Ventnor 1st XV produced a ruthless all-round display to beat previously unbeaten Tottonians 2nd XV 54-14 at Watcombe Bottom on Saturday (18th October).
The home side came into the game on the back of a strong away win at Ellingham and wasted no time imposing themselves. Roared on by a large crowd, Ventnor dominated early territory and opened the scoring when Jacob Jordan darted over after support play from Josh Braham, Lewis Jones, Dan Lythgoe and Josh Ford. Ford converted.
Despite conceding a string of penalties, Ventnor’s set piece kept them in control. A scrum against the head set up Harvey Wheeler for a well-taken try, again converted. Tottonians hit back with a maul try, but Ventnor responded immediately. A charge from Tom Branagh and sharp footwork by Hayden Lythgoe created space for Jordan’s second. Ford added the extras.
Moments later, a lineout take by skipper Lewy Morton on Ventnor’s 5-metre line launched a move that ended with Lythgoe scorching up the left wing to score from 60 metres out.
Half time: Ventnor 28 – 14 Tottonians
Braham was forced off at the break, bringing on debutant Cory Hayden, with Tom Scadden replacing Luke Butler at fly-half. The tempo didn’t drop, and Jones crashed over from a maul for a deserved score.
Scadden made an instant impact, regathering his own grubber kick to score a solo try that lifted the home support. With Harry Bexon-Smith adding power off the bench in the scrum, Ventnor continued to dominate.
Tottonians struggled to break down a solid defence, with key tackles from Hayden, Jones and Bexon-Smith. Jordan then picked off a loose kick near his own 22 and ran the length to complete his hat-trick.
The final try came after another lineout take by Morton, with slick handling putting Lythgoe into space before he sent Ben Souter inside to finish.
Full time: Ventnor 54 – 14 Tottonians
Ventnor: Rushton, Jones, D.Lythgoe, L.Morton (capt), Coltham, Coghlan, Jordan, H.Wheeler, Ford, Butler, H.Lythgoe, M.Wheeler, Branagh, Braham, Souter
Ventnor subs: Bexon-Smith, Hayman, Scadden
A.J.Wells Man of the Match: Lewis Jones
Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Ben Souter
Howden Insurance Supporters of the Day: Danny Newbery and Paul Berry
Ventnor coaches: Damien Marriott, Todd Riches, Andy Teague
Ventnor physio: Sarah Watt
After the game, Head coach Damien Marriott said:
“We talked before the game about starting fast and putting our stamp on it early, and they delivered that, that was our most complete performance of the season so far.
“We started fast, stayed composed, and kept our standards high right to the end. The set piece was dominant, defence was physical, and the backs showed real intent. What pleased me most was the intensity in the second half – we didn’t drop off, we got stronger. The lads can be proud of that one.”
VENTNOR 2ND XV SHOW SPIRIT BUT FALL TO STRONG TOTTONIANS OUTFIT ON THE ROAD
Ventnor 2nd XV battled hard but were beaten 62-10 by a powerful Tottonians 3rd XV in the Hampshire Premiership South on Saturday (18th October).
With Jack Rushton called up to the first team, Jack Gilbey led the side as captain. Ventnor travelled with a changed squad featuring several debutants and late positional reshuffles, including the use of a Tottonians player in the front row to ensure contested scrums could take place.
The home side fielded a strong team, bolstered by nine players from higher squads who were unavailable for their own away fixture. They started quickly, scoring an unconverted try within five minutes. A second followed shortly after, despite a superb jackal from debutant Ben Mumford which briefly halted their momentum.
Ventnor stood up to the pressure with Dean Magnurson and Sean Frampton working tirelessly in the loose. Henrik Brown and Gilbey combined well in the lineout, and Ed Blake opened Ventnor’s account with a trademark powerful run.
Half time: Tottonians 26 – 5 Ventnor
Nathan Frampton made an instant impact off the bench in the second half with several key tackles and a strong run. Grant Richardson and Charlie Magnurson helped build pressure and Blake crossed for his second try following neat attacking play.
Tottonians, however, showed their experience and control, dominating the final stages. Despite a series of strong defensive efforts from Dylan Gray, Dan Peat and Dave Rees, the home side added to their lead in the final quarter.
There were bright moments from the Ottley brothers – Harry, Luke and Archie – as well as Mumford, Olly Wood and Tony Jacobson, but chances were limited.
Full time: Tottonians 62 – 10 Ventnor
Despite the scoreline, the visiting squad earned praise for their commitment and character against high-calibre opposition.
Ventnor: Harry, Brown, Richardson, S.Frampton, D.Magnurson, Gilbey (capt), Rees, C.Magnurson, E.Blake, H.Ottley, Gray, L.Ottley, Mumford, Wood, Jacobson Subs: N.Frampton, Martin, Peat, A.Ottley
A.J.Wells Man of the Match: Ed Blake and Ben Mumford
Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Jack Gilbey
Howden Insurance Supporter of the Day: Claire Mumford
Ventnor coaches: Clive Cardwell-Hill, Dean Magnurson
Ventnor physio: Todd Connor
a fantastic performance again, forwards was superb, backs looked sharp, young fly half looks a player! Coaching team has got them going. Keep it up can’t wait to watch again