This in from Graeme on behalf of the Ventnor Cricket Club. Ed
In a quite superb knock, the talented right hander, Jake, struck three sixes and 23 boundaries from only 181 deliveries, nudging club colleague Ollie Mills, who hit 174 in 2012, into fifth place in the record braking stakes. George bettered his previous personal best of 154, ironically for the Hampshire Academy four seasons ago when he was also crowned Southern League Young Player of the Year.
George’s splendid effort helped his side amass a huge total of 366, the second highest score ever made in the top Division, almost eclipsing Havant’s total of 376 three years ago. After fellow opener Ben Duggan departed for 20, George was supported by Michael Bates, the Hampshire wicket keeper who made 29 on his Ventnor debut before Tom Friend joined in the fun. The all-rounder thumped twelve fours and four sixes in a memorable 46 ball blitz as the Islanders continued to put the Academy youngsters to the sword.
Any hopes the Ageas Bowl side harboured of challenging such a target were effectively ended by a fine opening spell from Adam Wilson who dismissed both openers cheaply. The home team recovered well however, Tom Alsop hitting an fine, unbeaten 114 and Matt King 66 as they reached 250-4 by the close.
Ventnor took 15 points from a winning draw and now welcome St Cross Symondians to Newclose on Saturday at 11.30 am.
Herridge the star as Ventnor continue winning run
Ventnor’s second team clinched their third consecutive victory in a high scoring encounter with New Milton in Hampshire League Division 1 on Saturday.
Ben Herridge, Ventnor’s highly promising young batsman, was the outstanding performer with a maiden Hampshire League century as his side rattled up 307-7 in the 50 over contest on a belter of a pitch at Steephill. The 15 year old opener produced a range of fine shots in terrific innings of 125, showing a maturity beyond his years as he hit sixteen fours and a six.
The Sandown Academy student received support from Pierre Kriel (30) and fellow 15 year old Jadon Buckeridge (39) before Hugh Calloway blasted a quick fire 49 from only 31 balls and skipper Ben Woodhouse 25 not out as 105 runs were added from the final ten overs.
New Milton set off at a frantic pace in pursuit of their target and at one point must have fancied their chances at 201-1 with fourteen overs remaining, particularly with the home team spilling several catches. Man of the match Herridge made the crucial breakthrough however, dismissing Tom Prodomo for a fine 83 and when Charlie Calloway returned to the attack to knock back the stumps of the impressive Ashley Collison for 84, the hosts could breathe more easily.
In fact from 214-3, the spirited visitors slipped to an eventual 252 all out to give Ventnor maximum points from an important 56 run win, Hugh Calloway taking 4-52 fourth place.
The side travel Sarisbury Athletic II on Saturday.
Island league side tie at Shanklin
In a fluctuating match at Westhill, Ventnor just failed to clinch victory over Shanklin’s first team in Saturday’s Island League match.
With just one run needed to win from the final delivery of the game and two wickets in hand, young Harry Ridley was clean bowled by Ollie Moseley to leave the scores tied.
Earlier in the day, Shanklin were indebted to their lower middle order for posting a total of 231 , Chris Lammiman and Gary Kimber each making 48. Teenagers Marcus Horton (3-26) and George Willis (2-43) were the pick of the Ventnor bowlers.
In reply, consistent scoring down the order from Mark Price (39), James Attrill (38), Marcus Horton (25), Alex Horton (42) and Martin Blackman (36) kept the visitors in the hunt before a flurry of late order wickets and the last ball drama. Moseley finished with 3-47.
Northwood are the visitors to Steephill on Saturday at 1.30.
Under 15s in National cup action on Sunday
Ventnor’s talented under 15 side take on Basingstoke on Sunday in the first regional round of the ECB National Club Championship.
The Twenty20 match at Steephill starts at 2pm.
