LAST GASP FREESTON WINS IT FOR VENTNOR
Ventnor left it late before clinching a hard won victory over Old Tauntonians & Romsey in the Southern Electric Premier League division 2 on Saturday. Needing six to win from the final over, the Islanders failed to score from the first three deliveries and lost their seventh wicket when Andy Whyte was run out without scoring. Charlie Freeston managed two from the fourth and fifth balls before thumping a boundary from the final delivery to win the match for his side.
The victory ensured the Champions maintained their winning start to the new campaign ahead of Saturday’s home match with Hook & Newnham Basics.
Earlier, Mark Whyte’s side had again produced an excellent performance in the field to restrict OT’s to 168 all out. Zanzima ‘Nono’ Pongolo produced a pacy spell to take 4-25 but it was Andy Whyte who provided the brake on the mid innings scoring with a typically tight ten over stint in which he took 1-18. Rob Snell chipped in with 2-16 while Charlie Forward top scored for the home side with 60.
Mark Fletcher (18) and Snell (21) gave Ventnor a solid start in reply but at 75-4 the match was in the balance against an accurate home attack. Ian Hilsum (48) and Pongolo (32) then came together to inch their side towards a nervy victory before the last over heroics from Freeston.
SECOND TEAM WIN AGAIN IN HAMPSHIRE LEAGUE
Ventnor’s second team comfortably defeated Woodgreen by 85 runs at Steephill on Saturday in Hampshire League division 1 South. Mark Price hit 36 for the home side before useful mid order contributions from Mark Woodhouse (27) and Adam Wilson (28) lifted the score to 191. The visitors struggled in reply as Ventnor’s youthful side restricted the scoring. Pat Morris was the pick if the bowlers with 4-32 as the Hampshire team were dismissed for 106.
VENTNOR BOW OUT OF COCKSPUR CUP
Ventnor were beaten by Bashley by 5 wickets in the second round of the Cockspur Cup on Sunday. Ian Hilsum hit 51 as the home side totalled 190, but a fine knock of 81 from Chris Jones saw the New Forest side to victory.
