Good to see that Ventnor Cricket Club continue to do well – Ed
VENTNOR MAINTAIN UNBEATEN RECORD IN ANOTHER TIGHT FINISH
Ventnor clinched an excellent three wicket victory at Havant II on Saturday to maintain their unbeaten start to the Southern Electric Premier League Division 2 season.
On a ground where they rarely do well, skipper Charlie Freeston was delighted with the performance, although another last over finish did little for the nerves!
The home side batted first with Gareth Ransley underpinning the innings with a fine knock of 84. The strong wind made life difficult for the Ventnor seam attack, and it was the leg spinning duo of Ian Hilsum (1-29) and David Beven (2-32) who proved the most economical before Rob Snell with 3-21 helped restrict Havant to 205-9 from their 50 overs.
Ventnor’s start began disappointingly before Ian Hilsum and Martin Blackman turned things around with a crucial middle order partnership. Hilsum’s knock of 53 and Blackman’s 30 laid the foundations for Zanzima Pongolo to win the match for the reigning champions. The South African all-rounder cracked an unbeaten 57 to continue his fine start to season as the visitors edged home in the final over.
HEAVY DEFEAT FOR SECOND TEAM
A considerably under strength and youthful second team were no match for Fawley II at Steephill on Saturday in Hampshire League Division 4.
The visitors dismissed Ventnor for only 113 (Ollie Turpin 29) before romping to a nine wicket win with 14 overs to spare.
PRICE AND COTTON HIT HUNDREDS
Two splendid, unbeaten centuries from Mark Price and Joe Cotton, who both made 106, led Ventnor’s third team to 236-0 against Cowes Centurions II at Newclose on Saturday.
The visitors could only manage 119 in reply as Ventnor took full points in the Harwood’s League clash, Malc White taking 4-32.
BRIGGS IMPRESSES IN HAMPSHIRE’S ONE DAY SIDE
The last week has been a memorable one for 18 year old Danny Briggs.
Ventnor’s highly promising slow left armer was called up by Hampshire and performed impressively in two Friends Provident Trophy matches. Although not taking a wicket, the teenager completed two economical ten over stints to help keep his side’s quarter finals hopes alive.
VENTNOR FACE TOUGH WEEKEND
Ventnor face their toughest task of the season so far when they take on a Burridge side who include the former Hampshire all-rounder Greg Lamb for Saturday’s Southern League encounter at Steephill.
The following day the Islanders return to Havant Park to take on the current SEPL Division One Champions in the second round of the National Club Championship.
On Saturday, the second team travel to Bramshaw while the third eleven take on Godshill in their respective League games.
On Sunday, Ventnor’s second team entertain the Cricket Society before Antigua Cavaliers provide the Bank Holiday Monday opposition.
image: goldberg
