Due to some late call-offs, Ventnor travelled with a bare fifteen players to face a well-drilled Ellingham and Ringwood team who are currently flying high in Hampshire League One.
Despite this, the scoreline does not remotely reflect the action on the pitch where the Islanders more than matched the hosts in many aspects of play and never allowed their spirits or energy to drop.
Right from the first whistle, Ventnor’s cause was not helped by a first-minute yellow card for the returning Tom Engelgardt for a hand-off that was deemed to be over-aggressive. Although Ellingham scored a couple of tries in that ten minute period, it was already evident that Ventnor’s pack was up to the challenge.
The defence of Colson, Morton, Savill and Green was mighty throughout whilst the front row of Noyes, Jones and Pratt were the dominant force in the set piece. Nothing came through the middle and it was only out wide that Ellingham had an advantage due to so many Ventnor players coming to terms with unaccustomed positions.
Despite this, the tackling of Urbonas, Edwards and Blake was of heroic proportions and thus restricted the hosts to a 24 point lead at half-time. At this point, Ventnor lost the ever-willing Mark Tucker to injury, so
A J Wells Man of the Match: Dan NoyesRed Funnel Moment of the Match:
Andy Teague for his ‘clearance’ kickTeam: Noyes, Jones, Pratt, Savill,
Teague, Morton, Green, Colson, Babington (capt), Urbonas, Tucker, Blake, Edwards, Gough, Engelgardt
Match Report by James Morton
Related links: