VENTNOR RFC kicked off their league campaign with a 17–7 win over Romsey in a hard-fought fixture overshadowed by a serious injury.
VENTNOR 17, ROMSEY 7
The Hampshire Counties 2 clash at Watcombe on Saturday was paused for more than an hour after Romsey’s fly-half was injured in a ruck and required ambulance treatment.
Damien Marriott, Ventnor’s head coach, said: "It’s great to start our league campaign with a win.
"I thought we played some excellent rugby in the first half, and were just one or two passes away from really opening Romsey up.
"Unfortunately, the nasty injury and long stoppage made it difficult to get going again, but I thought the lads showed fantastic character and were outstanding defensively when we needed to dig deep.
"But, most importantly, fingers crossed the injured Romsey player is OK and makes a speedy recovery."
Ventnor started the match with energy and purpose, forcing Romsey onto the back foot through sustained pressure and quick ball movement.
A dominant tackle from Billy Graham set up a turnover, leading to a flowing move that allowed Alec Bulpitt to cross for the opening try, converted by Josh Ford.
Romsey struggled to contain Ventnor’s attack and went down to 14 men after a yellow card for a strangle-tackle on Lewy Morton.
Ventnor capitalised, with Branagh crashing over on the left to make it 10–0.
The match was then halted due to the injury to Romsey’s fly-half.
On the restart, Romsey responded with a push-over try to narrow the gap to 10–7 at half-time.
The second half became scrappy as both sides battled for control.
Ventnor lost Morton to the sin bin and later Butler for a high tackle, but strong defensive work from the Lythgoe brothers and Harvey Wheeler created one last opportunity.
Ford found Branagh in space, who forced his way over the line for a decisive try, which Ford successfully converted to seal the win.
Alec Bulpitt was named man of the match.
Ventnor will host Tottonians seconds at Watcombe Bottom on Saturday.
The seconds will travel to Saint Romsey RFC in Hampshire Counties 6.
Share