VENTNOR BOUNCE BACK TO WIN THRILLER AT STEEPHILL
A thrilling finish at Steephill saw Ventnor clinch a dramatic four run victory over Andover in the Southern Electric Premier League on Saturday.
The Division 2 League leaders required five runs to win from the final two deliveries but in a frantic finish, Chris Hadfield was run out off the penultimate delivery by Andy Whyte attempting a single off the Ventnor pace bowler. This hard earned success, coming a week after defeat at Havant, lifts Mark Whyte’s side into second place behind new leaders Rowledge who visit Steephill on Saturday week.
Earlier in the day, Ventnor were indebted to Martin Blackman for reaching 194-8 from their 50 overs. The talented middle order batsman came in with his side struggling on 90-4 as John Birchall (22) Ryan Shutte (20) and Neil Westhorpe (17) all perished after promising starts. With Ian Hilsum contributing 32, the pair held the innings together before Blackman cracked two sixes from the final over to finish unbeaten on a fine 61.
When Andover replied, Ventnor pace bowler Charlie Freeston gave his side an early boost with the wickets of David Williams and the dangerous Mark Miller and when Andy Whyte accounted for Van der Merwe, the visitors were on the back foot on 44-3. A fourth wicket partnership of 85 then threatened to turn the match Andover’s way before Shutte returned to the attack to dismiss Jonty Hadfield for 44. Another important breakthrough came four runs later when skipper Roger Miller was run out for 46 as 129-3 became 133-5. The match then took another twist as the north Hampshire side inched their way to 180-7, but crucially, Freeston returned to dismiss Matt Hooper to set up that nailbiting climax.
The Islanders travel to Botley Road on Saturday to take on newly promoted Burridge.
SECOND TEAM MAINTAIN UNBEATEN RECORD
The second team maintained their 100% per cent record with a seven wicket win at Sarisbury in Hampshire League Division 4 East. Pace man Chris Russell continued his fine form, taking 4-20 as the home side were dismissed for just 72, the total boosted by a Ventnor side who contributed an astonishing 34 extras.
Ben Woodhouse with 31, Pat Morris (20) and Richard Wilson (17no) led their side to victory.
On Saturday, Havant IV visit Steephill and are likely to include 80 year old Bill Hindley, possibly the oldest player in club cricket anywhere in the country!
SHUTTE HUNDRED DEFEATS INDIANS
TAG, a Club side from India visiting Steephill as part of their UK tour, were defeated by three wickets by Ventnor on Sunday.
The Indian innings was dominated by a terrific innings of 156 from Jhalani, but his efforts were not enough as Ryan Shutte responded with a splendid knock of 107 to lead his side to a three wicket win. Alex Lloyd supported the Ventnor skipper with an excellent half century.
COLTS REACH COUNTY FINAL
Ventnor’s Under 13’s reached the County Final of the MCC Spirit of Cricket Cup with a five wicket win over Shanklin. Chasing 79, James Cheek with 22 led Ventnor to victory.
The Ventnor Under 15 side attempt to reach the Portman Building Society County Final when they play Newport in a semi final on Friday.
SENIOR CUP TIES THIS SUNDAY
The senior teams of Ventnor and Ryde face each other in a competitive fixture for the first time in some years on Sunday. The second round of the Webservices Senior Cup has thrown up an interesting tie at Steephill with the winners going through to the quarter finals at the end of July. The match starts at 2pm.
