FORDINGBRIDGE inflicted a heavy defeat on newly-promoted island team Ventnor 60-23 in Snows Hampshire One.

Despite strong pressure from the visitors, Fordingbridge scored several of their tries from their own 22 when Ventnor’s attack broke down. This gave the home side's young and fast talent the chance to break out, and two tries from Alex Davenport and one from Peter Scott started to build their lead. Ventnor opened their account with a penalty and an unconverted try.

It was, however, not just the newer members of the side who contributed and two from Dan Brown, one from Alex Tattersall and one from Mat Norton saw the try bonus point and the win in the bag by the end of the first half as the period closed out 43-8.

Scott added to his tally in the second half as well as tries from captain Steve Brown and Jordan Donaldson to further strengthen Fordingbridge’s position.

As in recent weeks, Fordingbridge seemed to lose their shape a little after having to make substitutions and positional changes and Ventnor, who never ceased in their efforts, scored three tries to close the game out 60-23.

Despite the score line this was a tough encounter for both sides and Steve Brown congratulated the Ventnor skipper on their performance in Hampshire 1. The win keeps Fordingbridge in third place - three points behind Petersfield with a game in hand.

Fordingbridge return to league action in two weeks when they are away to Fareham Heathens.

Meanwhile, in a home double header, Fordingbridge seconds suffered a heavy defeat going down to Wimborne 14-82.