By IW Observer.co.uk
Ventnor RFC hosted the South Island Sevens weekend rugby tournament, sponsored by Snows, with spectators not disappointed by the fast-paced action and competitive handling of the teams, many visiting from around the globe – coming to the Island to take part in the tournament and enjoy the festival atmosphere created by the cider, sausage and gin outlets.
Played out in glorious south coast sunshine, The Red Funnel Trophy was won by the Ryde School under-11 side, beating Sam Lines’ Gurnard Primary side in a close encounter by eight tries to Gurnard’s seven.
The Lioness Team were victorious in the Elite Women’s Trophy, with the Apaches winning the 7s Bowl Final and the Plate, won by Jamaica UK.
The South Island Sevens Cup Final was won by Speranza 22, overcoming the Wild Dogs by a single point in a cliffhanger 21-20 to the first day.
With Sunday offering a more relaxed competition with the Island A side comprising players from Sandown, Ventnor and Wootton, reaching the semi-finals before going out, and the Navy Sharks losing to 27-17 to the Sunday Social winners Wild Dogs, with South African roots – Wild Dog Women triumphed in Women’s Sunday tournament.
The first-time fun event was rounded off with Oxford Barbarians beating their 2nd seven in the kicking event, and Clarence Show Ponies overcoming Ryde School Old Boys 36-19 in the Social Plate.
Isle of Wight Observer