CHINEHAM RFC secured their first victory of the season with a highly contested 28-24 over visiting Ventnor match at May’s Bounty, writes JOHN TINKER.

Playing up the hill in the first half Chineham hit the ground running forcing Ventnor to concede successive penalties at the ruck yielding two Matt Lingham converted penalties. Chineham then added their first try with a well executed lineout followed by a driving maul which drove Ventnor back beyond their try line, Tom Scoble touching the ball down to take the score to 11-0.

The Isle of Wight side made excellent use of their pacey right winger to open their account leaving the score 11-7 at half-time.

Ventnor took the lead early in the second half with a well worked pick and go from the back of a scrum.

The home side recovered the lead five minutes later with a bizarre turn of events.

A penalty resulting from sustained Chineham pressure and Ventnor not releasing the ball in the tackle was struck too low, smashing into the crossbar.

Scoble was the first to react and powered his way over the try line to make it 16-14.

The lead changed hands again as the visitor's winger exploited an overlap for an unconverted try.

Chineham had back again as captain John Lingham finished another excellent driving maul from a textbook lineout, both aspects of recent training sessions.

The conversion was missed and a Ventnor try saw them lead 24-21 going into the final 10 minutes.

However, the home side had the last say as their scrum drove over the line, with number eight Scoble had the simplest of finishes. Matt Lingham completed the scoring with the conversion.

The last two minutes saw Ventnor push for a try to take the win but Chineham’s defence held resolute to the task.

A buoyant Chineham captain John Lingham reflected on the training sessions prior to the game and said: "We’ve worked very hard for that bonus point win both on the training ground and on the pitch today.

"It is a credit to the coaches and the players that this effort has paid off. Is there more to give? Certainly, but we need to sustain the level of commitment shown this season and the improvements will continue."

Chineham travel to Fareham Heathens this Saturday.