Layt Winner: Great First Team Debut Coincides With Landmark Ventnor Victory

A much anticipated first team debut saw Ventnor's proud rugby players secure a vital victory at home against rivals Alresford on Saturday (January 13).

It was with much excitement that home fans read the team sheet — wonderkid Layton Greatorex named in the first XV for the first time.

His inclusion had a positive impact on the side, as they recorded their first league win since September and first in 11 matches to pull clear of their Hampshire Counties 3 opponents (who have received a 10-point deduction and sit at the foot of the table).

The buzz surrounding Layton saw a huge crowd in attendance, adding a pressure cooker atmosphere to the occasion.

The inevitable nerves came to the surface in the early going, as Ventnor's poor kick-off resulted in a try for the fired up visitors.

When their subsequent kick from the restart failed to go the required ten metres, there was an audible groan at the prospect of another under-par performance from the home side.

Those supporters needn't have worried — these players exhibited the requisite backbone and relentless spirit to ensure the tables were soon turned in their favour.

The victory march was ignited by the front row, where Grant Richardson, George Collett and skipper Ben Savill obliterated their opposition and provided Ben Souter with plenty of opportunities to get his back line moving.

Greatorex (#LayttheGreat)'s power in the centre proved a perfect compliment for fleet-footed Joel Crooks — their exciting partnership evoking memories of Will Carling and Jeremy Guscott in the 1990s for England and The Lions.

Could Ventnor's fantastic centres emulate iconic 90s duo Carling and Guscott?

Ventnor looked more stable than at any time previously this season, as Souter dived over the line for the vital try, to a chorus of adulation from the throng of spectators.

A second try wasn't far away, and there was little surprise about the catalyst.

Greatorex did brilliantly to field a speculative cross-kick, which he had no right to get to, and set in motion a move where Cocks touched down far out on the left. Suddenly it was 12 - 5 to Ventnor.

Leading 18 - 8 at the break, the dynamic Cocks scored his second try, which was again converted.

Despite a spirited fightback from Alresford — with Ventnor at one point going down to 13 players — the home heroes held firm.

The victory was secured when man-of-the-match Greatorex was at the heart of a move which saw full-back Jake Babington jink down the right for an excellent try.

A final score of 33 – 15 to Ventnor was roared home, with one of the great debuts witnessed — what a wonderful Saturday for all involved!

In a brief half-time ceremony, Alresford’s travelling support presented Lesley Orton with £270 they had raised in support of Luke Orton’s fund.

Lesley and Tony are converting their Ventnor home to meet Luke’s future needs after his life-changing injury playing beach rugby in the summer left him paralysed and without the use of his hands.

It put the game into perspective and was in keeping with the wonderful spirit of the day.

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Team: Richardson, Collett, Savill (capt), Teague, Frampton, Coghlan, L.Morton, C.Magnurson, Souter, Lines, Fairman, Cocks, *Greatorex*, Blake, Babington.
Subs: Harrison, Martin, Fox
Ventnor Man of the Match: Layton Greatorex (9.9/10) — Ridiculous performance for a player on debut, the young buck is here to stay after inspiring Ventnor to a first league win in almost 4 months.