Ventnor RFC’s unstoppable form continued as both their senior sides secured emphatic victories on Saturday – the 1st XV thrashing Eastleigh 81–0 away, while the 2nd XV overpowered Christchurch 45–7 at Watcombe Bottom.
VENTNOR 1ST XV THRASH EASTLEIGH TO REMAIN UNBEATEN
Ventnor’s 1st XV produced a stunning display of attacking rugby to demolish Eastleigh 2nd XV 81–0 in the Hampshire Counties 3 League on Saturday (8th November).
Eastleigh, fielding a bare fifteen with several players out of position, could do little to contain a rampant Ventnor side who ran in 13 tries. Lewis Jones opened the scoring early before helping set up further efforts from Jason Coltham and Jack Rushton, all converted by Josh Ford. Ford then chased down his own kick to add the 4th as Ventnor stormed ahead.
Despite a yellow card for Jacob Jordan after repeated infringements, the Islanders dominated the set piece with Dan and Hayden Lythgoe, Jones and Rushton driving Eastleigh off their own ball. Tries from Tom Branagh, Ben Souter and Ford saw Ventnor lead 43–0 at half-time.
Coach Andy Teague made several second-half changes, but Ventnor’s momentum never faltered. Harvey Wheeler sprinted in from 70 metres before Jordan crossed twice in quick succession, taking his tally to ten tries in four league games. Further scores from Branagh – completing his hat-trick – and Wheeler’s second rounded off a one-sided affair.
Ford finished with 8 conversions, while skipper Lewis Morton and his pack’s defensive steel ensured Eastleigh never breached the line. Despite the huge margin, Ventnor’s coaches noted the need to curb a high penalty count which could prove costly against stronger opposition.
Eastleigh 0–81 Ventnor 1st XV
Ventnor: Rushton, Jones, D. Lythgoe, L. Morton (capt), Coltham, Coghlan, Jordan, H. Wheeler, Ford, Scadden, Souter, Butler, Branagh, H. Lythgoe, Crews.
Subs: Hayman, Broomfield, Gilbey.
Man of the Match: Jack Rushton
Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Harvey Wheeler
Howden Insurance Supporter of the Day: Andy Wall
VENTNOR 2ND XV CRUISE TO VICTORY OVER CHRISTCHURCH
Ventnor 2nd XV continued their fine run with a commanding 45–7 home win against Christchurch in the Hampshire Premiership South.
With several regulars promoted to first-team duty, a reshuffled side still dominated from the start. Strong carries from George Collett, Chris Skelley and Iain Reeves set the tone before veteran fly-half Warren Riches pounced on a loose ball to score and convert. After sustained pressure, powerhouse back-rower Alec Bulpitt bulldozed over to make it 12–0.
Although Christchurch hit back before half-time, Ventnor regrouped and came out firing. Quick hands from Jack Davis and debutant Ben Mumford released winger Olly Wood to score before Riches converted again. As Christchurch faded, Ventnor’s fitness and pace shone through, with Davis repeating his hat-trick heroics from the previous week. Three simple conversions from Riches took the score to 40–7.
Bulpitt capped a superb all-round performance by powering over for the final try after fine work from Skelley and Davis. With both sides agreeing to end proceedings early, the conversion was declined, sealing a comprehensive 45–7 victory.
Ventnor’s forwards once again dominated the scrums and lineouts, while their backline’s sharpness in attack proved too much for the visitors. With both senior sides still topping their respective divisions, it was another perfect weekend for the Watcombe Bottom club.
Ventnor 2nd XV 45–7 Christchurch
Ventnor 2nds: Parker, Brown, Skelley, I. Reeves, Castle, Collett, Bulpitt, D. Magnurson (capt), Bridges, W. Riches, Wood, Fairman, Mumford, Jacobson, E. Blake.
Subs: Stemmet, S. Frampton, Martin, J. Davis, G. Davis, Muir, Starkey.
Man of the Match: Alec Bulpitt
Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Dean Magnurson
Howden Insurance Supporter of the Day: Alison Roberts
