VENTNOR MAINTAIN WINNING START
Ventnor made it two wins out of two with a five wicket success at Lymington in the Southern Electric Premier League on Saturday.
Charlie Freeston (3-20) Zanzima ‘Nono’ Pongolo (3-18) and Ian Hilsum (3-35) were the pick of the Ventnor bowlers, reducing the New Forest side from 104-4 to 155 all out, Aussie Chris O’Shannessy top scoring with 43.
The Islanders’ reply got off to poor start with Mark Fletcher and Rob Snell dismissed cheaply but handy contributions from teenager Ben Woodhouse (15) and Neil Westhorpe (25) got the innings back on track. Ian Hilsum’s knock of 23 eased the total towards 100 before the impressive Pongolo with an unbeaten 39 and Andy Whyte (11no) secured a five wicket victory.
SECOND TEAM START WITH A VICTORY
Ventnor’s second team began their season in Hampshire League division 1 south with a 4 wicket win over Calmore Sports II that went to the final over.
Ashley Brett (3-47) Adam Wilson (2-41) and George Parker (3-25) were chiefly responsible for restricting the visitors to 174-9 with Coe top scoring with 42.
An opening partnership of 60 between teenager Ollie Turpin (45) and veteran Peter Buckley (21) provided a solid base before Patrick Morris (24) George Hatt (14) and Brett (21) pushed the score nearer the target. The match became increasingly close as the Calmore bowlers got on top but a seventh wicket partnership of 30 between Wilson (10no) and skipper Ross Edwards (13no) saw Ventnor home.
Ventnor face old rivals Bashley in the second round of the Cockspur Cup (National Club Championship) at Steephill on Sunday. The match starts at 1pm
