Ventnor 1st XV battled through mud and gale-force gusts to secure a hard-fought 25–7 victory over Winchester at Watcombe Bottom.
Ventnor entered the Hampshire Counties 3 clash on Saturday (22nd November) on the back of several runaway wins, but they faced a far sterner test against a strong Winchester outfit sitting third in the table. A late reshuffle saw Harvey Wheeler step into the starting XV for the injured Alec Bulpitt, yet the home side struck early as Jewy Jones powered over following a well-executed driving maul sparked by a clean Cody Haydan line-out take.
Despite dominating possession, Ventnor struggled to translate pressure into points. Sodden conditions led to over-ambitious passing and several knock-ons, leaving the scrum to take command. Dan Lythgoe, Jones and Jack Rushton repeatedly shoved back their opposite numbers, providing the platform Ventnor needed as the line-out faltered in the swirling wind.
The match evolved into a trench battle, with relentless mud-soaked phases and defensive grit required across the pitch. Tom Scadden produced a vital covering tackle to shut down a Winchester breakaway, while Tom Crews, Ben Souter and Hayden Lythgoe dealt superbly with a barrage of long kicks from the visitors’ fly-half. A penalty for offside allowed skipper Lewy Morton to turn to kicker Josh Ford, who slotted the three points for an 8–0 half-time lead.
Winchester hit back immediately after the restart, capitalising on a fumbled kick-off to score on the right. The setback only ignited Ventnor, who turned to their power game. Wheeler, Jason Coltham, Jones and Lythgoe all made hard yards, backed by excellent support from Jacob Jordan and Hayman, giving Scadden the platform to unleash his backs. Tom Branagh repeatedly punctured the defensive line, paving the way for Max Wheeler to stretch over after a sustained series of close-range rucks.
Ventnor pressed on, with skipper Morton barging over to extend the gap before the hunt began for a bonus-point try. It arrived courtesy of determined clean-up work by George Collett and a trademark hard-carry from Ed Blake, allowing Dan Lythgoe to burrow over. Tom Crews added the extras to seal a deserved 25–7 victory.
Final score: Ventnor 25–7 Winchester
Ventnor Firsts: Rushton, Jones, D. Lythgoe, L. Morton (capt), Coltham, Haydan, Jordan, H. Wheeler, Ford, Scadden, H. Lythgoe, M. Wheeler, Branagh, Souter, Crews.
Subs: Collett, Bulpitt, E. Blake
A.J. Wells Man of the Match: Lewis Jewy Jones
Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Josh Ford
Howden Insurance Supporters of the Day: Nancy Finan, Alan Fox, Ted Funnel
Next match: Ventnor 1st XV vs Alton – Saturday 29th November, Watcombe Bottom
VENTNOR SECONDS SHOW BRAVERY AND UNITY DESPITE HEAVY LOSS AT NEW MILTON
Ventnor 2nd XV displayed remarkable commitment and team spirit in a punishing 67–0 defeat away at New Milton.
Travelling with a reduced squad in driving rain, swirling wind and thick mud, Ventnor’s players showed enormous resolve simply by taking to the field. Debutant Luke Starkey launched himself into the contest with fearless intent, while Ross Harris worked tirelessly throughout. Captain Warren Riches delivered a standout leadership performance, rallying his side time and again.
Special praise goes to Riley Lloyd, who travelled by train to make kick-off and then produced a heroic, full-shift performance. Ewan Castle arrived carrying all the club gear, epitomising the dedication of the group, while Fred Fairman lived up to his reputation as a wrecking ball with ferocious tackling.
Despite carrying an injury, Ollie Wood insisted on making the journey, providing a valuable lift to his teammates before delivering the Red Funnel Moment of the Match. Iain Reeves and the Frampton brothers, Sean and Nathan, added grit and resilience as Ventnor absorbed wave after wave of New Milton pressure.
With Ventnor short at kick-off, New Milton sportingly supplied additional players to balance the numbers—a gesture warmly appreciated by the Island side. Even so, the hosts’ structure and physicality proved too strong on the day. But while the scoreboard read 67–0, it failed to reflect Ventnor’s determination, pride and refusal to give in.
Final score: New Milton 67–0 Ventnor
Ventnor Seconds A.J. Wells Man of the Match: Fred Fairman
Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Ollie Wood
Coach & First Aid: Andy Teague
Congratulations on that solid win, real credit to the players playing some good rugby in hideous conditions, thoroughly enjoyed it watching from my car, signs of a great team building and developing, a team to keep an eye on.