VENTNOR 12, OVERTON 27

THE Isle of Wight side’s fluctuating form continued with defeat against visiting Overton on Saturday.

Ventnor got off to a poor start in allowing Overton to score first, a try, within the opening five minutes of the game.

One try soon became two, but Ventnor refused to let their heads drop and took out their frustration on Overton when Ed Blake broke the line with a tap-and-go penalty and ran over for Ventnor’s first try, converted by Max Wheeler.

Overton responded in kind with some hard runs from their forwards, but Ventnor learned from conceding the first two tries by defending strongly and tackling well.

As the half progressed, Ventnor play some good, aggressive rugby and were rewarded with a try from ever-improving Harry Colson to bring the sides level at the break.

The second half did not go Ventnor’s way and, although it was a closely-fought battle in the worsening pitch conditions, Overton took the lead and pulled away to win by a comfortable margin.

After the game, Ventnor player Sam Dawson said: “Although it was another loss, we showed some real promise and are capable of playing good rugby with a new, developing squad.”

Ventnor: Dawson, Jones, Pratt, Tucker, Teague, Marsh, Edwards, Colson, Bridges, Wheeler, Atkins, Dawes, Urbonas, Turner, Blake. Subs: Keyes, Babington.