Thanks to Graeme for this latest news from Ventnor Cricket Club. Ed
The visitors looked odds on to win the tie as they raced to 73 without loss in pursuit of the home side’s modest looking 170-8. However, in a dramatic turnaround, prompted by the dismissals of James Haggaty (33) and Mark House (40), by Rob Snell and Charlie Calloway respectively, Mark Holmes’ determined team took the game by the scruff of the neck to nick a fine win.
It was Snell and Hugh Calloway who did the damage with match turning spells of 3-36 and 4-31 before at 155-8, skipper Holmes returned to the attack to wrap up the tail.
Earlier in the day, Ventnor had seen their scoring restricted by an accurate New Milton attack, left handers Snell (54) and Neil Westhorpe (42) the main contributors.
Old rivals Lymington will provide the second round opposition at Steephill on Sunday 10th May.
Talented tourists Oxted & Limpsfield got the better of Ventnor in two weekend friendly fixtures. On Saturday, they rattled up 293-4 at Steephill before the rains came and on Sunday at Newclose, won by 99 runs having posted 192-5.
New league season starts this weekend
Ventnor’s ECB Southern Electric Premier Division campaign starts on Saturday with Havant the visitors to Newclose at 1pm.
The Premier Division will start and end with the 50 overs a side format with nine all day games in the middle of the season.
The Islanders, minus talented duo Tom Friend and Ollie Mills who have joined Surrey Championship side Weybridge, give a debut to highly rated Australian under 19 international Sean Willis.
Hampshire’s 18 year old off spinner Brad Taylor has also joined the Club and will play when County commitments allow
Ventnor set for new T20 experience
Ventnor are pleased to announce they have been accepted into the NatWest Under 19 Club T20 competition for 2015 and will play in the Hampshire and Dorset section administered by the Hampshire Cricket Board.
This exciting new initiative from the ECB is designed to offer players the opportunity to play age specific cricket with their peer group and friends.
The ECB commissioned research in 2013 and found that many players left the game after playing in under 15 cricket. The research showed that younger players wanted shorter format cricket, played in coloured kit with a lively atmosphere and an environment where young players could develop their own skills and take more responsibility.
It is hoped that this competition, which was piloted in other areas of the country last season with considerable success, will help to generate an exciting cricket experience, particularly because it will be played during the school summer holidays when players will be free from the pressure of exams.
Ventnor are fortunate to have the backing of Park Resorts – Lower Hyde Holiday Park in Shanklin who have agreed to sponsor their T20 clothing.
Alex Horton will captain the side in their six group matches against Parley Sports, Fawley, Calmore, Bashley, New Milton and Old Tauntonians & Romsey.
