Ventnor 1st XV lost out 27-24 in a tight and physical Hampshire Counties 3 League clash against Overton on Saturday (7th February), but claimed 2 bonus points.
Despite a number of regular players unavailable, Ventnor travelled with a strong squad. The soft underfoot conditions didn’t favour their usual style, but the visitors competed evenly throughout. Early dominance in the set piece came through Riley Lloyd, Jewy Jones and Dan Lythgoe, while Lewy Morton and Jack Gilbey secured good lineout ball. Cody Hayman led the early charge, and after he and Harvey Wheeler made ground, Lloyd crossed for the opening try. Ford converted.
Overton responded by using the slope and long kicking game to pin Ventnor back, eventually scoring through close-range pick-and-go play. Ventnor struck again soon after, with Tom Scadden and Fred Fairman combining to give Alec Bulpitt enough space to run in from 30 metres. Ford converted once more. A late penalty and unconverted try from Overton made it a one-point game at the break.
Halftime score: Overton 13 – 14 Ventnor
In the 2nd half, Ventnor made changes with Harry Bexon-Stone and George Collett joining the action. With Max Wheeler ruled out pre-match due to injury, 18-year-old Pat Banks made a strong debut in the back row and impressed throughout.
A slick move early in the half saw Hayman draw contact and win a penalty, which Ford quickly shifted to Jones. The hooker powered over to extend Ventnor’s lead. However, Overton again hit back following a failed clearance, scoring from a maul to retake the lead.
Ventnor pressed on with attacking intent. Wingers Archie Lucy and Fairman made inroads, while Tom Branagh battled through injury in midfield. A scrum deep in Overton’s 22 allowed Harvey Wheeler to finish well in the corner to regain the lead at 24-20.
But Overton had the final word. Sustained pressure in Ventnor’s red zone led to another offside penalty and a yellow card for Bexon-Stone. The hosts capitalised, scoring and converting to seal the win.
Full time score: Overton 27 – 24 Ventnor
Though disappointed, Ventnor took heart from the performance, particularly the promising debut of Banks and the collective effort in challenging conditions.
Ventnor: Lloyd, Jones, D. Lythgoe, L. Morton (capt), Hayman, Gilbey, Banks, H. Wheeler, Ford, Scadden, Fairman, Branagh, Bulpitt, Lucy, H. Lythgoe
Subs: Bexon-Stone, Collett, M. Wheeler Coaches: Damien Marriott, Clive Cardwell-Hill, Todd Riches, Andy Teague Physio: Sarah Watt
The A.J. Wells Man of the Match: Cody Hayman
The Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Max Wheeler
Howden Insurance Supporter of the Day: James Morton
The 2 bonus points gained slightly extend Ventnor’s lead above Tottonians to 4 points, with both sides having played 10 games.
Next Saturday, Ventnor 1sts travel to play Winchester 3rds while the 2nds visit Portsmouth 3rds.
