VENTNOR TITLE HOPES DASHED ON DRAMATIC FINAL DAY
Ventnor’s hopes of a sixth successive Southern Electric Premier League division 2 title ended on Saturday when they were surprisingly defeated by Hartley Wintney at Steephill. On a dramatic final day, Charlie Freeston’s were unable to defend a modest total of 188 while at Burridge, title rivals Rowledge won by 47 runs to clinch a first ever Championship.
Though disappointing for the Islanders, few would begrudge Rowledge their success after near misses in the past, none more so that last year when they lost on the final day at Ventnor having led the league for almost the entire season. The two clubs have gone neck to neck since since 2007 and Rowledge know what it feels like to lose just two matches all season and still miss out on the title.
The day started well enough for Ventnor who batted first on a good pitch. Neil Westhorpe (54) and Nono Pongolo (23) took the score to 119-3 and with 15 overs the home side looked set for a challenging total. However, the dismissal of both players in quick succession saw Ventnor lose their way with only Richard Wilson (25 not out) making a significant contribution in a disappointing total of 188-9.
Ventnor made early in-roads after tea as Hartley Wintney slipped to 16-2, 54-3 and then 89-6 as Charlie Freeston, Ian Hilsum, David Beven and Nono Pongolo all enjoyed success. It seemed just a matter of time before the home team wrapped up the match and the league title but New Zealander Scott Baldwin and number eight Neil Salter had other ideas.
The pair went on to win the match for their side in a superb seventh wicket partnership of 100. Baldwin paced his innings of 75 to perfection while Salter hit three sixes in a fine half century. David Beven was the pick of the Ventnor bowlers with 1-20 from ten overs.
So Ventnor’s fantastic run of Southern League titles has finally ended. It now remains to be seen which Club, if any, is promoted to Division One. With Rowledge’s home ground and Ventnor’s Steephill venue not meeting ‘gold’ standard requirements, the League could offer third placed Burridge a place in Premier 1.
However, if the League gave the Island’s superb new County Ground at Newclose ‘gold’ status, then that could possibly open up an opportunity for Ventnor to play at the top level for the very first time. How ironic that would be after finishing second!
SECOND TEAM LOSE HEAVILY BUT CLINCH TITLE
A much under strength second team were heavily defeated at Trojans II but gained the six points they needed to clinch the Hampshire League Division 4 South title.
The home side rattled up an enormous total of 363-7, a total well beyond a youthful Ventnor side who replied with 134, Ollie Turpin top scoring with 50.
This defeat could not detract from a terrific campaign for the Ventnor side, who were never able to field the same team two weeks running yet still performed consistently to continue their climb up the league pyramid.
THIRD TEAM DEFEATED AT ARRETON IN PLAY OFF
In the third of five Harwood’s League play off matches, Ventnor’s third team lost by 28 runs at Arreton. Carl Prean and Glenn Morley with fine knocks of 70 and 69 respectively took their side to 241-4, while young Joe Cotton’s splendid innings of 96 led the Ventnor response. Scott Wheeler also hit 48 for Ventnor.
DANNY BRIGGS MAKES FIRST CLASS DEBUT
Danny Briggs, Ventnor’s 18 year old left arm spinner, made his first class debut in Hampshire’s County Championship match with Somerset at the Rose Bowl this week. The talented youngster took 3-62 in the second innings, a fine spell which included the dismissal of former England man Marcus Trescothick. A prized scalp indeed!
Briggs’ County Championship bow caps a great season for the Islander who has already represented Hampshire in one day cricket and England at Under 19 level.
