Ventnor 2nds Beaten By Strong United Services Portsmouth Side

Ventnor’s second team was beaten 77-0 by United Services Portsmouth at Watcombe Bottom in the Hampshire Merit Tables on Saturday.

Ventnor trailed by just 14 points at the break, but were overpowered in the second period.

Co-captain Jack Gilbey put everything he had into the match, while the front row of Iain Reeves, Grant Richardson and Jack Rushton never gave up in the set piece.

Pat Banks kept the visiting lineout under pressure, with Dean Magnurson, Charlie Magnurson and Charlie Sutton putting in a resilient defensive display in the back row during the opening minutes of the game.

However, United Services Portsmouth took control in the second half, running in a succession of tries as their additional pedigree began to tell.

Ventnor continued to battle throughout, but were unable to withstand the power of their potent opponents.

Despite a challenging afternoon, Chris Skelley was recognised for his unrelenting commitment, being named the A.J. Wells Man of the Match, while Ewan Castle received the Red Funnel Moment of the Match award.

Ventnor’s first team are next in action at Watcombe on Saturday (21 March) when they host Portsmouth 2nds in a crucial league encounter.