Thanks to Ashley for this report from Northwood Cricket Club. Ed
Ventnor III won the toss and elected to bat in scorching conditions. Openers, Mark Price and James Attrill, got through a tough opening period and put on 74 for the opening wicket before the former was caught off the bowling of Niall Casson for 37. Casson also took the wicket of Mark Fletcher for 5 in a seven over spell of 2-26 to leave the hosts 90-2.
Despite their positive start, the Ventnor middle order collapsed and they slumped to 130 all out, Attrill top-scoring on 51. Kerry Rice (4-16) and Simon Goldsmith (3-9) did the majority of the damage for Northwood as the last seven wickets fell in fifteen overs for just 26 runs.
Northwood started positively in their chase, with 32 runs coming from the opening six overs. Ventnor were given a glimpse of hope when Rice was dismissed by Dan Cox for 19, but Northwood, led by Adam Birch (49) and Ashley Goldsmith (35*) comfortably reached the target in the 29th over for the loss of three wickets, Chris Hebberd the pick of the bowlers with 2-35. The victory leaves Northwood top of the table, 19 points clear of second-placed Newport with just two fixtures remaining.
T20 Day
Northwood Cricket Club will be hosting a Twenty20 day at their ground on Sunday 24th August. The day will start with an Under 11 league fixture against Shanklin at 10am, before the Northwood Colts will take part in a match at 12.30pm.
The final match will see two teams made up of Northwood players battle it out in a Twenty20 match which will start at 3.30pm. Entry to the ground is free, with a barbecue, ice lollies and an open bar just some of the things on offer. A raffle will also take place in aid of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice.
Image: Neil Tilbrook under CC BY 2.0
