Ventnor 1st XV continued their impressive start to the Hampshire Counties 3 League season with a commanding 41–14 away victory over Ellingham & Ringwood on Saturday (11th October).
After last weekend’s dominant performance, the Islanders travelled with confidence but were mindful of the home side’s physicality and experience. It took just minutes for Ventnor to set the tone, with a thunderous tackle from Hayden Lythgoe halting the Ellingham centre in his tracks. Soon after, a strong scrum from George Collett, Jewy Jones and Dan Lythgoe turned possession, setting the platform for Lythgoe himself to crash over for the opener.
A well-placed kick from Max Wheeler caused chaos in the Ellingham defence, allowing Joe Coghlan to pounce for Ventnor’s second as the visitors surged to a 10–0 lead inside 15 minutes. Ellingham hit back through a neatly worked blindside move, but Ventnor’s response was swift – Harvey Wheeler and Jacob Jordan combined brilliantly for Jordan to finish wide, before Wheeler’s conversion made it 7–17.
With Coghlan and captain Lewy Morton dominating the line-out, Ventnor pressed again. Max Wheeler’s powerful carry and Josh Ford’s incisive running opened space for Coghlan to grab his second of the afternoon. Another quick attack saw Wheeler feed Jordan for his brace, both converted to give Ventnor a commanding 29–7 half-time advantage.
Half time: Ellingham & Ringwood 7-29 Ventnor
Coach Todd Riches called for more direct running at the break – and his side delivered. Harvey Wheeler and Tom Branagh battered the defence before Wheeler’s looping pass sent Olly Wood over in the corner. Ellingham briefly replied with an interception try, but it was mere consolation as Ventnor finished strongly, Jewy Jones spinning out of a tackle to score under the posts for a 41–14 final scoreline.
Full time: Ellingham & Ringwood 14 – 41 Ventnor
Ventnor: Collett, Jones, D. Lythgoe, L. Morton (capt), Coltham, Coghlan, Jordan, H. Wheeler, Ford, M. Wheeler, Wood, Branagh, H. Lythgoe, Braham, Souter. Subs: Cocks, McKinney.
Coach: Todd Riches. Physio: Sarah Watt.
A.J. Wells Man of the Match: Josh Ford.
Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Lewy Morton.
Howden Insurance Supporter of the Day: John, the Angela’s coach driver.
With 105 points scored across their opening two fixtures, Ventnor sit proudly at the top of the table ahead of next weekend’s showdown with fellow unbeaten side Tottonians 2nd XV at Watcombe Bottom.
VENTNOR 2ND XV EDGE FAWLEY IN THRILLING ONE-POINT WIN AT WATCOMBE
Ventnor 2nd XV returned to action in thrilling fashion on Saturday (11th October), edging Fawley 29–28 in a pulsating Hampshire Premiership South encounter at Watcombe Bottom.
With captain Jack Rushton leading a blend of youthful energy and seasoned experience, the hosts made a blistering start. Charlie Magnurson marked his return with an early try after clever play through midfield, though strong winds denied the conversion. Ventnor’s dominance was built around their powerful scrum, with Rushton, Henrik Brown and Gary Ball proving immovable, while the Frampton brothers commanded the second row.
Despite early pressure, Fawley struck back on the counter to take a 7–5 lead before extending their advantage following a long stoppage due to injury. At 5–14 down at half time, coach Clive Cardwell-Hill urged composure – and his side responded superbly.
Half time: Ventnor 5-14 Fawley
Bob Parker took charge early in the second half, driving Ventnor forward with authority, supported by the midfield generalship of Luke Butler. But when Fawley crossed again to make it 21–5, the hosts’ chances appeared to fade.
What followed, however, was a classic Watcombe comeback. Sam Lines finished off a smart training-ground move to lift spirits, before veteran Ross Harris danced through for a converted score by Warren Riches. The momentum was unstoppable. Grant Richardson – rolling back the years – muscled over for Ventnor’s third, putting the home side ahead for the first time at 24–21.
Fawley hit back once more, but Richardson wasn’t done. His second try of the afternoon restored Ventnor’s lead, and despite late pressure, the home defence – led by tireless runners Ed Blake and Tony Jacobson – held firm to seal a dramatic 29–28 victory.
The crowd erupted at the final whistle after one of Watcombe’s most entertaining finishes in recent memory.
Full Time: Ventnor 2nds 29 – 28 Fawley
Ventnor: Rushton (capt), Brown, Ball, N. Frampton, S. Frampton, D. Reeves, B. Parker, C. Magnurson, Harris, Butler, Jacobson, Lines, E. Blake, Castle, W. Riches. Subs: Starkey, I. Reeves, T. Davis, Richardson, Excell.
Coach: Clive Cardwell-Hill. Physio: Todd Connor.
A.J. Wells Man of the Match: Luke Butler.
Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Ewan Castle.
Howden Insurance Supporters of the Day: Mike and Carrie Flanagan.
Fantastic work Ventnor, lots has changed up there, you can feel it and see it in the players body language. I watched them last week against Aldershot and they look a real outfit. Whatever the new coach is doing keep it up as your doing a marvellous job, compared to the clowns of recent seasons keep it up