Snows Group Hampshire 1

Millbrook and Fordingbridge clocked up some cricket-like scores at the weekend as Isle of Wight sides struggled to send strong first XVs to the mainland.

Ventnor were walloped 95-0 at Fordingbridge while Isle of Wight were trounced 86-14 at Millbrook – despite a valiant display which brought them a couple of second half tries.

Sandown & Shanklin also lost out but only just – going down 27-24 at Alresford in a far more balanced match.

Millbrook’s victory over Isle of Wight was their fourth success from four games and keeps them on top of Snows Group 1.

Mike Thomas, Mark Colmer and Ryan Sellwood all scored a couple of first half tries and singles came from James Henderson, Gareth Staples and Mike McGrath.

Thomas took his tally to four when he touched down another two times in the second half and Chad Marshall, Chris Fox and Rich Colmer also went over.

Coach Mark Randall said: “Full credit to Isle of Wight who didn’t let their heads drop.

“However we have played well and a few of the things we have been trying recently that have not come off all came together today and that’s pleasing.”

Fordingbridge overwhelmed island visitors Ventnor, with a display of dazzling rugby scoring 15 tries without conceding a point.

Bridge even secured their bonus-point try after 14 minutes.

Tries from Charlie Boyns, Peter Scott, Sam Broderick and two from James Greenwood and Dan Brown plus three conversions from Mat Norton meant the half finished with the New Forest side in total control at 41-0 up.

The second half was simply a carbon copy of the first, dominated by more stylish rugby from Fordingbridge.

A third try from James Greenwood gave him a hat-trick with others from Dee Stone, Rufus Wallis, Steve Brown, Mat Norton Peter Scott and two from Alex Davenport. Seven conversions from Mat Norton took the final score to 95-0.

Battling Ventnor came close to scoring at the end with a period of sustained pressure on Fordingbridge’s try line.

Neighbours Ellingham & Ringwood lost out 27-21 at home to Fareham Heathens.

The lead changed hands several times but the Es had to settle for a losing bonus point – their tries came from Lex Dakuwaqa on his debut and fullback Chris Frost. Josh butcher kicked three penalties and a conversion.