Ventnor 1st XV secured the Hampshire Counties Three title with a hard-fought victory on the road in difficult conditions.
In a tense and physical encounter, Ventnor did just enough to claim the win they needed, with defences dominating for long periods in blustery conditions at Aldershot.
Playing into a strong, gusty wind in the 1st half, the Islanders found it difficult to impose their usual expansive style. Direct carries from Dan Lythgoe, Cody Hayman and Harvey Wheeler were repeatedly met by stubborn defence, while the referee allowed little margin at the breakdown.
Josh Ford and Luke Butler looked to create opportunities through the centres, but Tom Branagh and Max Wheeler were largely restricted to the gain-line. At the other end, Aldershot & Fleet used the wind effectively, peppering the backfield — but Ben Souter, Ed Blake and Alec Bulpitt dealt confidently with the aerial threat.
A key area of dominance for Ventnor was the line-out, where Jewy Jones — marking his 200th 1st XV appearance — was exceptional with his throwing. Lewy Morton and Joe Coghlan consistently secured clean ball, while Jason Coltham and Morton disrupted the hosts’ set-piece.
Despite a sin-bin for the home side following a high tackle on Branagh, Ventnor were unable to capitalise before the break.
Half time: Aldershot & Fleet 0-0 Ventnor
With the wind now behind them, Ventnor stepped up a gear in the 2nd half. Ford and Butler used the conditions intelligently, while Morton and Branagh made powerful carries to push the visitors forward.
The breakthrough finally came when Ford slotted a penalty to open the scoring. Further pressure followed, with the introduction of Harry Bexon-Stone and Riley Lloyd helping Ventnor gain the upper hand in the scrum.
Ford added a 2nd penalty before Aldershot & Fleet mounted a sustained spell of pressure on the Ventnor line. However, resolute defending — capped by a crucial turnover from Bulpitt — kept the hosts scoreless.
With Tom Scadden adding fresh energy in the backs, Ventnor pushed further upfield and Ford extended the lead with a 3rd penalty. The travelling support could finally relax when Ford added his 4th to seal the result.
Full time: Aldershot & Fleet 0-12 Ventnor
Ventnor: Rushton, Jones, D Lythgoe, Coltham, Hayman, Coghlan, L Morton (capt), H Wheeler, Ford, Butler, E Blake, Branagh, M Wheeler, Bulpitt, Souter.
Subs: Bexon-Stone, Lloyd, Scadden. Travelling reserve: Gilbey. Coaches: Damien Marriott, Clive Cardwell-Hill, Andy Teague, Todd Riches Physio: Sarah Watt.A.J. Wells Man of the Match: Harvey Wheeler
Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Jewy Jones (200th appearance)
Howden Insurance Supporters of the Day: Rev Warren Riches and Regan Newbury
After the match, head coach Damien Marriott said:
“We’re really pleased with that. It was a tough game in very difficult conditions, and I thought our defence, especially in the first half, was outstanding. We had to absorb a lot of pressure at times, but the lads stayed connected, worked hard for each other, and showed real resilience to keep a clean sheet.
“In the second half, our game management was exactly what was needed. We played the conditions well, made good decisions, and controlled the game in the right areas of the pitch.
“Most importantly, congratulations to all the lads on becoming league champions. It’s a brilliant achievement and thoroughly deserved for the effort they’ve put in all season”.
Ventnor’s victory confirms them as Hampshire Counties Three champions, capping an excellent campaign built on consistency and resilience.
Next up, Ventnor 2nds travel to Christchurch on 18th April, before the Tristan Price Memorial Game and family fun day takes place at Watcombe on Sunday 19th April.
VENTNOR FALL SHORT IN ENTERTAINING FRIENDLY AGAINST TOURING MIDSOMER NORTON
An eclectic Ventnor XV were beaten by a touring Midsomer Norton side in an enjoyable friendly at Watcombe on Sunday.
Ventnor welcomed Midsomer Norton for a social fixture following a weekend of celebrations and touring, with both sides showing signs of wear but still producing an entertaining contest.
The visitors ultimately came out on top in a free-flowing encounter, running in 6 tries to secure victory despite a spirited showing from the home side.
Ventnor’s preparations had been far from conventional, having celebrated their Hampshire Counties Three title success the day before, while Midsomer Norton’s squad had been sampling the Island’s hospitality.
Despite this, there was plenty of quality on display. Ventnor crossed 4 times through Harry Ottley, Josh Ford, Harry Bexon-Stone and Harvey Wheeler. Warren Riches added a conversion to Ford’s try, with Bexon-Stone also converting his own score.
Debutant Chris Rose impressed on his first outing, with a strong break and offload providing one of the highlights of the match.
The visitors maintained their advantage in the 2nd half, capitalising on tired legs to pull clear, although Ventnor continued to battle throughout.
Ventnor 24-36 Midsomer Norton
Ventnor: Gilbey (capt), J Blake, Brown, I Reeves, N Frampton, Castle, Ford, Bexon-Stone, Bridgeman, H Ottley, Wood, Wade, Rees, Rose, Jacobson, Tombleson, Fox, W Riches, Cocks, Henley.
A.J. Wells Man of the Match: Iain Reeves
Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Chris Rose
Howden Insurance Supporter of the Day: Tim Davis
