An Isle of Wight rugby club kicked off their 50th anniversary season with a President’s XV versus a Chairman’s XV match on Saturday, September 7.

Ventnor Rugby Club’s special event entertained a crowd who braved the unseasonal weather at Watcombe Bottom.

The event featured plenty of the 'older generation' who made an appearance to survey what they had created all those years ago.

The celebration was further enhanced by a visit from Nick Pointing’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which thrilled the children.

Neil Evans, Ed Blake, Warren Riches, Ben Savill and Jack Rushton with Ventnor's Mayor, Steve CooperNeil Evans, Ed Blake, Warren Riches, Ben Savill and Jack Rushton with Ventnor's Mayor, Steve Cooper (Image: Ventnor RFC)

Ventnor’s mayor, Steve Cooper, was on hand to open proceedings with the presentation of the match ball to Warren Riches and Ed Blake.

President’s XV 10 – 7 Chairman’s XV

With notable first starts for Henrik Brown, Lewis Howard, Iain Reeves and Steve Macey, who made a guest appearance, the game itself was highly competitive.

The match also saw the welcome return of Duncan Kelly and Lewis Wyatt.

Both sides played with attacking ambition, but it was the determined and relentless defence that caught the eye.

Warren Riches’ President’s XV won the game with tries from Lewy Morton and Harry Ottley.

Charlie Magnurson scored the try for Ed Blake’s Chairman’s XV, converted by Max Wheeler.

Both teams after the matchBoth teams after the match (Image: Ventnor RFC)