Thanks to Graeme for sending through the latest report from the Ventnor Cricket Club, in his own words. Ed
Skipper Ian Hilsum led Ventnor closer to a return the Southern Electric Premier Division at Newclose on Saturday, playing a significant role in the six wicket win over Rowledge.
Hilsum’s efforts came after their old rivals, missing several key players, had threatened to set the home side a formidable target. Asked to bat first, the visitors took 40 from the opening 40 overs and had reached 92-1 before Tristan McDonald was dismissed by Cole McConchie for 39.
Ricky Yates went on to hit a fine 70 and skipper David Lloyd 33 to take the score to 160-1 before both fell to the leg spin of Hilsum.
With the north Hampshire side lacking the batting depth to build on an excellent start, Ventnor seized the initiative and restricted their opponents to just 48 runs from the final ten overs, Hilsum finishing with 3-43 and Andy Whyte 3-28 as the innings closed on 221-9.
Another splendid opening partnership of 91 between Adam Hose who cracked eight fours in an impressive 55 and James Cheek (30) laid the foundations for another victory before Hilsum took over. The Ventnor captain struck 9 fours in a match winning knock of 54 not out and with Neil Westhorpe hitting 32, the league leaders eased home with five overs remaining.
Two wins from their remaining four matches will definitely seal the division two title with nearest challengers Hook & Newnham Basics currently 47 points adrift in second place. Derek Kenway’s Burridge side are the visitors to Newclose on Saturday.
Emphatic Victory At Otterbourne Keeps Hopes Alive
Ventnor’s second team moved up to seventh place in Hampshire league division two after a resounding 160 run win at Otterbourne on Saturday.
Opting to bat first, the visitors lost Ben Woodhouse and Henry Bartlett cheaply before going on to dominate proceedings. 16 year old Billy Clarke impressed once again with a fine 81, striking 13 fours and six and featuring in a century partnership with Richard Wilson whose splendid knock of 84 laid the base for a late innings flourish, led by Hugh Calloway. The former Cowes man hammered ten fours and three sixes in a terrific 72, scored from just 44 deliveries as Ventnor totalled 303-6 from 45 overs.
Otterbourne’s reply never recovered from a poor start as a Ventnor attack inspired by Mark Holmes made early in-roads. The paceman finished with 4-45 from an impressive ten over stint, and with support coming from Tom Groves (2-38) the home team were dismissed for 143 inside 26 overs.
This third successive win keeps Ventnor’s season alive, though they will almost certainly need to win their remaining four games to stand a chance of claiming that all important third promotion spot.
Lashings Tickets Now On Sale
Spectator tickets for the annual Ventnor v Lashings World XI fixture at Newclose County Cricket Ground Blackwater on Sunday 21st August at 2.30pm are now on sale at the offices of Hose Rhodes and Dickson, Estate Agents, priced at £10 for adults and £5 for children.
Tickets can also be purchased from the Cricket Club (tel 852506) and Newclose (824575)
Tickets for the Marquee which include lunch and a welcome drink are still available from Graeme Burnett on 01983 740131.
Individual tickets cost £36 + vat. Tables for ten people at £360 + vat can also be booked through Graeme.
