Match report Tottonians RFC 2XV 16-10 Ventnor RFC 1XV 17 January 2026

Match report Tottonians Rugby Club 16-10 Ventnor Rugby Club 1XV

Counties 3 Hampshire League 2025-56, Saturday 17 January 2026

Ventnor lost this top of the table clash through a combination of their own mistakes and a masterclass in playing territory by the Tottonians flyhalf. From the first whistle, the home team laid out their gameplan with a kicks into space behind Ventnor’s backs and neat grubbers to touch.

Ventnor’s attempts to run the ball back were often promising but they were hampered by handling errors and players getting isolated. The Islanders had the advantage at the scrum with Jack Rushton, Jewy Jones and Dan Lythgoe going about their work in their usual powerful style. Jones had a magnificent game throughout, his carrying into contact providing constant breaches in the home defence.

Tottonians took the lead with a penalty after a high tackle before Ventnor struck straight back with a penalty of their own after strong defence from Luke Butler and Tom Branagh.

Ventnor were beginning to get into their attacking stride now and a sweeping move involving Alec Bulpitt, Ben Souter and Hayden Lythgoe set up a tap penalty from which Dan Lythgoe got close. Harvey Wheeler and Joe Coghlan carried on the move and before Branagh touched down by the posts. Ford converted to give Ventnor the lead.

Rushton came off to be replaced by Riley Lloyd and Ventnor’s scrummage retained its advantage but the home team had a large slice of luck when a long kick forward was mishandled and the soft ground caught out Ventnor’s defence so that the Tottonians winger was able to touch down for a converted try to take the lead back 13 – 10. The home side then increased their lead with a penalty so that the halftime score was 16 – 10.

The second half saw Ventnor full of attacking intent but mistakes and penalties blunted their ambitions despite some powerful surges by Jacob Jordan, Jason Coltham and Jones. Tottonians looked to protect their lead by playing territory but the Islanders kept up the pressure despite losing skipper Lewy Morton for ten minutes through a yellow card.

Cody Hayman – on for Coghlan – was at the heart of the battle and Archie Lucy – on for Tom Scadden – made a notable debut with one run that took him through half the opposition. As the game entered its final quarter, Ventnor were on top but their attacking rhythm was constantly interrupted by breaks for Tottonian stoppages.

Despite this, Ford thought he had touched down but the referee deemed it held up and the final whistle went with Ventnor frustratingly camped on the opposition line.

The loss means that Ventnor’s lead at the top of the table is cut to four points but Tottonians, in second place, have a game in hand so it’s all to play for.

Next Saturday, there is no 1st XV game while the Ventnor 2nd XV play Fawley RFC.

Image: Sarah Watt

Ventnor Rugby Club 1XV Team, 17 January 2026:  

Team:  Rushton, Jones, D. Lythgoe, L. Morton (capt), Coltham, Jordan, Coghlan, H.Wheeler, Ford, Butler, Bulpitt, Branagh, H. Lythgoe, Souter, Scadden. Subs: Hayman, Lloyd and Lucy

The A J Wells Man of the Man – Jewy Jones
The Red Funnel Moment of the Match – Lewy Morton
The Howden Insurance Supporter of the Day: Bob and Tommo Engelgardt

Coaches: Damien Marriott, Clive Cardwell-Hill, Todd Riches and Andy Teague

Physio: Sarah Watt

Ventnor’s 2^nd XV game was called off due to the pitch at Fareham Heathens being under water. 

Match report: James Morton

Best Regards

James

JAMES MORTON
Chairman Ventnor RFC
T: 07901 938 317

---