VENTNOR 13, LOCKS HEATH 22

HOPING to atone for their opening day defeat to Alton in the new Hampshire 1 league, Ventnor lost again at Watcombe Bottom on Saturday.

Feeling confident going into the game, having taken many positives from the Alton game, Ventnor made great early progress.

But as the match settled, it became a more even contest, with momentum swinging back and forth in the opening exchanges, with strong carries — particularly by the home side’s man of the match, Lewis Jones.

Unfortunately for Ventnor, the Pumas scored two tries to open up a 12-0 advantage.

Ventnor gave themselves hope by scoring a well struck penalty from the boot of Todd Riches just before half-time.

Again, Ventnor looked the better team throughout the early part of the second half, with Pemberton and Gough making big in-roads into the opposing team’s half in attack — and were also solid in defence.

However, it was the Pumas who struck first, scoring a try to take the score to 17-3.

Ventnor, through relentless endeavour, scored a quick-tap penalty by Sam Lines.

As Ventnor were starting to look a greater threat, Lockheath scored a breakaway try to make it 22-8 and put the game out of their reach.

Ventnor scored a late Paul Berry try, but it was only a consolation.

Ventnor: Dawson, Jones, Pratt, Saville, Green, Edwards, Hill, Colson, Berry, Ritches, Blake, Urbonas, Lines, Babington (capt), Harris. Subs: Pemberton, Gough, Tucker.