Ventnor Slip In Top Of The Table Clash Against Tottonians

Ventnor suffered a frustrating 16–10 defeat in their top of the table clash with Tottonians, with handling errors and missed opportunities proving costly for the Islanders.

From the outset, Tottonians controlled the game through tactical kicking, forcing Ventnor deep into their own half. While Ventnor showed attacking promise, mistakes and isolated runners prevented them from turning possession into points.

The Islanders did hold the upper hand in the scrum, with Jack Rushton, Jewy Jones and Dan Lythgoe putting in a strong shift.

Jones was outstanding throughout, making powerful carries and consistently breaking through the home defence.

Tottonians opened the scoring with a penalty, before Ventnor responded in kind.

Ventnor then took the lead through a well-worked try finished by Tom Branagh and converted by Ford.

However, a mishandled kick allowed Tottonians to score a converted try of their own, and a further penalty gave the hosts a 16–10 lead at half-time.

Ventnor pushed hard in the second half, with strong performances from Jacob Jordan, Jason Coltham and Jewy Jones keeping them on the front foot.

Despite losing captain Lewy Morton to the sin bin for 10 minutes, the Islanders continued to press, and debutant Archie Lucy impressed with a powerful break through the Tottonians defence.

Late in the game, Ventnor thought they had scored, but the referee ruled the ball held up over the line.

The final whistle blew with Ventnor camped on the Tottonians try line, unable to find the breakthrough they needed.

The result cuts Ventnor’s lead at the top of the table to just four points, with Tottonians now second and holding a game in hand.

There is no 1st XV fixture for Ventnor next weekend, while the 2nd XV are scheduled to face Fawley.

Their game against Fareham Heathens was postponed after the pitch was waterlogged.

Team: Rushton, Jones, D Lythgoe, Morton (capt), Coltham, Jordan, Coghlan, Wheeler, Ford, Butler, Bulpitt, Branagh, H Lythgoe, Souter, Scadden.

Subs: Hayman, Lloyd, Lucy

A.J. Wells Man of the Match: Jewy Jones