It was another tough day at the office for Ventnor, despite a recent upturn in form during a difficult season.
An away trip to Fareham Heathens, the league leaders, was always going to be one of hope rather than expectation.
Injuries caused a reshuffle for the Island side, with Joe Coghlan playing at scrumhalf. his usual backrow partner, Guy Entwistle, at flyhalf and Dean Magnurson coming onto the flank with Will Broomfield slotting into the No8 position.
The early exchanges were pretty even with the set scrum going Ventnor’s way as Will Harrison, George Collett and skipper Ben Savill warmed to their work.
Coghlan was acquitting himself well as he and Broomfield forged a partnership.
Fareham Heathens began to move the ball to the wider channels and scored a series of excellent tries - five in the first half and four in the second.
Despite the defeat, there were a few notable displays from Ventnor.
Magnurson did his usual unseen work in the rucks and mauls, Harrison had his best game so far and both Layton Greatorex and Fred Fairman had their moments - the latter almost scoring in the second half with a great kick and chase.
But it was always going to be a stiff challenge against league leading Fareham, whose backs ran their patterns beautifully and there was some excellent last-ditch defence evident all game.
Team: Harrison, Collett, Savill (capt), Teague, Coltham, D.Magnurson, L.Morton, Broomfield, Coghlan, Martin, Entwistle, Greatorex, Fairman, Ottley, Blake.
Sub: Francis
AJ.Wells Man of the Match: Will Broomfield
Red Funnel Moment of the Match award: Deano Magnurson
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