VENTNOR'S second team suffered a heavy defeat on the road against their counterparts of Fareham Heathens RFC.

FAREHAM HEATHENS II 75, VENTNOR II 14

They arrived with only 12 players, but managed to find three guest players before kick-off.

Despite these efforts, they were outplayed by a well-prepared Fareham Heathens outfit.

Ventnor found themselves 14-0 down within minutes, after two long-range tries were converted.

However, they fought back with an excellent try from Harry Ottley, converted by Warren Riches.

The Islanders gained confidence and dominated possession, but failed to capitalise.

The tide turned ten minutes before half-time, when Fareham scored four unanswered tries, ending the first half 40-7.

The pattern continued in the second half with Fareham adding to their tally.

Ventnor's dominance in the scrums was nullified by an injury in the Heathens’ front row, which led to uncontested scrums.

An injury to Ewan Castle further disadvantaged Ventnor.

Ventnor's second try was scored by a guest player, again converted by Riches.

Finally, a word of praise for the referee, Heather Addison-Prout, who had an excellent game.