Ventnor 1XV first win of the season has come in a form they did not want. Unfortunately, Winchester 2XV failed to travel to Watcombe Bottom, citing lack of available players despite fielding a 3XV elsewhere, handing Ventnor a Home Walkover Over (HWO). The island team now receive 5 league points, equivalent to a bonus point win.
Club Captain Jake Babington said, “Obviously the aim of every weekend is to gain 5 points but this is not how you want to achieve this. We are a young team building momentum and I hope that continues after a forced weeks rest. We now turn our attention to Romsey in our first away fixture of the season. They will be smarting after turning up undermanned to Isle of Wight this week, so we expect a challenge.”
Ventnor’s Chairman Ed Blake added “We were concerned when Hampshire proposed allowing the county’s “big teams” second teams into the first’s league structure that situations like this would happen. We just hope it doesn’t become the norm.”
Ventnor 1XV travel to Romsey 1XV next weekend whilst Ventnor 2XV are at home to Fordingbridge 2XV – kick off at 3pm at Watcombe.