We’re very pleased to now have Fiona Newnham on board, providing the blog with weekly updates on what’s been happening down at the Ventnor Cricket Club.
Here’s her first report of the latest activities.
We’re always on the lookout for Ventnor success stories and the Ventnor CC is certainly one that meets that criteria week after week. They are a storming success.
HOLMES’ FIVE WICKET BLAST HELPS VENTNOR TO CONVINCING VICTORY
Mark Holmes returned a Southern Electric Premier League best 5-32 as Ventnor continued their impressive start to the season by thrashing Tichborne Park by eight wickets on Saturday.
The teenage paceman ripped out five of the top seven home batsmen as the newly promoted hosts crashed from a promising 76-1 to 135 all out inside 39 overs. The Tichborne demise also saw Ian Hilsum claim 3-13 with his leg spin with Ryan Shutte and John Birchall chipping in with 1 wicket a piece.
Martin Blackman, opening the innings in the absence of the injured Mark Fletcher, and Matt Compton gave Ventnor a great platform for victory with an opening stand of 65 before left hander Compton departed for 36. The Islanders lost their second wicket at 93-1 when Shutte fell leg before for 19 but that was to be the last success for Tichborne as the consistent Blackman (40no) and Neil Westhorpe (12no) led their side to an emphatic win from just 23.5 overs.
Mark Whyte’s unbeaten side is likely to face a much stiffer test on Saturday when Liphook & Ripsley, relegated from division 1 last season, pay their first ever Southern League visit to Steephill. Andy Whyte, who missed the Tichborne victory, returns to the side.
MAN OF THE MATCH BEVEN LEADS VENTNOR TO HAMPSHIRE LEAGUE WIN
Ventnor’s second team entertained Portsmouth & Southsea in the Hampshire League at Steephill on Saturday and ran out winners by a massive 181 runs in a one sided contest.
Skipper David Beven led from the front with a fine knock of 87 and with Richard Wilson supporting well with 40, Pat Morris (24) and Tom Friend (20), the home side rattled up 248-8 from their 42 overs.
The visitors were never remotely in the hunt and crashed to 67 all out with man of the match Beven taking 4-15, Josh Franklin 3-21 and Caleb Whitefield 2-15.
The Islanders Hampshire League programme continues on Saturday with a trip to Hayling Island.
THIRD TEAM LOSE AT BEMBRIDGE
Ventnor’s increasingly youthful third team slipped to a seven wicket defeat at Bembridge in Harwood’s League division 2 on Saturday.
Joe Cotton (38) and Adam Hose (39) helped their side to 160-8 but the total was insufficient as the village side replied with 162-3, Phil McDonald hitting 58no.
PLESSEY UNABLE TO RAISE A SIDE
Ventnor progressed to the second round of the IW Senior Cup without bowling a ball as Plessey failed to raise a side for Sunday’s match.
VETERANS HELP VENTNOR TO VICTORY
A Ventnor side containing a mix of new and very old defeated Kent tourists Jolly Roger by three wickets at Steephill on Sunday.
Steve Clutterbuck (3-12) and Chris Russell (2-18) helped restrict the visitors to 151-6 before Chris Kershaw (29) David Beven (37) Ryan Shutte (25no) and Peter Buckley (18no) led the home team to victory.
UNDER 15’S THROUGH TO SECOND ROUND
Ventnor defeated Ryde by six wickets in the first round of the Portman Cup at Steephill. Set to score 115 for victory, George Parker (31) Arthur Halsey (27) and Daniel Russell (20) led their side home and to second round match at Newport.
