Ventnor Rugby Club capped off their pre-season preparations with a commanding 55-7 win over Lymington Mariners at Watcombe Bottom on Saturday (13th September).
The home side were on the front foot from the outset, with Luke Butler’s tactical kicking and the tireless chasing of Josh Braham keeping the visitors pinned back. An early goal line drop-out provided the platform for Tom Crews to make ground, before Ben Souter exploited space on the blindside for Butler to dummy his way over for the opening try.
Lewis Jones soon powered over from a tap penalty to extend the lead, but Lymington hit back with a well-worked try to reduce the deficit. That momentum was short-lived, however, as Harvey Wheeler produced a storming run from deep in his own half, linking with Joe Coghlan to release Max Wheeler for a superb finish.
Another quick tap penalty from Jones set up further pressure, with slick handling from Souter, Butler, Wheeler and Coghlan creating space for Braham to cross for a deserved try.
After the break, Ventnor continued to dominate. Dan Lythgoe powered over from close range before substitute Joel Cocks made an immediate impact, taking a long pass from Butler to score from 20 metres. Returning player Will Broomfield then announced himself with two tries – the first following strong work from Braham and Lythgoe, the second showcasing his pace and strength as he raced in from 30 metres.
The scoring was rounded off by Hayden Lythgoe, who capped a man-of-the-match performance with the final try of the afternoon.
Full time: Ventnor 55-7 Lymington Mariners.
Ventnor: Rushton (capt), Jones, D. Lythgoe, Coltham, I. Reeves, Coghlan, Gilbey, H. Wheeler, Souter, Butler, E. Blake, M. Wheeler, H. Lythgoe, Braham, Crews. Subs: Collett, Brown, Edwards, Castle, Broomfield, Cocks, Jacobson, S. Frampton, Castle, W. Riches, McKinney.
Man-of-the-Match: Hayden Lythgoe.
Moment-of-the-Match: Joel Cocks.
Supporters-of-the-Day: Bradders and Molly.
