Ventnor RFC were comprehensively beaten by Lymington Mariners in a pre-season friendly on Saturday (6th September).
Playing into the wind during the first half, Ventnor were forced to contend with Lymington Mariners’ territorial kicking game. The pressure was managed well by Tom Crews, supported by Ben Cooper and debutant Hayden Lythgoe. Despite growing into the game, Ventnor were punished for missed tackles at the side of a ruck, allowing the home side a soft opening try.
Ventnor responded with physicality, with Jack Rushton, Jewy Jones and Dan Lythgoe holding strong in the scrums. Joe Coghlan and Lewis Morton impressed in the lineouts, while Ben Souter kept things sharp at scrumhalf, linking well with fly-half Max Wheeler.
Despite showing attacking intent and a willingness to run the ball, Ventnor often left runners isolated, leading to turnovers. Tom Branagh and Alec Bulpitt combined effectively, with Branagh making several strong carries before being forced off with a leg injury. Jason Coltham threatened the line but Lymington Mariners extended their lead before the break through a quick tap penalty.
HT: Lymington Mariners 12 – 0 Ventnor
Ventnor rotated their squad in the second half, with Luke Butler using the wind to gain field position. Newcomer Josh Braham made an immediate impact in both attack and defence, including a try-saving tackle, while Joel Cocks settled in after replacing Harvey Wheeler in the pack.
Hooker Jack Gilbey helped maintain dominance in the scrum, and a strong push saw Coltham go close again. The ball was recycled and moved through Butler, Crews, and finally Hayden Lythgoe, who finished the move to score Ventnor’s only try.
Momentum was building, with Ewan Castle making hard yards and Tony Jacobson showing pace and commitment. However, two late tries from Lymington Mariners – one despite a foot in touch and another after a clear knock-on – put the result beyond reach.
FT: Lymington Mariners 26 – 5 Ventnor
Ventnor will have a chance to bounce back when they welcome Lymington Mariners to Watcombe on Saturday (13th September), kick-off at 15:00.
Ventnor: Rushton, Jones, D. Lythgoe, Coltham, N. Frampton, Coghlan, L. Morton (capt), H. Wheeler, Souter, M. Wheeler, Cooper, Bulpitt, Branagh, H. Lythgoe, Crews Subs: Gilbey, Edwards, Castle, Cocks, Butler, Jacobson, Braham, Fox
Travelling Coaches: Clive Cardwell-Hill and Andy Teague
A.J. Wells Man of the Match: Jason Coltham
Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Joel Cocks
Howden Insurance Supporters of the Day: Andy Wall and Sam Frampton
