Ventnor Storm Into Community Cup Quarter-Finals With 64–0 Win

Ventnor returned to form with a dominant 64–0 victory over Lymington Mariners, booking their place in the quarter-finals of the Community Cup South Plate.

The home side set the tone early, with Josh Ford converting Harvey Wheeler’s opening try after good work from Alec Bulpitt and Tom Branagh.

Lymington were soon under sustained pressure, with a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on leading to further scores from Jack Rushton, who crossed twice in quick succession.

Ventnor’s attack flowed freely, with Bulpitt producing a standout performance and helping set up Ford before Wheeler claimed his second try.

Further scores from Branagh and others saw Ventnor head into the break 38–0 ahead.

Despite changes in the second half and a brief spell with Ventnor down to 14 men, the pressure continued.

Tom Scadden broke through from distance, Branagh added his second, and Archie Lucy marked his first start for the 1st XV with a try.

Joe Coghlan completed the scoring as Ventnor ran out convincing winners.

The result was made more meaningful by a pre-match tribute to the late Tristan “Beast” Price, with both teams observing a minute’s silence on what would have been his birthday.

Ventnor’s coaches praised both the clean sheet and the return of their fluid attacking play.

Ventnor now progress to the Community Cup South Plate quarter-finals, to be played on 2 May.

Next weekend, the 1st XV travel to Overton in Counties Three, while the 2nd XV face Fawley after their fixture at Fareham Heathens was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.