Thanks to Graeme from Ventnor Cricket Club for his regular weekly report. In his own words. Ed
Ventnor’s revival continued on Saturday as they produced a magnificent performance to crush Bournemouth by 240 runs at Newclose. The victory took Ian Hilsum’s side off the foot of the Southern Electric Premier Division table, leaving the Dorset side and Hampshire Academy below them.
Champions in 2010 and runners up last season, the visitors were completely outclassed by the rejuvenated Islanders who with three games remaining, have given themselves a real chance of avoiding the drop.
Mills blitzed the Bournemouth attack
Architect of one of the biggest wins in Ventnor’s Southern League history was opening batsman Ollie Mills, who produced a simply outstanding display to blitz the Bournemouth attack. The talented eighteen year old former Hambledon player, cracked a career best 174 not out, blasting 21 boundaries and a six in tandem with impressive Jake George (58), their opening partnership of 145 enhanced by superb running between the wickets.
Adam Hose, with a run a ball 57 later joined Mills to add 155 for the second wicket in another terrific stand which saw their side total a massive 305-2 from 50 overs.
Ten short of the record
Since the inception of the Premier Division in 2000, only three other players have scored more runs in an innings than young Mills, whose brilliant effort was only ten short of the record.
The shell-shocked visitors had barely got their breath back before Elliot Wilson and Charlie Freeston got to work after tea. Ventnor’s new ball pair shattered any hopes Bournemouth may have harboured of a decent response, both producing inspired spells to take 5-28 and 3-19 respectively to rout Nick Park’s side for a paltry 65, completing a comprehensive and potentially significant win.
Ventnor promoted after fine win at Hayling Island
Ventnor’s second team can look forward to Hampshire League Division One cricket next season after a convincing win at Hayling Island confirmed promotion from Division Two.
The talented Steephill side have enjoyed a terrific campaign, winning all of their games so far, and have been well led by successful skipper Rob Snell.
Their eleventh consecutive win came courtesy of key contributions from Andy Whyte and George Hatt, who have helped to give the side the consistency it lacked last season.
On a breezy afternoon at Hayling, it was Hatt’s knock of 57 with nine fours, coupled with 36 from Snell, 24 from Ben Woodhouse and 20 from Mark Whyte which enabled Ventnor to reach 193, a total which always looked likely to be competitive on a pitch giving the home attack plenty of encouragement.
Snell (2-20) and Kevin Cooper (1-25) soon had Hayling in trouble and with Andy Whyte accounting for the middle and lower order in another fine spell which brought him 5-13, the visitors ran out winners by 85 runs.
With two matches remaining, Ventnor will be looking for a victory over Sarisbury at Steephill on Saturday to clinch the Division 2 championship in style. The match will start early at 12.30pm.
Russell impresses for Worcestershire
Chris Russell, who cut his cricketing teeth at Steephill, fulfilled a dream last week when he made his first class County Championship debut for Worcestershire in the Division One clash with local rivals Warwickshire.
The 23 year old from Wroxall followed up his memorable six wicket haul for Worcester in their recent match with South Africa by taking 4-43 in the Warwickshire first innings and two more in their second.
Walk in whites is nearly here!
Ventnor Cricket Club’s sponsored walk takes place this Sunday and all members are invited to take part in a fun event. Walking in cricket whites is not compulsory – fancy or normal dress is just as acceptable!
Please check in at 10.30am at Steephill for 11am start.
This is an opportunity for the young, and not so young to raise funds for the club and members have the choice of two walks:
The six mile circular walk takes in the sea front, Bonchurch, the land slip, Leeson Road, Church Street and Park Avenue.
The three mile version includes the sea front, cascade, Pier Street and Belgrave Road before finishing at Steephill.
The Club hopes that each member will be able to raise £50 through sponsorship and looks forward to seeing you on the day come rain or shine!
Registration and sponsorship forms are available from the Clubhouse though you should have received both in the post!
Town Day takes place on bank holiday Monday
Ventnor Cricket Club is hoping to create a real community spirit when Steephill stages a ‘Town Day’ on Monday 27 August.
The event promises to be a fun occasion for everyone with live bands performing throughout the afternoon and a karaoke competition for the Martha Creighton Cup, remembering one of the town’s most popular characters who sadly died earlier this year.
Beer, food, bouncy castles and a hog roast will add to the day which runs from 1pm until 6pm.
For more information please contact Ray Herridge at the Club on 852506 or 07770 775 996.
Image: © Used with the kind permission of Chad Powell
