VENTNOR strengthened their position at the top of Hampshire Counties 3 with a dominant win against Overton at Watcombe Bottom on Saturday — further underlining the superb season they are enjoying.
VENTNOR 57, OVERTON 10
The Islanders began the day leading the table — and were intent on continuing their impressive run.
Although Overton arrived looking to avenge last month’s defeat, it was Ventnor who quickly took control, despite inviting some early pressure.
A well-judged kick-and-chase from Josh Ford forced defensive uncertainty, with Max Wheeler and Jack Gilbey piling in to force a knock‑on and shift momentum firmly the home side’s way.
What followed was the kind of fluent, confident rugby that has defined Ventnor’s campaign.
Sharp phase play stretched the visitors, before Harvey Wheeler cut back inside to burst through a gap and touch down for the opening try, converted by Ford.
The home pack were in commanding form throughout, with Dan Lythgoe, Lewis Jones and Jack Rushton ensuring a solid scrum platform.
Sustained pressure told again, when Joe Coghlan fed Will Broomfield, who powered through four defenders to score Ventnor’s second try.
Ventnor’s attack continued to flow.
Strong carries from Jason Coltham and Lewis Morton opened space out wide, allowing the ball to reach Tom Branagh, who finished clinically for try number three.
Overton finally registered points just before the interval with a penalty, but Ventnor struck again moments later as Ford finished off a sweeping move.
The hosts led 22-3 at half time.
The second half brought no respite for the visitors.
A clever kick ahead from Harvey Wheeler created a debut try for Pat Banks, before Branagh produced a remarkable kick‑and‑chase effort, tackling the catcher, stealing the ball and diving over for his second of the afternoon.
Out wide, Max Wheeler added Ventnor’s seventh try with a strong finish, before first team debutant Tony Jacobson crossed following good work from Tom Crews.
The scoring continued when Archie Lucy broke through, with Riley Lloyd in support to claim his second try for the club.
Overton managed a late consolation, but nothing could detract from a superb Ventnor performance, which yielded nine tries in total, with Ford adding six conversions in another emphatic display from the league leaders.
Ventnor: Rushton, Jones, Lythgoe, Broomfield, Coltham, Gilbey, Morton (capt), H. Wheeler, Coghlan, Ford, Jacobson, Branagh, M. Wheeler, Blake. Replacements: Lloyd, Banks, Crews
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