RUGBYVentnor 33, Fawley 14
This rearranged fixture between Ventnor and their league rivals was closer than the scoreline suggested but the victory was all-important to Ventnor after their disappointing display against the IW before Christmas.
And the win has put their promotion hopes right back on track, as they still lie second in Hampshire Two.
Damien Marriott settled Ventnor’s nerves with an early individual try but Fawley came straight back and took the lead with a converted try of their own.
Ventnor’s scrumhalf Fergus Kenny then showed great presence of mind with a quick tap penalty and a run in for a try which was converted by Todd Riches.
However Fawley’s dominance of the lineout gave them a good stream of possession and they scored again before half-time to take a 14-12 lead.
After the break, Ventnor began to get their game together and Chris Dobbas scored a brace of tries with his direct running from centre, the second one from an interception from far out.
Then Riches scored from the back of a lineout after a searing run from A. J. Wells Black Dog award winner Tom Engelgardt, put pressure on Fawley’s defence. All of these second half tries were converted by Marriott.
Jim Pemberton was the Wightlink man of the match for yet another great performance in both attack and defence.
Ventnor host Lychett Minster at Watcombe Bottom tomorrow (Saturday). Kick off is at 2pm.
Ventnor: Walker, Jesney, Pratt, Vanassche, Morley, Ball, Pemberton, Riches, Kenny, Marriott, Lush, Dobbas, Lines, Engelgardt, Adkins. Subs: Jackson, Testa, Cooper.