VENTNOR SUFFER FIRST DEFEAT OF THE SEASON
Ventnor’s winning start to the season came to an abrupt halt on Saturday after a six wicket defeat by Havant at Steephill. Dom Carson’s team ended a proud Ventnor record by becoming the first visiting side to leave ‘the bowl’ with a Southern League victory since Alton defeated the Islanders on home soil in 2005.
Mark Whyte decided to bat first on winning the toss but saw his side struggle as they slipped to 49-3 after 16 overs. Ian Hilsum (25) and Nono Pongolo (42) led a partial recovery but after they were dismissed, only Mark Fletcher with 27no made an impression as the reigning Division 2 Champions slipped to 165 all out.
As Havant replied, Charlie Freeston made an early breakthrough with just two runs on the board but Ventnor didn’t have any further success until Andy Whyte bowled Steven Matthews with the score on 52. Havant’s teenage opening batsman Pete Hopson then took advantage of several dropped catches to thump an excellent 88 not out, and with skipper Carson lending support with 33, the visitors cantered to a well deserved win with more than twelve overs remaining.
Thanks are due to Sid Owen for sponsoring the game.
Ventnor will hope to get back to winning ways when they travel to New Milton on Saturday.
SECOND TEAM STAY TOP AFTER LATEST WIN
Ventnor maintained top spot in Division 1 South of the Hampshire League after a six wicket win in a low scoring affair at Nomansland on Saturday.
The in-form Adam Wilson (3-24) George Parker (3-24) Ashley Brett (2-22) and Olly Turpin (2-24) helped dismiss the home side for 114, a total which posed few problems for Ross Edwards’ team who won comfortably enough. George Hatt continued his recent fine run with 54 and received useful support from Patrick Morris (22) and Wilson (24no).
The table toppers face Curdridge at Steephill on Saturday.
MAIDEN CENTURY FOR TAYLOR IN THIRD TEAM CUP WIN
A fine innings of 101 from Darren Taylor, his first ton for the Club, was the cornerstone of Ventnor third team’s 145 run win over Plessey II in the first round of the Fred Winter KO Cup on Saturday. Taylor’s excellent knock helped his side to 249-3 with young Ben Clarke hitting a maiden half century and Andy White 32no.
The visitors were never in the hunt and managed only 104 in reply, with Arthur Halsey and Andy White each taking three wickets.
SUNDAY CUP VICTORY FOR FIRST TEAM
Ventnor got back to winning ways after Saturday’s League defeat with a massive 177 run win over Newport in an Island Webservices Senior Cup second round tie at Steephill. Batting first, the home team piled up 249-8 from their 40 overs, with David Beven (63) and Neil Westhorpe (47) top scoring.
The Newport reply had reached 28 without loss before the introduction of Nono Pongolo triggered a collapse. The 19 year old South African took 4-32 from eight an over stint as Newport crashed to 72 all out. Danny Briggs conceded just three runs from his eight over spell and took three wickets before Rob Snell (2-9) mopped up the innings.
Ventnor will face Northwood at Park Road in the semi final on Sunday 20 July.
