Ventnor Rugby Club kicked off their 50th anniversary season with a President’s XV versus a Chairman’s XV match.
A number of the original club members joined in the celebration, which was enhanced by a visit from Nick Pointing’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang which thrilled the children.
Ventnor’s mayor, Steve Cooper, opened proceedings with the presentation of the match ball to Warren Riches and Ed Blake.
The game itself was highly competitive with notable first starts for Henrik Brown, Lewis Howard, Iain Reeves and Steve Macey (making a guest appearance) while it was good to welcome back Duncan Kenny and Lewis Wyatt. Both sides played with attacking ambition but it was the determined and relentless defence that caught the eye.
Warren Riches’ President’s XV won the game with tries from Lewy Morton and Harry Ottley while Charlie Magnurson scored the try for Ed Blake’s Chairman’s XV which Max Wheeler converted.
Squads:
President’s XV: W.Riches, Rushton (2nd XV skipper), Wyatt, Coghlan, Collett, Lythgoe, Reeves, Castle, Ottley, L.Morton, Cooper, T.Riches, Gilbey, Parker, J.Blake, Macey, Frampton, Flanagan.
Chairman’s XV: E.Blake, Savill (1st XV skipper), Wheeler, Creal, Price, Crews, Jones, Teague, Martin, C.Magnurson, D.Kenny, Fox, Pratt, D.Magnurson, Harrison, Wood, Brown, Howard, Souter, Evans.
Coaches: Neil Evans, Clive Hill, Todd Riches, Dean Magnurson
Physio: Sarah Watt
A J Wells Man of the Match: Steve Macey
Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Steve Macey
