Ventnor’s Rollercoaster Week: Bonus-Point Triumph, Heavy Away Defeat

Ventnor RFC experienced two very different weekends of rugby, showcasing both their power at home and their resilience in the face of a humbling result on the road.

Ventnor 25–7 Winchester

After a series of dominant league wins, Ventnor were made to work hard against third-placed Winchester at Watcombe.

Despite losing Alec Bulpitt to a late injury and reshuffling their side, the home team struck early when Jewy Jones powered over from a driving maul following a Cody Haydan line-out take.

Possession was largely with Ventnor, but the conditions turned the match into a muddy arm-wrestle.

Handling errors prevented further first-half breakthroughs, though the front row of Dan Lythgoe, Jones and Jack Rushton repeatedly shoved Winchester off the ball to keep momentum in home hands.

A penalty from Josh Ford sent Ventnor in 8–0 up at the break.

Winchester hit back straight after the restart with a try, but Ventnor responded by tightening up their carrying game.

Harvey Wheeler, Jason Coltham, Jones and Lythgoe led the charge, with strong support from Jacob Jordan and Haydan.

Their pressure created openings for the backs, and Max Wheeler stretched over after a series of close-range phases.

Skipper Lewy Morton then muscled his way across the line to extend the advantage before Ventnor chased a bonus-point fourth try.

It arrived when George Collett tidied up loose ball and Dan Lythgoe burrowed over, with Tom Crews adding the extras.

Ventnor closed out a deserved 25–7 win.

Ventnor team: Rushton, Jones, D. Lythgoe, L. Morton (capt), Coltham, Haydan, Jordan, H. Wheeler, Ford, Scadden, H. Lythgoe, M. Wheeler, Branagh, Souter, Crews.Subs: Collett, Bulpitt, BlakeA.J. Wells Man of the Match: Lewis “Jewy” Jones

Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Josh Ford

Next fixture: Ventnor 1sts v Alton – Saturday 29 November at Watcombe

New Milton 67–0 Ventnor

A week later, a depleted Ventnor side travelled to New Milton in brutal weather conditions, fighting heavy rain, strong winds and a muddy pitch.

Though outnumbered at kick-off, New Milton showed superb sportsmanship by donating players to ensure a competitive match.

Debutant Luke Starkey threw himself into the contest from the first whistle, while captain Warren Riches worked tirelessly to keep his side battling.

Riley Lloyd showed remarkable commitment, travelling by train to make kick-off before turning in a huge performance, and Fred Fairman lived up to his reputation with a string of fierce tackles.

Ewan Castle arrived loaded with the club’s kit, the Frampton brothers added grit across the pitch, and Ollie Wood impressed simply by showing up despite carrying an injury—earning him the game’s ‘moment of the match’.

A.J. Wells Man of the Match: Fred Fairman

Red Funnel Moment of the Match: Ollie Wood

Coach & First Aid: Andy Teague