Ventnor came from behind to beat Portsmouth 2nds at Watcombe Bottom on Saturday (9th November).
The game didn’t start well for Ventnor when – once again – running the ball out of defence left the ball carrier unsupported and Portsmouth were able to kick the consequent penalty. This was followed by a 2nd penalty to the visitors when their excellent flyhalf was adjudged to have been high tackled whilst actually falling over at the time! Ten minutes into the game and Ventnor were 0 – 6 down and looking ragged as the penalty count rose.
Deservedly, it was the returning Max Wheeler who got the team back on track with a direct run through the opposition for an excellent try after Lewy Morton stole an opposition line out – a feat he would repeat several times in the match. Wheeler converted his own try.
Portsmouth hit straight back with a try of their own after the position was set up by their superior kicking game.
It was good to see Ventnor beginning to gain confidence in their patterns which constantly challenged Portsmouth’s fringe defence and the power of the carries by Lythgoe, Jones and Savill provided a target for the forwards and clean ball for Ben Souter who continues to grow into the number 9 shirt. His speed and accuracy of passing was top drawer throughout the game. His kicking game also came into play for Ventnor’s next try when his penalty put the Islanders into a good position from which Savill won the line out, Jones went on the peel and after a couple of pick and goes, the abrasive Cooper powered over for the try.
Half time: Ventnor 12-13 Portsmouth 2nds
The 2nd half was a hard-fought affair with Ventnor on top but pinned back by the excellent kicking game of Portsmouth flyhalf. Coach Clive Cardwell-Hill began to ring the changes, and Andy Teague came on for Reeves. who looks more and more at home in the second row whilst Tim Davis replaced Adam Pratt who had given his opposing prop a very uncomfortable afternoon. Davis moved into the backrow whilst the ubiquitous Collett took over in the front row.
Both replacements announced their presence on the pitch with Davis setting up a bruising drive and Teague breaking through completely and galloping 40 metres before being stopped. The constant attacking patterns were beginning to find holes in the Portsmouth ranks, and a slick move involving Bulpitt and Blake set Louis Wyatt away down the left. The fullback was stopped just short but the support was there quickly and a moment later Jones was over for an excellent try. Ventnor were in the lead.
The scoreboard had hardly had time to change when Wyatt was at it again, this time going the whole way and just touching down as he was tackled in the corner. Cory Turner was now on for Gilbey who had definitely announced himself in this game. Turner immediately showed that he will be missed when he heads off to Canada with a couple of thunderous tackles as Portsmouth tried to wrest the game back. They came close when a break out looked to end in a certain try but the cover tackling of Wyatt and Wheeler stopped the move in its tracks and the resultant penalty to Ventnor was the final action of the game.
This was an excellent bonus point win for Ventnor who managed to keep a very strong Portsmouth side scoreless in the second half with every player contributing to a collective performance that was far from perfect but can only improve as everyone buys into the coaches’ mantras.
The game was preceded by a minutes’ silence to mark Remembrance Day and the passing of Joey Valvona – quite simply a Ventnor legend.
Full time: Ventnor 22-13 Portsmouth
Ventnor: Lythgoe, Jones, Pratt, Coltham, Reeves, Collett, L.Morton, Savill (capt), Souter, M.Wheeler, E.Blake, Cooper, Bulpitt, Gilbey, Wyatt.
Subs: T.Davis, Teague, Turner, Fox (the latter not used) Coaches: Neil Evans, Clive Cardwell-Hill, Todd Riches, Dean Magnurson Physio: Sarah Watt
A.J.Wells Man of the Match: Ben Cooper
Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Andy Teague
Ventnor 2nds had to postpone their game away at Tottonians due to technical problems with the Red Jet. It was good to see that all the players returned from West Cowes and line up on the Watcombe touchline to encourage their squad-mates and help them celebrate after the game. The rescheduled Tottonians game will now be played on 30th November.
