Ventnor 2nd XV ended their season with a spirited battle against Christchurch, losing 38-22.
The match on April 18 saw Ventnor travel to Christchurch, where the team put up a strong fight despite the final score not reflecting their efforts.
The game started slowly for Ventnor, with Christchurch scoring three tries within 20 minutes, leading to concerns from Ventnor's coaches.
The first try came after Christchurch took a quick line-out throw following a Ventnor penalty kick, which should have been a Ventnor throw.
READ MORE: Young Island cyclists turn heads on the national stage
Despite some lacklustre tackling, the Christchurch backline managed to score two more quick tries.
However, Ventnor's performance improved as the game went on.
The front row of Iain Reeves, Henrik Brown, and James Blake provided a good foundation, while locks Ewan Castle and Will Broomfield powered the scrum.
This allowed half-backs Max Henley and Beau Bridgeman to set the Ventnor backs loose.
Centre Harvey Wheeler, enjoying his new position, and debutant John Waghorn, ran at the opposition.
Ventnor's tactical substitution saw winger Adam Wade make way for debutant Aaron Robinson.
Wheeler then scored a try after some quick ball from a Ventnor scrum.
This was followed by Broomfield scoring another try, reducing the deficit to 21-10.
After Christchurch extended their lead, Broomfield claimed his second try from close range, with the conversion from Riches.
As the game went on, Ventnor's performance continued to improve.
Despite some changes due to injuries, the Ventnor set piece remained strong.
The controlling influence of Dean Magnurson at 8, with flankers Pat Banks and Ben Westbrook, disrupted the home side, and their indiscipline began to show.
Ventnor spent the last 20 minutes playing some of their best rugby, with the forwards providing good ball for the backs to exploit gaps in the home side defence.
READ MORE: Island company becomes title sponsor of national sailing event
Despite missing two or three try-scoring opportunities, Ventnor remained determined.
Christchurch managed to score again before Banks replied for Ventnor with a well-deserved try following more pressure in midfield.
With only a couple of minutes left, Ventnor was unable to add to their tally, and the score remained at 38-22.
Despite the loss, the game showed the potential of the Ventnor team, with several new players promising a bright future.
The team will next travel to Old Glynonians for the quarter-final of the Community Plate on May 2.
Share