Ventnor Shut Out By Eastleigh But Dazzling Debutant Layton Secures Second String Success

Ventnor Rugby Club's first team stars suffered a decisive defeat at the hands of Eastleigh's second XV at the weekend.

Eastleigh 2nd XV 37 - 0 Ventnor 1st XV

Playing away from home, the Island side struggled to contain a vibrant and clinical Eastleigh side, whose young reserve prospects were in irresistible form from the first whistle onwards.

Ventnor's Jason Cotham and George Collet gave their all in the line-out — the highly rated pair, linked with high profile moves in recent months, providing many of the Islanders' brightest moments.

Despite their best efforts, the set scrum was under pressure all game which put Ben Souter at scrum-half under huge duress — something eventually taking its toll.

Eastleigh scored early on as Ventnor sorted out their new combinations and they scored a penalty followed by their second try just before half-time.

This seemed to knock the already fragile confidence of Ventnor, with the Islanders never threatening to mount a comeback despite giving every drop of sweat to the cause.

On the day, Ventnor's heroes were simply overmatched by an Eastleigh side brimming with boundless ability — many of the wonderkids on display having been touted for a higher level.

This was no disgrace for Ventnor — beaten 37-0 — who did themselves proud against a top notch side destined for greater things.

Ventnor team: Collett, Savill, Lythgoe, Teague, Richardson, H.Wheeler, *Coltham, Jones (capt), Souter, Lines, Fox, Fairman, E.Blake, Gray, Babington.  

Subs: Price, Harrison and Wood.

Ventnor Man of the Match: Jason Coltham (6.8/10) — Kept running his heart out in the face of unrelenting Eastleigh pressure.

Eastleigh 3rd XV 12 - 25 Ventnor 2nd XV

Layton Greatorex (front, centre) had coaches from both benches singing his praises after a flawless debut

In contrast to their first team comrades, Ventnor's second string produced a masterful display against an Eastleigh 3rd XV lacking several of their usual players due to injury or unavailability.

Eastleigh still put out a strong side, and it is testament to Ventnor's reserves that they had the bit between their teeth from the very start of what promised to be a difficult afternoon.

Ventnor started well when an early charge by Harry Colson and great support from James Green and Dean Magnurson resulted in a penalty, which the sublime Warren Riches calmly slotted.

Eastleigh were working hard in defence and they needed to with James Pemberton and Layton Greatorex - having an outstanding debut – forming a powerful combination in the centre.

The home team had chances themselves and it needed a desperate try-saving tackle from Jimmy Excell to put their rapid winger into touch.

Unfortunately that was Excell’s last contribution as he left the field with a shoulder injury and was replaced by Bradley Francis.

Eastleigh got a reward with a penalty but Riches replaced the rags of that moment, but reciprocating courtesy of a penalty of his own to ensure the Islanders led 6-3 at the break.

The second period saw a siege on Eastleigh’s line, resulting in a comfortable 25-12 win for Ventnor.

Many of the first team will have seen this dazzling performance and will be worried about losing their place in the side, with at least half a dozen of this outstanding 2nd XV now surely due a call-up to the top team.

Debutant Layton Greatorex looks a star in the making, destined to become a club legend if he can avoid injuries and remain focused.

For Layton the sky is the limit, and a promotion to the first team seems assured. Even Eastleigh's first XV coaches were purring about his display!

But it was also the likes of veteran Ross Harris, providing many of the game's most memorable moments with his powerful running, who can come out of this game knowing he is surely playing the best rugby of his decorated career.

This result maintains Ventnor’s position at the head of the Hampshire Counties 5 South league. 

Team: Rushton (capt), Excell, Ball, Green, Parker, D.Magnurson, C.Magnurson, Colson, Harris, W.Riches, Ottley, Pemberton, *Greatorex, G.Davis, Castle.

Subs: Price, Francis, Bridges, Frampton, Martin,

Ventnor Man of the Match: Layton Greatorex (9.8/10)  — The man known as 'wunderkind' is likely to etch his name into the club's history — will become a first team star within 12 months.