Ventnor RFC keep title dreams alive with dramatic win

The Ventnor 1st XV. <i>(Image: Ventnor RFC)</i>
The Ventnor 1st XV. (Image: Ventnor RFC)
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A last-minute win has kept Ventnor's league championship ambitions alive.

The team defeated Alton 24-20 at Watcombe Bottom in a dramatic Hampshire Counties Three clash on Saturday, February 28.

Alton struck first with a penalty following a high tackle, but Ventnor quickly responded through a strong set piece.

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The Ventnor 1st XV. (Image: Ventnor RFC)

A scrum penalty and well-executed lineout led to Josh Ford scoring the opening try.

Momentum shifted when Tom Branagh was yellow-carded for a high tackle.

Alton took advantage, running in two tries and building a 17-5 lead.

Ford narrowed the gap with a second try, bringing the score to 12-17 at half-time.

Alton extended their lead to 20-12 through a penalty, but Ventnor fought back.

A try from Alec Bulpitt brought them within three points, before Jack Rushton powered over in the dying moments to secure victory.

Josh Ford converted to make it 24-20.

Head coach Damien Marriott said: "It was a really tough game and credit to Alton for taking their chances when they got into our twenty-two.

"From our side there were plenty of positives. The lads worked incredibly hard defensively and physically we matched them across the park.

"But the difference on the day was being clinical when those chances came."

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