VENTNOR 62, TROJANS II 0

THE Islanders broke down a resilient Trojans defence to pull off a resounding ten-try win — their biggest of the season in Hampshire 1.

The game began evenly, with both teams looking to move the ball about in the wind and squally rain at Watcombe Bottom on Saturday.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Todd Riches (with ball) leading the charge for Ventnor in their huge Hampshire 1 win against Trojans II at Watcombe Bottom last Saturday.

But with 15 minutes gone, Ventnor broke the deadlock with a quick-tap penalty, offloaded to Ed Blake for the first score.

After multiple phases, Ventnor’s Lewis Jones broke through from the back of the ruck to crash over.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Justin Urbonas (in blue) scores Ventnor’s third try against Trojans II.

The home side looked increasingly comfortable as the half progressed and were unlucky to have a couple of try attempts just held up.

However, full back Justinas Urbonas was in no mood to be stopped as he bundled over.

Isle of Wight County Press:

The tries came thick and fast for Ventnor, playing with the wind in the second half, with captain, Jake Babington grabbing a brace within the space of a few minutes.

Not to be outdone, Blake added two more tries to complete his hat-trick.

For Ventnor, the game featured the welcome return of Sam Lines from injury back in October and he celebrated his return with a breakaway try.

Isle of Wight County Press:

After five years away from the club, Ben Cooper scored on his comeback game, describing his return as “like riding a bike”.

Finally, after his constant harassing of the Trojans’ defence, scrum half Paul Berry crashed over.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Someone else who had a decent day was Todd Riches, adding the extras from his boot in the tricky conditions.

Ventnor: Dawson, Jones, Pratt, Teague, Savill, Griggs, Edwards, Colson, Berry, Riches, Blake, Dawes, Babington, Fox, Urbonas. Subs: Cooper, Lines, Keyes.