VENTNOR Rugby Club's first team put up a gallant fight away at Counties 3 Hampshire league leaders Havant II.

HAVANT III 64, VENTNOR 34

The Islanders' team spirit and tenacity saw them score the most points Havant had conceded, against any team in the league, this season.

Isle of Wight County Press: Fergus Kenny and Luke Butler get Ventnor's backline moving against Havant III.Fergus Kenny and Luke Butler get Ventnor's backline moving against Havant III. (Image: Sarah Watt)

Ventnor made a shaky start, giving a Havant winger ample space to score out wide twice.

But Ventnor soon found their stride and begin to dominate in the scrum, generating good attacking positions.

One such move placed Ben Savill over for Ventnor’s first try, to pull it back to 12-5.

Havant quickly replied with a converted try.

Despite conceding another penalty, Ventnor refocused, resulting in Grant Richardson scoring a try to mark 19-10 on the scoreboard.

However, Havant scored again to make it 24-10.

Not to be deterred, Ventnor retaliated sharply, with Charlie Magnurson pushing a try under the posts. Ed Blake converted to inch the score to 24-17.

Havant capitalised on a penalty, scoring yet again, but Ventnor again retaliated swiftly.

A tactical move by Lewis Jones helped Sam Lines to score, ending the first half at 31-24.

The second half saw Havant's inside centre score a try, opening the gap to 38-24.

Ventnor came back, putting Callum Martin over for his first Ventnor try.

But Havant went on to score four tries in quick succession.

Despite the aggressive competition, Ventnor held their ground.

Lines scored his second try, concluding the game with a score of 64-34, to secure a try bonus for Ventnor.

The team remains hopeful as they set their sights on their game against Aldershot and Fleet on Saturday (March 16) — drawing confidence from their impressive performance against a very strong Havant side.