By Isle of Wight Observer
Ventnor II XV have continued their successful season, climbing to the top of the Hampshire Premiership South League after winning 62-17 at Watcombe Bottom, against a strong Southampton side.
Starting with pace and precision Islander, Joel Cocks created a move involving Ross Harris, Sam Lines and Tom Crews, seeing Jack Davis’ score. Skipper, Jack Davis, led Henrik Browan and debutant, Riley Lloyd, to dominate the scrum, with Jack Gilbey, Iain Reeves, Cody Hayman and Gav Davis resilient in defence.
Jack Davis got the second try, and Ed Blake the third for Ventnor, with sub, Josh Ford, making an early impact, to lead 20-5 at the break. Davis scored again in the second half, followed by a Jack Rushton score, converted by Warren Riches for 32-5.
Ed Blake scored again and Tony Jacobson and Fred Fairman combined, for Fairman to score, followed by Jack Davis completing his hat-trick.
Southampton, including ‘guest’ Callum Martin, never gave up, with Will Broomfield adding further scores. The win puts Ventnor at the top of the table, with the 1st XV also top of their division.
Sandown & Shanklin II XV also enjoyed success, winning 34-7 away against Chichester III, and remain unbeaten and joint third in their division. The Hurricanes’ Rhys Mundell dominated lineouts, driving runs from hooker, Jack Davey, and George Shannon. Winger, Michael Barrett, scored on 25 minutes, with Zak Chiverton’s conversion making it 7-0. Skipper, Nathan Proud’s decision to opt for a penalty made the score 10-0 at the break.
Coach Keith Wallace’s motivational half-time talk spurred Sandown on. Debutant, Keegan Boudier, added aggressive tackling, dependable Will Hatch created chances and Thomas Harry scored twice for 22-0. Powering forward, experienced Adam Tyas combined with debutant, Ricky Keyes, added pressure, seeing George Shannon crash over for a converted 27-0, allowing the introduction of subs, Jamie Dilk, and another debutant, Tom Mills. With Chichester scoring, the Hurries responded through Shannon’s second try, converted by Zak Chiverton for the match to end 34-7, securing a bonus point win.