Thanks to Graeme for this roundup of Ventnor Cricket Club matches that took place over the weekend, in his own words. Ed
James Cheek turned in another man of the match performance on Saturday, playing a lead role in Ventnor’s emphatic seven wicket win at Bournemouth II in the Southern Electric Premier League.
The 17 year old built on his fine innings of 92 the previous week by cracking a decisive half century as Ventnor took an even firmer grip on at the top of Division 2. The youngster was equally influential in the field, effecting two run outs and taking 3-18 with his leg spin to help polish off the home team’s innings for 152 as Ventnor’s attack maintained control throughout the afternoon.
The visitors took just 35 overs to knock off the runs with Cheek’s knock of 50 complimented by skipper Ian Hilsum (36 not out), Neil Westhorpe (32 not out) and Cole McConchie (22)
With seven matches remaining, the Islanders lead second placed Rowledge by 45 points and know that a victory over Hartley Wintney at Newclose on Saturday will edge them a step closer to an instant return to the Premier Division.
Ventnor hope to have Andy Whyte and Charlie Freeston back from injury this weekend, but are likely to be without Roger Miller for several weeks after the all-rounder further damaged a hamstring in the recent win over Hambledon.
Woodhouse thumps 136 as second team get back to winning ways
A tremendous innings of 136 from wicket-keeper batsman Ben Woodhouse was the highlight of Ventnor’s comprehensive 158 run win over Old Basing in Saturday’s Hampshire League division 2 clash at Steephill.
Woodhouse cracked sixteen boundaries and four sixes in fine knock from just 128 balls and in partnership with Billy Clarke who made a fluent 57, featured in an opening stand of 150. Henry Bartlett (36 not out) and Hugh Calloway (26 not out) added late order runs as the home team totalled a formidable 299-3 from 45 overs.
The visitors were unable to build any substantial partnerships to threaten such a total and were eventually dismissed for 141, Hugh Calloway returning excellent figures of 5-25.
Ventnor face fourth placed St Cross Symondians II on Saturday as they look to force their way back into the promotion picture with seven matches to play.
Third team defeated at Freshwater
Ventnor’s third team lost their league fixture at Freshwater by 14 runs on Saturday. Only Graeme Gosden (33) made much headway for Freshwater against the bowling of Jack Lyons (2-17) Marcus Toms (2-20) and twelve year old Ross Whyte (2-37).
However, the Ventnor bowlers gave the home team bonus runs by delivering 27 wides, a factor which proved decisive as the visitors were dismissed for 129, Gary Cooper making an unbeaten 33. Gosden took 4-35 for Freshwater.
