Ventnor Secure Title Before Friendly Defeat To Touring Side

Ventnor RFC secured the Hampshire Counties Three title with a hard-fought 12-0 win away at Aldershot & Fleet on Saturday, before an experimental side were beaten 36-24 by touring outfit Midsomer Norton the following day.

Needing just a point to confirm top spot, Ventnor were made to work in difficult, windy conditions in Aldershot, with both sides struggling to break down organised defences in a scoreless first half.

The visitors took control after the break, with Josh Ford kicking four penalties to seal a 12-0 victory and confirm the league title.

Ventnor’s set-piece, particularly at the line-out, proved key, while a disciplined defensive performance ensured they kept a clean sheet.

On Sunday, a mixed Ventnor XV hosted Midsomer Norton at Watcombe in a friendly encounter, with the visitors running out 36-24 winners.

Despite the result, there were positives for the Islanders, who crossed for four tries through Harry Ottley, Josh Ford, Harry Bexon-Stone and Harvey Wheeler.

Conversions came from Warren Riches and Bexon-Stone.

The match followed a weekend of celebrations for Ventnor after their title success, with both sides showing signs of fatigue but still producing an entertaining contest.

Ventnor 2nds are next in action away at Christchurch on April 18, while Watcombe hosts the Tristan Price Memorial Game and family fun day on April 19.