Late Drama Sees Ventnor 1st XV Win As 2nds Match Abandoned

It was a dramatic afternoon of rugby at Watcombe Bottom on Saturday, with Ventnor’s 1st XV securing a last-gasp league victory while the 2nd XV saw their fixture brought to an early end.

1st XV Edge Thriller To Stay In Title Hunt

Ventnor 1st XV kept their Hampshire Counties Three title hopes alive with a 24–20 win over an in-form Alton side.

The visitors struck first with an early penalty and made the most of their chances in the opening half.

After Josh Ford crossed for Ventnor’s first try following strong set-piece work, Alton responded with two quick scores to open up a 17–5 lead with the wind behind them.

Ford’s second try, converted by the scrum-half, reduced the deficit to 17–12 at the break and set up a tense second half.

Alton extended their advantage to 20–12 with a penalty inside the final 10 minutes, but Ventnor mounted a sustained late surge.

Alec Bulpitt powered over to narrow the gap to three points before relentless pressure close to the line resulted in prop Jack Rushton crashing over for the decisive try.

Ford added the extras as the final whistle sounded.

Head coach Damien Marriott praised both sides after the match, highlighting Ventnor’s defensive effort and strong scrum platform, while admitting there is still work to do in taking chances more clinically.

The five-point haul keeps Ventnor firmly in the championship race ahead of next weekend’s home clash with Overton.

Jack Rushton was named A.J. Wells Man of the Match, while Alec Bulpitt claimed the Red Funnel Moment of the Match.

2nd XV Fixture Abandoned After Injury

Earlier in the day, Ventnor 2nd XV’s Hampshire Merit Tables encounter with United Services Portsmouth 2nd XV was abandoned with the score locked at 5–5.

United Services opened the scoring from a lineout maul, but Ventnor responded to level things up.

The match was played with uncontested scrums from the outset, and although Ventnor were building momentum, play was halted following an injury to a United Services player.

An ambulance was called as a precaution and the referee subsequently declared the match null and void.

The player was later released from hospital the same evening.

A replay has been scheduled for 14th March.

Ventnor 2nds are due to face Isle of Wight 2nds in a friendly next weekend.