IT’S WIN NUMBER FIVE FOR VENTNOR BUT ROWLEDGE STILL TOP
Ventnor maintained their terrific start to the season with a fifth consecutive victory in Division 2 of the Southern Electric Premier League on Saturday. Their 78 run success at Liphook & Ripsley ensured that top of the table Rowledge have the narrowest of leads as the second month of the season begins.
The Islanders were invited to bat first by the home side on a predictably damp pitch which was always going to favour the bowlers. Openers Mark Fletcher and David Beven found the going hard and were both dismissed with only 19 runs on the board to bring teenager Ben Woodhouse and Neil Westhorpe together. The pair went on to add 115 for the third wicket in a splendid partnership before Westhorpe departed for 62. Young Woodhouse was sixth out for a fine 43 before some useful late order runs from ‘Nono’ Pongolo helped post a total of 170-8 from 50 overs.
The home side, with just one win this season, struggled to make any headway against a Ventnor attack which gave little away. Pongolo made an early breakthroughs in a fine opening spell which brought him 2 wickets for just 8 runs in 6 overs before Andy Whyte and Ian Hilsum were introduced. The pair, instrumental in the victory over Hook and Newnham the previous week, took 3 wickets each as the north Hampshire team’s reply fell apart. Dave Winter with 45 provided the only resistance as his side slipped to 92 all out, Charlie Freeston chipping in with 2-13.
WILSON THE STAR IN CONVINCING HAMPSHIRE LEAGUE WIN
The second team are also boasting an unbeaten start to the season after a resounding 156 run win over CBBEA in Hampshire League Division 1 South at Steephill on Saturday. Batting first, the home team were given a fine start by George Hatt (52) and Patrick Morris (58) before Ashley Brett provided some late order fire works. The 22 year old hit a succession of boundaries in an impressive knock of 47no as Ventnor totalled 239-8 from their 42 overs.
Any hope the visitors had of a positive response were wrecked by Adam Wilson. Ventnor’s teenage paceman took 6-20 in an highly impressive 7 over spell as the visitors were dismissed for 83 inside 24 overs.
The Club wish to thank The Volunteer for their sponsorship of the game.
SIX WICKET WIN FOR THIRD TEAM
Ventnor’s third team won by 6 wickets in their Harwood’s League Division 2 match against Plessey on Saturday. Malcolm White took 4 wickets for just 6 runs as the Cowes side were dismissed for 86, paving the way for teenagers Arthur Halsey (32) and Joe Cotton (35no) to lead their side to victory.
SUNDAY TEAM IN EASY VICTORY
A poor Rudgwick team were defeated by 184 runs at Steephill on Sunday. Ventnor rattled up 280-9 and bowled out the tourists for just 96.
VENTNOR PREPARE FOR LASHINGS RETURN
The superstars of Lashings World XI return to Steephill on Sunday 10 August, aiming for revenge after last year’s shock defeat in front of 1200 people!
Ventnor once again have tables for sale in a Corporate Hospitality Marquee at the sea end of the ground. Priced at £350.00 + vat for 10 people, further details can be obtained from Graeme Burnett on 01983 740131 or 07764405023.
