown by Ventnor’s players throughout this game.”
