Ventnor 1st XV concluded their Hampshire Counties 3 League season with a standout performance, triumphing over Portsmouth 2nd XV in a convincing victory.

Ventnor 37 – 7 Portsmouth

Led by captain Lewis 'Jewy' Jones in his final game as skipper after five seasons, Ventnor showcased power, fitness, teamwork, and skill.

The squad delivered a collective effort, reflecting their determination to honour Jones' leadership.

From the outset, Ventnor's pack dominated, with Ben Savill and Guy Entwistle leading the charge.

Emile Bleriot's quick distribution set up Fergus Kenny, Ben Cooper, and Sam Lines, resulting in Jake Babington's try.

Ventnor maintained control, extending their lead to 12 through Entwistle before Ed Blake converted.

Despite Portsmouth's brief resurgence, Ventnor were able to put some welcome distance to the scoreline after Grant Richardson powered over to make it 22-7 at half-time.

The second half saw George Collett’s return from injury, bolstering Ventnor’s front row.

Tempers flared briefly, leading to yellow cards, but Ventnor remained composed, with Bleriot adding to their lead from a penalty.

The team showcased their flare with tries from Fred Fairman and James Coltham before Bleriot slotted home the conversion, securing a resounding victory.

Ventnor:

Richardson, Jones, Savill, Teague, Coltham, Coghlan, L.Morton, Entwistle, Bleriot, F.Kenny, E.Blake, B.Cooper, Lines, Fairman, Babington

Subs: Collett, Green, R.Cooper, Fox.

Meanwhile, Ventnor 2nd XV secured a dominant 75-0 victory over Portsmouth's 3rd XV, securing the runners-up position in Hampshire League 5.

Ventnor 75 - 0 Portsmouth

Led by skipper Jack Rushton, the Ventnor Lions displayed exceptional teamwork and skill, with standout performances from Steve Maskell, Jimmy Excell, and Gavin Davis.

From kick-off, Ventnor looked sharp, with Maskell scoring an opening try after just two phases.

Gary Ball drove the Portsmouth pack over the line, setting up Will Broomfield for his first try, followed by Rushton's ten-yard try.

Gavin Davies scored two quick tries, while Dan Muir's sensational run from the halfway line added to the lead.

Coach Neil Evans made strategic substitutions, ensuring stability in set pieces and defence.

Substitute Chris Skelly found a gap and ran through defenders like a charging bull, scoring a try.

Bob Parker saw his opportunity straight off the next kick-off, sidestepping several defenders and making it to the five-metre line before shipping the ball out to Will Bloomfield, who bulldozed his way over the line.

Receiving the ball from Harry Ottley, Layton Greatorex stormed through the Portsmouth defence to score.

Substitutes Ewan Castle, Dylan Gray, Olly Wood and Jack Gilbey did not fail to disappoint as they set up Alan Fox to get a try in what is rumoured to be his retirement game.

Greatorex and Neil Evans made easy work of the defensive line, and Evans ran in his first try in a Ventnor shirt.

The 75-0 victory means Ventnor’s 2nd XV secured the runners-up position.

Ventnor:

Rushton, Excell, Ball, Parker, Morley, Pemberton, Colson, Broomfield, Harris, Ottley, G.Davis, Greatorex, Maskell, Muir, W.Riches.

Subs: Skelley, Francis, Castle, Gilbey, D.Magnurson, Gray, Green, Frampton, Wood, Brown.