Ventnor’s 1st and 2nd XV teams have suffered defeats in Hampshire Counties action, losing to Tottonians and Saint Romsey respectively on Saturday (26th September).
VENTNOR 1STS PAY PRICE FOR ERRORS IN DEFEAT TO TOTTONIANS
Ventnor’s 1st XV were unable to build on their impressive performance against Romsey as they suffered a 29-12 defeat to Tottonians at Watcombe Botttom.
The Islanders struggled against a strong Tottonians side, whose accurate kicking game proved decisive as Ventnor’s lineout difficulties and late-game discipline ultimately cost them.
Ventnor started brightly, with their defence standing firm against the visitors’ early pressure.
It was the home side who struck first when Harvey Wheeler picked up from the base of a scrum, allowing Billy Graham and Alec Bulpitt to make valuable ground.
Josh Ford then produced an excellent individual effort, chipping the ball over the defensive line, collecting his own kick and racing in under the posts. Ford added the conversion to give Ventnor a 7-0 lead.
Tottonians responded with a penalty as the match became a stop-start affair, with neither side able to establish control.
Strong defensive contributions from Lewy Morton, Cody Hayman and Dan Lythgoe kept Ventnor competitive, but the visitors eventually found a way through down the right to score a converted try and take a 10-7 lead.
Tottonians extended their advantage to 17-7 after capitalising on a close-range scrum, although Ventnor almost responded when Harry Ottley and Joe Coghlan combined to create an opportunity for Ben Souter.
The Islanders came out fighting in the second half and reduced the deficit when Bulpitt crossed for a try following powerful carries from Dan Lythgoe and Arran Robinson.
However, Ventnor’s discipline began to let them down, with Jim Pemberton receiving a yellow card as Tottonians took advantage of further penalty opportunities to secure an emphatic victory.
Tottonians 9-12 Ventnor
Reflecting on the defeat, Ventnor head coach Damien Marriott said:
“The disappointing thing is that when we did get into their twenty-two, we actually looked dangerous and came away with points.
“We just didn’t create enough of those opportunities. We pride ourselves on moving the ball and playing an exciting brand of rugby, and we didn’t quite manage to impose that on the game.”
Arran Robinson was named the A J Wells Man of the Match, while Jim Pemberton received the Red Funnel Moment of the Match award. Danny Newbury was named the Howden Insurance Supporter of the Day.
Ventnor: Robinson, Gilbey, D Lythgoe, L Morton (capt), Hayman, Banks, Bulpitt, H Wheeler, J Ford, H Ottley, Souter, Graham, Coghlan, H Lythgoe, E Blake Subs: Rushton, Pemberton, Broomfield.
DEPLETED VENTNOR 2NDS OVERPOWERED BY SAINT ROMSEY
Ventnor’s 2nd XV endured a difficult start to their Hampshire Counties Six campaign on Saturday (3rd October), suffering a heavy 71-7 defeat away to Saint Romsey.
Late withdrawals left Ventnor short of players for their opening league fixture, with the side travelling across the Solent with a depleted squad.
Despite the setback, Ventnor were determined to put up a fight, with Saint Romsey providing additional players to help balance the numbers.
The opening 20 minutes proved relatively even, with much of the play taking place in the middle of the pitch.
Ventnor made several advances through some excellent kicking from Max Henley, while Ben Cooper and Ben Westbrook produced strong attacking runs. John Waghorn also caused problems at the breakdown, making it difficult for the hosts to regain possession.
However, Saint Romsey began to exploit gaps in Ventnor’s defence and established a comfortable lead with a series of well-worked tries.
Ventnor continued to battle, with Henley delivering a well-placed restart that was chased down by Cooper to put the visitors back on the front foot.
Powerful carries from Harry Colson and Henrick Brown gained valuable ground, while Sean Frampton helped create another attacking opportunity.
Brad Francis then broke through a packed defensive line, supported by Blake Tombleson, to bring Ventnor within 5 metres of the try line.
Iain Reeves came close to scoring with another strong carry before captain Ross Harris moved the ball to Ewan Castle, who powered over for Ventnor’s only try of the afternoon.
Warren Riches added the conversion, but Saint Romsey continued to dominate the scoreboard, running in further tries to secure a convincing victory.
Full time: Saint Romsey 71-7 Ventnor 2nd XV
Max Henley was named the A J Wells Man of the Match, while Ben Westbrook received the Red Funnel Moment of the Match award.
Ventnor: I Reeves, H Brown, B Francis, S Frampton, E Castle, H Colson, B Tombleson, R Harris (capt), M Henley, B Cooper, B Westbrook, J Waghorn, W Riches.
VENTNOR LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK…
Ventnor’s 1st XV return to Hampshire Counties Two action against Fordingbridge at Watcombe on Saturday (10th October), with kick-off at 15:00.
Meanwhile, Ventnor’s 2nd XV will face the Isle of Wight 2nd XV in a friendly at Wootton on the same afternoon.
