Rugby rivals faced off in a hard-fought derby that saw already-promoted Ventnor take a convincing victory on home turf.
Ventnor RFC beat Isle of Wight RFC 30-17 at Watcombe Bottom in a Hampshire Counties Three derby, gaining revenge for their defeat at Wootton earlier in the season with a determined all-round performance.
Head coach Damien Marriott said: "We came out flying and built a 17-0 lead playing exactly how we want to — high tempo, moving the ball, and putting them under pressure. That’s Ventnor at its best.
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"Credit to Wootton, they fought their way back into it which tested us.
"That’s the big growth for me today — earlier in the season maybe we would have panicked there, but the boys stayed composed, stuck to the plan, and then pulled away again.
"To finish strongly and take control of the game again says a lot about this group. Really proud of the lads — another step forward."
Despite having already secured promotion, Ventnor began the match with intensity.
They built an early lead through aggressive defence and clinical finishing, with Tom Branagh scoring twice in the first half.
The home side led 17-0 before Isle of Wight hit back with two quick tries, including one from standout player George Huish.
The visitors' momentum was halted when Ventnor regained control through a series of penalties.
A penalty extended their lead to 20-10 by half-time.
Isle of Wight reduced the deficit to 20-17 with a converted try early in the second half, but indiscipline proved costly as further yellow cards followed for high tackles.
Ventnor capitalised, adding two more tries to seal the win—one from Harvey Wheeler and a crowd-pleasing run from Alec Bulpitt.
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The match was supported by sponsors including Jennifer Hinton and Terry O’Bryan, Warren Fresle, Traditional Brick and Stone, TF Property Solutions, Steve Champion, Steve Macey, Tom Wells, Stuart Babington, A Repoint, Imogen’s Dog Grooming, TJW Carpentry, and Unique Aerospace.
Will Broomfield was named AJ Wells Man of the Match, while Harvey Wheeler took the Red Funnel Moment of the Match award.
Ventnor travel to Aldershot & Fleet on April 11, needing just one point to secure the league championship.
The team lineup included D Lythgoe, Jones, Rushton, L Morton (capt), Hayman, Broomfield, Coghlan, H Wheeler, Ford, Butler, E Blake, Branagh, M Wheeler, Bulpitt, and Crews, with Bexon-Stone, Scadden, and Souter as substitutes.
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