This was a disappointing match for Ventnor in which the power and weight of the Tottonian forwards created problems for the Island side.
Tottonians forwards made inroads into the heart of the hard-tackling home pack and provided quality ball which put pressure on an already creaking defensive line. To compound these problems, Ventnor’s lineout – usually such a rich source of possession – broke down completely so that the team lived off scraps all game and could never get more than a couple of phases completed at any time.
Tottonians scored early when, Ventnor’s tackling let them down, but the home team then laid siege to the Tottonian line during which the work of Dan Bell and Lewis Jones helped to provide a ruck from which Ben Savill touched down on the line only to have the score chalked off by an unsighted referee. With Tristan Price putting in another heroic 80-minute shift in the front row, Ventnor’s set scrum held its own, and Bell was able to make ground off the base with great support from Joe Coghlan and Joel Walton. Sam Lines rarely had a chance to get his line moving, and he often had to step inside and take the ball back into the heavy traffic. When the ball did get out onto the wings, Ed Blake and Jake Babington showed what could be possible with some storming runs. Tottonians then scored another close range try, leaving Ventnor trailing 12 nil down at half time.
Half time: Ventnor 0-12 Tottonians
After the half time interval, Lewy Morton came on for Coghlan who had tackled himself into the ground. Calvin Edwards replaced Louis Wyatt whose attacking threat had not been given a chance to shine but whose defence was once again top notch.
Ventnor’s play now began to show promise. Jones led by example, tearing into the Tottonian defence but petty offences and basic mistakes began to count against the home team, and another 2 tries plus a penalty were scored by the opposition, whilst Ventnor only had a penalty from Tom Crews to show for their efforts.
Chris Hill, whose tackle count was off the charts, managed to get himself a yellow card for one infringement too many and the crowd at Watcombe began to show their displeasure towards a few of the opposition players who were happy to be a bit ‘careless’ where they put their studs, and there were a few flair ups when Ventnor players took exception to this practice. Crews had already had time on the sidelines in the first half, having received this treatment, to be replaced by Ross Harris with his unique blend of attitude, skill, and energy. Unfortunately, the referee missed these incidents but not a myriad of lesser infringements with a generosity that confused both sets of supporters.
Full time: Ventnor 3 -30 Tottonians
Ventnor: Savill, Jones (capt), Price, Teague, Walton, Coghlan, Hill, Bell, Malkin, Blake, Lines, Wheeler, Wyatt, Babington, Crews. Subs: Edwards, L Morton, Harris
The A J Wells Man of the Match: Jake Babington
The Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Chris Hill
Ventnor now have a long time to lick their wounds since Southampton Hospitals have withdrawn from the league. Ventnor’s next match is not until 5th March when they play Fawley at home.
