Both Ventnor Rugby teams battled bravely and put in immense effort in two-action packed encounters on Saturday (November 16).
The 1sts travelled to Southampton and narrowly lost a closely fought contest, while the 2nds displayed a valiant effort against a well-drilled New Milton side at Watcombe.
Southampton 1sts 25-17 Ventnor 1sts
Despite a depleted squad, and just one substitute, the Islanders showcased grit, unity and resilience against a powerful Southampton side.
The game was finely balanced for much of the match, with Ventnor’s defence standing strong against Southampton’s physical forwards.
Lewy Morton, Joe Coghlan and Dan Lythgoe delivered ferocious tackling, while Alec Bulpitt and Tom Crews handled Southampton’s wide attacks effectively.
However, penalties at key moments cost Ventnor, allowing the hosts to take a 10–5 lead into half time despite Jason Coltham’s superb try following sustained pressure from Ventnor’s pack.
The second half saw Ventnor capitalise on their strong set-piece game, with Adam Pratt’s precise lineout throws and Ben Savill leading a dominant driving maul.
A penalty try awarded after relentless fringe attacks put Ventnor ahead 12–10, but Southampton responded with a try as fatigue began to affect the defence.
George Collett’s try, capping off an all-action performance, levelled the scores at 17–17.
Unfortunately, late lapses in tackling allowed Southampton to cross for two decisive tries, denying Ventnor a deserved losing bonus point.
The referee commended Ventnor’s discipline and sportsmanship after the match, reflecting their admirable effort.
The team will look to build on this performance at home next Saturday, unveiling their new 50th Anniversary kit against Eastleigh 2nds at Watcombe.
Ventnor 2nds 26-34 New Milton 2nds
Along a long wait, Ventnor Lions returned to home turf with a full squad of 24 players, offering skipper Jack Rushton the luxury of rolling substitutions.
Ventnor started brightly, with powerful carry from James Morley and Gary Ball setting the tone.
Jack Babington crossed for the first try after 12 minutes, with Harry Ottley adding the conversion.
Ventnor’s defence was tested by New Milton’s dynamic backline, and the visitors responded with a try from a forward drive to make it 7-5.
However, Ventnor hit back as their dominant scrum created space for fly-half Alan Bridges to release Ben Lush and Louis Wyatt, whose slick interplay freed Babington for his second try. Ottley’s conversion made it 14-5.
New Milton replied swiftly, exploiting defensive lapses to score two quick tries and take a 14-17 half time lead.
Some more pressure from the visitor’s pack at the start of the first half saw New Milton push the score to 14-24, but Ventnor started to fight back.
Dylan Reeves impressed on his debut, and Ottley scored and converted a well-earned try to narrow the gap to 21-24.
Despite this, New Milton’s clinical finishing extended their lead with two more tries.
Babington completed his hat-trick late on after relentless pressure from the Ventnor pack, but the Lions fell short.
Skipper Rushton praised the entire squad for their effort, highlighting the importance of cohesive team play ahead of their next match against Portsmouth 3rds.
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