This in from Graeme at Ventnor Cricket Club. In his own words. Ed
Ventnor produced an excellent display against Southern Electric Premier Division high flyers Havant at Newclose on Saturday.
The Islanders had by far the better of the all day game, pocketing 14 points from a ‘winning draw’ to give their survival hopes a boost.
Only a stubborn, match saving partnership of 66 between skipper Richard Hindley (66 not out) and Jeremy Ord (15 not out) denied Ventnor victory, the visitors effectively shutting up shop for the final hour as Ian Hilsum’s determined side bowled and fielded effectively.
Charlie Freeston (2-26) made early in-roads and when Jamie Miller (3-47) inflicted further damage, Ventnor sensed only a second win of the season was on the cards as Havant crashed to 125-7.
However, the experienced Hindley proved an immovable object and with Ord lending support, the reigning champions closed on 191-7 to the frustration of the home team.
Earlier in the day, a solid batting performance, initially built around a fine opening partnership of 79 between teenagers Jake George (47) and Ollie Mills (56) saw Ventnor post a challenging total of 247-5. The innings was given impetus by splendid knocks of 66 from skipper Hilsum and 49 not out from Miller, the pair adding 95 for the fifth wicket.
The last round of the time pennant games sees Ventnor travel to Lymington on Saturday. The season then reverts to the 50 over format for the final four weeks of the season as Ventnor attempt to preserve their Premier Division status.
Hatt’s fine hundred keeps Ventnor on top
A superb unbeaten century from George Hatt led Ventnor’s second team to a seven wicket win at Portsmouth II on Saturday.
The life hander’s fine 107, which included 12 fours and 5 sixes, strengthened his side’s position at the top of Hampshire League Division 2 and maintained their one hundred per cent winning record.
Hatt received support from Ben Woodhouse, whose terrific innings of 70 helped the visitors recover from an uncertain start which saw Billy Clarke and Mark Fletcher dismissed cheaply.
Ventnor, who were chasing a Portsmouth score of 225-8, were grateful to Rob Snell for an effective ten over spell which brought him 4-33 and dismissed the top order. Skipper Snell would have been generally disappointed with a total of 39 extras conceded, however, which gave an over-generous helping hand to the home side’s final total.
The league leaders take on Mudeford at Steephill on Saturday at 1.30pm.
Third team heavily defeated by St Helens
At Steephill on Saturday, a thumping innings of 89 from St Helens’ Mark Watson turned the Harwood’s League division 1 game with Ventnor’s third team on it’s head.
After Ventnor’s young seam attack of Marcus Toms and Arthur Halsey had bowled impressively to reduce the village side to 63-5, Watson made a mockery of those early troubles, crashing 8 fours and 7 sixes in a rapid 52 ball knock.
He memorably hit two enormous straight sixes which cleared the hedge at the sea end of the ground, leading his side to 226 from 41.3 overs, Halsey finishing with 3-29 and Jadon Buckridge 2-21.
The loss of early wickets hit the Ventnor reply and they never recovered, only young Buckridge (31) and skipper Ali Cotton (30) making any notable contributions as the home side were bowled out for 114. Rob Love and Mark Parsons took 3 wickets a piece.
Ventnor take on GKN on Saturday.
T20 success for Ventnor
Ventnor defeated Bartley and The Millers in a three team T20 competition at Steephill on Sunday.
‘Walk in whites’
A sponsored walk to raise funds for the Club is being held on Sunday 19 August.
Starting at 11am, a circular route of 6 miles from Steephill takes in Ventnor sea front and the Land Slip while a shorter walk of 3 miles from the ground to the town and back has also been arranged.
The Club are encouraging members of all ages to take part and look forward to a fun and enjoyable event come rain or shine!
If any member has not yet received registration and sponsorship forms but would like to take part, please contact Graeme Burnett on 740131.
Ventnor CC town day
On Bank Holiday Monday, 27 August, the Club is staging a music and fun event at Steephill from 1pm until 6pm.
Named the ‘Town Day’, the club hopes the event, which includes a Karaoke competition for the Martha Creighton Memorial Cup and live music performed by local bands, will prove as popular as the Caribbean Carnival of years gone by.
A licensed bar, soft drinks and food, including a hog roast, will be available throughout the day.
For more information, please contact Ray Herridge on 07770 775996.
Image: Britanglishman under CC BY 2.0
