Isle Of Wight End Ventnor’s Unbeaten Run With 15-5 Victory

Ventnor’s perfect start to the Hampshire Counties Three season came to an end at the weekend as an Isle of Wight side secured a hard-fought 15-5 win at Wootton.

Ventnor started strongly, with early pressure from Luke Butler and Tom Scadden, but injuries and a relentless Isle of Wight defence kept the visitors at bay.

Ventnor scored first through Hayden Lythgoe, but the hosts responded with an unconverted try after a tap penalty, bringing the half to 5-5.

In the second half, the Isle of Wight dominated territory and built pressure on Ventnor’s line.

A converted try and a late penalty sealed a deserved 15-5 victory for the home side.

Ventnor struggled to get their backline going, despite strong runs from Jewy Jones, Jason Coltham, and Harvey Wheeler.

Ventnor remain top of the league but their lead over Tottonians is now just two points.

They return to action at home against Ellingham & Ringwood on 10 January.

Team: Rushton, Jones, D. Lythgoe, L. Morton (capt), Coltham, Hayman, Coghlan, H. Wheeler, Ford, Butler, Scadden, Souter, M. Wheeler, Branagh, H. Lythgoe, Scadden. Subs: Broomfield, Collett, Gilbey

Man of the Match: Jason Coltham

Moment of the Match: Joe Coghlan