Ventnor Rugby Club kicked off their new campaign in style with an 11-try victory over Southampton in their opening pre-season fixture.
The Islanders produced a sparkling display of running rugby on the mainland, with Joe Coghlan claiming a hat-trick and Max Wheeler crossing twice.
Rhys Cole marked his Ventnor debut with a try, while Cody Hayman, Jack Gilbey, Josh Ford, Ben Souter and Gavin Ford also got on the scoresheet.
Cole and Josh Ford added the extras as Ventnor secured a 63-25 victory.
Head coach Damien Marriott said:
“It was great for the boys to finally get out there and play some rugby after such a long delay.
“It’s always good to start pre-season with a win. There were definitely a few cobwebs to blow off, which you’d expect at this stage, but overall there were plenty of positives to take from the performance.
“The most pleasing thing for me was seeing some of the things we’ve been working hard on throughout pre-season starting to come through, particularly at key moments in the game.
Article continues below this advertisement “There’s still plenty for us to work on and improve, but that’s exactly what pre-season is for. A really positive first hit-out and another step forward for the group.
“It’s really important now that we keep our feet firmly on the ground and don’t get too carried away with one win. Next week is a massive game for us and another big step up as we start preparing properly for the league season.
“We’ll enjoy the result, learn from the performance and then get straight back to work.”
Ventnor travel to Blandford next Saturday (19th September) for another pre-season fixture before their league campaign begins on 26th September, when the 1st XV welcome Romsey to Watcombe.
Full time: Southampton 25-63 Ventnor
Ventnor: A Guest, Jack Gilbey, Dan Lythgoe, Will Broomfield, Jason Coltham, Rhys Cole, Joe Coghlan, Lewy Morton (capt), Josh Ford, Beau Bridges, Ben Souter, Luke Butler, Max Wheeler, Hayden Lythgoe, Billy Graham Subs: Cody Hayman, Gavin Ford, Buss Ibose
A J Wells Man of the Match: Rhys Cole
Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Luke Butler
Howden Insurance Supporter of the Day: Harvey Wheeler
Gavin Ford and son Josh both crossed for tries during Ventnor’s victory over Southampton.
