THREE debutants helped freshen up Ventnor as they went on to secure a rare, but highly deserved away victory.
OVERTON 7, VENTNOR 24
The club's director of rugby, Neil Evans, introduced Henrik Brown, Jonah Lewin and Alec Bulpitt for their first appearances, while Iain Reeves and Olly Wood played their second first-team games.
Despite the side's inexperience, the changes proved to be highly effective, as the Islanders served up a comprehensive and encouraging team performance.
After a shaky start, Ventnor quickly recovered, with Ben Souter's distribution and Ben Cooper's tactical play creating opportunities.
Dan Lythgoe, Jewy Jones and captain Ben Savill constantly challenged Overton's defence, with Reeves, Lewin and George Collett providing crucial support.
Overton struggled to contain Ventnor's pressure, which resulted in them giving the Islanders a succession of penalties, that Lewy Morton capitalised on to score a try.
Ed Blake's conversion levelled the scores.
The game remained balanced, with both sides testing each other's defence.
However, Ventnor gained the upper hand when Tim Davis's midfield charge set up a quick ruck, allowing Blake to score.
Another attack saw Cooper and Bulpitt create space for Layton Greatorex to score, making it 17-7 to Ventnor at half-time.
The second half saw a fierce contest, with Ventnor's defence holding strong.
Despite Savill's yellow card, the team continued to apply pressure.
A midfield turnover allowed Cooper to set Bulpitt free, with Greatorex supporting, to score his second try and the bonus point.
Blake's conversion sealed victory.
Evans praised the team, saying: "This was an exceptional display by a team which travelled with just 16 players, yet they didn’t allow Overton another point after their early try.
"The debutants all had great games."
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