Ventnor Rugby Club Enjoys Dominant Double As First And Second XIs Storm To Victory

Ventnor Rugby Club enjoyed a sensational weekend on Saturday (8 November), with both the first and second teams claiming emphatic wins to maintain their strong starts to the season.

Ventnor 1st XV crush Eastleigh 81–0

Travelling with confidence to Eastleigh, Ventnor’s 1st XV delivered a commanding performance to record a thumping 81–0 victory in the Hampshire Counties 3 League.

Ventnor took control early, with tries from Lewis Jones, Jason Coltham and Jack Rushton setting the tone, all converted by Josh Ford.

The visitors’ attacking play was relentless, with further scores from Tom Branagh (who went on to complete a hat-trick), Ben Souter, and Harvey Wheeler, who impressed with two powerful tries.

Despite a yellow card for Jacob Jordan and a string of conceded penalties, Ventnor’s dominance never wavered.

The forwards, led by captain Lewis Morton and the tireless Rushton, controlled every facet of play, while Ford’s accurate kicking added eight conversions.

Jordan added three tries to his season tally, taking him to ten in four league games, as Ventnor ran in thirteen tries in total.

The final whistle confirmed a statement win for the Islanders, who praised Eastleigh for their determination despite being under strength.

Ventnor 2nd XV power past Christchurch 45–7

Back at Watcombe Bottom, Ventnor’s 2nd XV also impressed, defeating Christchurch 45–7 in the Hampshire Premiership South League.

A reshuffled side — with several players called up to the first team — made an assertive start through strong carries from George Collett, Chris Skelley and Iain Reeves.

Veteran Warren Riches opened the scoring before converting his own try, and back-rower Alec Bulpitt, later named Man of the Match, powered over for the second.

Although Christchurch briefly narrowed the gap before half-time, Ventnor’s superior pace and fitness told after the break.

Winger Olly Wood crossed early in the second half, followed by a dazzling hat-trick from centre Jack Davis.

Bulpitt sealed the win with his second try after excellent build-up play from Skelley and Davis.

Riches added five conversions in total to complete a convincing 45–7 victory — a result that keeps both Ventnor sides top of their respective leagues.

Man of the Match Awards:

• 1st XV: Jack Rushton

• 2nd XV: Alec Bulpitt

Red Funnel Moments of the Match:

• 1st XV: Harvey Wheeler

• 2nd XV: Dean Magnurson