By Isle of Wight Observer
In Counties Two, Ventnor suffered a disappointing 23-14 home defeat to Southampton in windswept conditions.
Ventnor opened the scoring early in the match when Ed Blake finished a well-worked move beside the posts, with Josh Ford converting to give the hosts a 7-0 lead.
Despite further territorial advantage and pressure on both flanks, difficult conditions led to handling errors from both sides. Southampton then scored down the flank to reduce the deficit to 7-5 and set up a fiercely contested encounter.
Ventnor competed well in the scrums and lineouts, with the referee, from Waterlooville, keeping the game flowing while ensuring player safety.
Jack Rushton scored Ventnor’s second try, again converted by Ford, to extend the lead to 14-5. However, the hosts were unable to break through a solid, well-organised Southampton defence again.
The visitors managed the conditions better and secured victory with further scores, although Ventnor’s Jason Coltham had reason to celebrate after the match, having made his 50th appearance for the club.
Meanwhile, Sandown & Shanklin Tornadoes overcame difficult conditions to secure a 37-20 away victory over Havant in Counties 4, having trailed 20-15 at half-time.
Tornadoes’ tries came from Jordan Langdon, Tom Mills, George Shannon, Ben Kulik, Gary Warvill and Jack Winter, with Warvill also adding a valuable conversion and penalty.
Despite the disappointment of being awarded three home victories without playing, Tornadoes remain unbeaten after five matches and sit top of the table.