Match report New Milton Rugby Club 2XV 67 – 0 Ventnor Rugby Club 2XV 22 November 2025
Hampshire Premiership South League 2025-26 – Merit Table, Saturday 22nd November 2025
On a bitter day of heavy rain, swirling wind and muddy ground, a determined group of Ventnor players travelled across to face New Milton—refusing to let the conditions or the odds defeat them before the match had even begun.
Among the travelling squad was Luke Starkey, making his debut and throwing himself into the fray with courage well beyond his experience. Ross Harris grafted tirelessly throughout, while captain Warren Riches led from the front with relentless commitment, rallying his men time and time again.
Special recognition goes to Riley Lloyd, who travelled by train just to make kick-off and went on to produce a heroic effort all game. Ewan Castle arrived loaded with all the club gear—another sign of the dedication running through this team—and Fred Fairman lived up to the reputation of a true wrecking ball, putting in powerful tackles despite the scoreline.
Ollie Wood impressed all by making the journey even though he was carrying an injury—his presence alone lifted the squad. Iain Reeves and the Frampton brothers – Sean and Nathan – added grit and resilience across the pitch,
showing real spirit in defence as New Milton mounted wave after wave of pressure.
Ventnor were short on numbers at kick-off, and in a fantastic gesture of sportsmanship, New Milton donated players to balance the sides. Even so, their strength and structure proved too much on the day, running out 67–0 winners. But the score didn’t reflect the resolve, passion, and refusal to give up shown by the Ventnor side.
Every player who turned up deserves huge credit: they faced harsh conditions, a strong opposition, and still played with pride until the final whistle. The determination to keep going, to keep putting bodies on the line, was nothing short of inspiring.
A tough result – but a shining example of team spirit.
Final score 67 – 0
Image: Clive Cardwell-Hill
Ventnor Rugby Club 2XV Team, 22 November October 2025:
Ventnor RFC 2XV Team:- Josh Braham, William Broomfield, Ewan Castle, Joel Cocks, Sean Frampton, Nathan Frampton, Fred Fairman, Ross Harris, Tony Jacobson, Riley Lloyd, Callum Martin, Noah McKinney, Ben Mumford, Iain Reeves, Luke Starkey and Olly Wood.
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image courtesy: Ⓒ 2026: Andrew Cooper Sport Photography | Moral Rights Asserted | All Rights Reserved
The A J Wells Man of the Man – Fred Fairman
The Red Funnel Moment of the Match – Ollie Wood
Coach and First Aid: Andy Teague
Match report by Andy Teague
Best Regards
James
JAMES MORTON
Chairman Ventnor RFC
T: 07901 938 317
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