THIRD TEAM END HARWOOD’S LEAGUE CAMPAIGN WITH A 383 RUN WIN!
Ventnor’s third team recorded one of the highest totals in the history of Island League cricket against Ryde Cavaliers II at Smallbrook on Saturday. The Steephill youngsters smashed an extraordinary 428-2 with personal bests from David Beven who achieved the rare distinction of a double hundred (203 not out) and Reuben Friend who hit a maiden century (101no). The shell shocked home team were dismissed for just 45 as Ventnor won by a massive 383 runs. Malcolm White took 4-6 for the visitors.
FRIENDLY SUCCESS FOR VENTNOR
Two friendly matches over the weekend also produced a glut of runs and two wins for Ventnor.
At Steephill on Saturday, Southern Electric Premier League Division One visitors South Wilts totalled 289-7 with skipper Rob Wade hitting 115no and 16 year old pace bowler Tom Friend taking 4-64 for Ventnor. The home team were given a good start by Alex Lloyd (66) and Neil Westhorpe (28) before fine knocks from John Birchall (85) and young Friend (67) led the Islanders to a three wicket win.
Mark Fletcher, returning to the side after a long term back injury, hit a fine 119 as Ventnor rattled up 311-3 against West Country side Kilmington at Steephill on Sunday. The Ventnor opener received excellent support from the veteran Peter Buckley (82) and 16 year old Danny Briggs (67) as the home team set a formidable total. The tourists were never in the hunt and slipped to 154 all out, the occasional medium pace of Neil Westhorpe claiming 5-34 and spinner Chris Kershaw 4-33.
VENTNOR PAIR SCOOP SOUTHERN LEAGUE AWARDS
Ventnor’s fourth successive Southern Electric Premier League Division 2 title has also brought personal success for Ryan Shutte and Mark Whyte. Shutte won the division two batting award as the leading run maker with 628 while skipper Whyte finished top of the wicket keeping charts with 20 victims. The awards will be presented at the League’s annual dinner on 26 October by guest speaker David Shepherd, the former Test match umpire and Gloucestershire cricketer. Charlie Freeston finished as runner up in the bowling category with 29 wickets, six behind the winner, Roger Miller, of Andover.
