Ventnor RFC surrendered a half-time lead as Southampton battled through atrocious weather conditions to secure victory at Watcombe Bottom on Saturday.
The visitors overcame significant travel disruption caused by Storm Austen to make the journey across the Solent for the Counties 2 encounter, with driving rain and strong winds making conditions difficult for both sides.
Ventnor were dealt a blow before kick-off when Rhys Cole was ruled out after dislocating his shoulder during Hampshire trials, prompting a late change to the squad with Jack Gilbey stepping in.
Despite the disruption, the hosts made a promising start and soon established themselves in Southampton territory.
Following a lineout just beyond halfway, Beau Bridgeman released Jason Coltham, who made valuable ground before Alec Bulpitt carried the ball to within 5 metres of the visitors’ try line.
Jack Rushton then spotted a gap in the Southampton defence and powered over for the opening try, with Josh Ford adding the conversion to give Ventnor an early 7-0 advantage.
Southampton responded by applying sustained pressure close to the home side’s line. Arran Robinson and Pat Banks produced some determined defensive work, but the visitors eventually forced their way over to reduce the deficit.
Ventnor refused to allow the setback to disrupt their momentum and quickly launched another attack.
James Pemberton made a powerful break through a crowded Southampton defence, with Ben Westbrook providing support, before the ball was moved out towards the wing.
Luke Butler delivered the decisive pass to Ed Blake, who cut back inside the defence and crossed for Ventnor’s second try.
However, Southampton remained firmly in contention and struck again shortly before the interval. Lewis Morton and Harvey Wheeler both produced crunching tackles in an attempt to halt the visitors, but Southampton eventually found a way through.
Half time: Ventnor 14-10 Southampton
Holding a narrow 4-point advantage, Ventnor returned for the second half hoping to build on their promising opening 40 minutes.
However, with the weather deteriorating further, the contest became increasingly difficult for the home side.
Cody Hayman and Jack Gilbey were introduced at the interval and made an immediate impression, producing important defensive contributions alongside Ben Souter as Southampton looked to gain the upper hand.
Despite Ventnor’s efforts, the visitors proved better equipped to handle the worsening conditions and gradually turned the contest in their favour.
Southampton added 13 unanswered points during the second period, overturning Ventnor’s advantage and leaving the hosts unable to find a response.
It was a frustrating afternoon for Ventnor, who had shown plenty of attacking promise before the break but were ultimately unable to turn their first-half performance into a victory.
Full time: Ventnor 14-24 Southampton
Ventnor: Rushton, Gilbey, Robinson, Coltham, Broomfield, Banks, Morton, Wheeler, Bridgeman, Ford, Blake, Butler, Bulpitt, Westbrook, Souter, Hayman, Pemberton, Smallcombe. Coaching staff: Damien Marriott, Clive Caldwell-Hill, Todd Riches. Physio: Sarah Watt.
A J Wells Man of the Match: Cody Hayman
Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Harvey Wheeler
Ventnor coach Damien Marriott acknowledged the disappointment of losing on home soil, while praising Southampton’s ability to adapt to the conditions.
He said:
“Losing at home is always going to hurt. We knew how much this game meant, and we’re disappointed not to have come away with the result.
“The weather conditions were awful and made it difficult for either side to play rugby, but credit to Southampton, they came with a clear game plan, executed it well and fully deserved their win.
“From our point of view, we know we can be better. We’ve worked incredibly hard to get ourselves into this league, and we’re learning that at this level you have to adapt to the conditions and find ways to win ugly.”
The storm also disrupted Ventnor’s 2nd XV, whose scheduled trip to the mainland to face Christchurch was postponed because of the adverse weather and associated travel difficulties. The fixture will be rearranged for later in the season.
Both Ventnor teams are due back in action on Saturday 31st October, with the 1st XV travelling to Fareham Heathens while the 2nd XV host Forest Force at Watcombe Bottom.
