Thanks to Graeme for this report from Ventnor Cricket Club, in his own words, Ed
Jake George and Ollie Mills provided an excellent base for a run chase with an opening stand of 148, paving the way for Travis Head to blitz the visitors attack in a marvellous match winning knock of 93.
On pitch made for batting and a lightning quick outfield, the match always looked likely to be a high scoring affair and so it proved.
Lymington predictably batted first on winning the toss and it was Glyn Treagus and Scott Henry who led from the front in a partnership of 167 before the former departed courtesy of Jamie Miller for 77. New South Wales left hander Henry went on to hit a fine 105 but when he was caught and bowled by compatriot Head, the New Forest side were unable to accelerate as Miller (3-98) and Head (3-80) restricted them to only 60 runs from the final 12 of their 64 overs.
Set 281 to win from 56 overs, Ollie Mills’ rich vein of form continued for the home team. The 19 year old right hander struck 12 fours in another eye catching innings of 85 and with Jake George making a welcome return to form with a 79 ball 60, the scene was set for the Travis Head show.
The South Australian did not disappoint, completely dominating a shell shocked Lymington attack in a blazing unbeaten innings of 93 with ten fours and three sixes from just 65 deliveries, one of which came to rest 90 metres from its starting point!
Indeed, apart from producing a glorious array of drives, pulls and cuts, it was the sheer power of the talented left hander which left a lasting impression and surely no-one in the League hits the ball harder. With skipper Ian Hilsum (27) and Neil Westhorpe (10 not out) happy to play supporting roles, the 19 year old won the match for his side in thrilling fashion with nine balls remaining.
Ventnor play their penultimate game in the all day format at Bashley on Saturday.
Eysele’s fine hundred gets Ventnor back on track
Ventnor’s new signing Marc-Antony Eysele underlined his ability with a splendid innings of 115 as Mark Whyte’s second team got back to winning ways in their Hampshire League Division One clash at Lymington II.
After disappointing defeats to Ryde and Waterlooville, the 166 run hammering of the New Forest side was a welcome confidence boost with Eysele leading the way. The left hander struck twenty fours in an impressive display and with Mark Fletcher marking his return to the side with a fluent 69, Ventnor rattled up a formidable 299-8 from their 50 overs.
The visitors attack was led by Charlie Calloway whose two early wickets provided decisive. With Toby Corbin (2-15) and David Beven (2-28) inflicting further damage, the home team never threatened to get near their target, eventually slipping to 133 all out as Ventnor completed an excellent day on the road.
Old Basing are the visitors to Steephill on Saturday.
Aussie guests defeat Ventnor
The Cricketers Club of New South Wales celebrated their first ever visit to Steephill with a 35 run win over Ventnor.
The UK tourists batted first and ran up 201-9 from their 40 overs (Robertson 62) and then restricted the home team to 166 all out. That Ventnor got relatively close to the visitors score was due almost entirely to Travis Head, whose cracking innings of 115 against his fellow Aussies threatened to win the game before he became a victim of McCallum who claimed 5-20.
Under 15s bow out of national club championship
A young Ventnor side produced a brave display but were convincingly defeated in the second round of the national championships at Steephill on Sunday.
Facing an older and more experienced Knebworth Park side, Ventnor were effectively batted out of the game after the Hertfordshire side totalled a huge 207-4 from their 20 overs.
Ben Herridge impressed with a fine innings of 54 but lacked the support he needed as the home team were dismissed for 87.
Image: Britanglishman under CC BY 2.0
