Thanks to Graeme for his regular update from Ventnor Cricket Club. Ed
The fantastic efforts of Ventnor’s veteran groundsman Graham Cotton ensured Ventnor’s Steephill ground was able to beat the weather and stage two matches at the weekend.
With the complete Southern and Hampshire League programmes wiped out, the match between Ventnor’s third team and Newport’s first eleven went ahead with Tom Dye’s side winning by six wickets.
Asked to bat first on an excellent looking pitch protected from the elements by the covers, only Henry Bartlett (29) and David Beven (32) made much of a fist of a Newport attack which saw Ashley Brett take 3-15, Matt Webb (2-28) and Harry Dye (2-17). Their eventual total of 103 posed few problems for the visitors who won comfortably enough, Andy Long (25) and Harry Dye (30) top scoring.
Ventnor face Brighton and Hove in Under 13 Cup
Ventnor will represent the Island in the MCC Spirit of Cricket Under 13 Cup after defeating Ryde by 24 runs in the Island Cup Final at Steephill last week.
Batting first, Ross Whyte (31) and Marcus Horton (30) top scored in Ventnor’s total of 114-2 from their 20 overs. Despite the efforts of Joe Martin with 32 and Ben Baker (31), Ryde fell short on 90-9, Horton completing an excellent match with 2-18 and George Willis taking 2-10.
Ventnor’s prize for their final success is a home tie with Sussex Champions Brighton & Hove as the competition enters its straight knockout phase. The match takes place this Friday (20th July) at Steephill at 4pm so come along and cheer the boys to another win!
Woodhouse and Franklin excel in friendly win
Ben Woodhouse hit a fine 88 in Ventnor’s 90 run win over Calmore in Sunday’s fixture at Steephill.
Defending a total of 187, the home side dismissed the visitors for 97, Josh Franklin taking 5-8.
Ventnor hope the weather turns
Ventnor, likely to include England International Danny Briggs and Hampshire Academy opener Jake George, will be desperately hoping the weather relents ahead of their potentially decisive Southern Electric Premier Division fixture at Alton on Saturday.
The Islanders know a victory over their fellow strugglers could provide the impetus they need in their bid to move off the bottom of the League.
Image: shimgray under CC BY-SA 2.0
