Thanks to Graeme for this latest report from Ventnor Cricket Club. Ed
The highly rated 20 year old from Tasmania produced an outstanding performance, striking seven fours and three sixes in a fine unbeaten innings of 79 from 73 deliveries as the Islanders successfully chased a target of 140 inside 26 overs.
The modest total set by St Cross was due to an excellent display by the Ventnor seam bowling attack.
Skipper Mark Holmes made an early breakthrough before Rob Snell produced an inspired spell , taking 3-22 to take out the home side’s middle order, including former Hampshire man Adam Rouse for 37.
Any recovery hopes the Winchester based team harboured were scuppered by Hugh Calloway, whose immaculate line and length saw him finish with impressive figures of 4-26.
The victory is a welcome boost for Ventnor who face Champions South Wilts at Newclose on Saturday at 1pm.
Second team defeated in Hampshire league opener
Ventnor’s second team, affected by first team call ups, were beaten by 89 runs in their Hampshire League Division 1 opener against Ryde at Steephill on Saturday.
An opening partnership of 135 by Ben Wadmore (62) and Josh Procter (82) laid the foundations for a late innings onslaught with the home side’s inexperienced attack put to the sword by the impressive Laurence Tolfrey (63 not out) and Stuart Robertson (60 not out) as Ryde closed on 304-4.
Dave Pratt with 19 gave Ventnor a brisk start before a 90 run partnership for the fourth wicket between Mark Fletcher (30) and South African newcomer Jacobus Hooneberg who made a fine 84 kept home side hopes alive.
The dismissal of Hooneberg finally ended Ventnor’s challenge with the pacy Harry Bradley finishing with 3-17.
Ventnor travel to Portchester on Saturday.
Debut win for Ventnor Third team
Ventnor marked their Hampshire League South East Division 4 debut with a five wicket win at Rowner II on Saturday.
Fourteen year old leg spinner Dan Cox with 4-21 helped dismiss the hosts for only 77 and then top scored with 16 to lead his team to victory.
Solent Rangers are the visitors to Steephill on Saturday at 2pm.
Lymington concede
Lymington conceded their second round Royal London National Cup tie with Ventnor on Sunday.
The New Forest side were disappointingly unable to raise side for the game at Steephill, meaning Ventnor progress to round three and a trip to South Wilts on Sunday 31 May.
Image: Neil Tilbrook under CC BY 2.0
