TITLE RACE WIDE OPEN AFTER LEADERS ARE DEFEATED
Ventnor are back in the hunt for a fifth successive Southern Electric Premier League title after events at the top of division 2 took an unexpected twist on Saturday. While the Islanders were winning convincingly at Hook & Newnham, league leaders Rowledge were surprisingly defeated by Burridge, effectively closing the gap to just 13 between the table toppers and Ventnor, who lie third with five matches to play.
Ventnor produced a competent all-round display to clinch a six wicket victory, their ninth win of the season. After Charlie Freeston and Mark Holmes had restricting the Hook opening batsmen with accurate opening spells, it was Tom Friend who made the breakthrough, having Keith Lovelock caught behind by wicket keeper Mark Whyte. David Beven (2-39) made further in-roads before Nono Pongolo inflicted further damage. The South African took 4-36 from an impressive eight over stint and with Andy Whyte (1-18) and Ian Hilsum (1-28) also enjoying success, the home team were restricted to 194-9 from their 50 overs.
As Ventnor responded, Hilsum (35) and Friend (33) compiled a fine opening stand of 80, providing the platform for a convincing 21 points win. Freeston (31) carried on the good work, paving the way for Neil Westhorpe (27) and Phil Baldwin (36) to lead their side home with more than eight overs remaining.
Next up are Liphook & Ripsley who visit Steephill on Saturday.
SECOND TEAM MOVE A STEP NEARER TITLE
Ventnor’s second team strengthened their position at the top of Hampshire League Division 1 South after a 44 run win over Compton & Chandler’s Ford at Steephill on Saturday.
Teenager George Hatt was once again the ‘star of the show’, falling just short of a fine hundred when he was dismissed for 96. Andy White’s excellent 75 provided good support and with Reuben Friend contributing 29, Ventnor reached a formidable 274-7 from 42 overs.
The visitors started brightly but lacked the batting strength to seriously threaten the Ventnor total, finishing on 230-9, Lloyd Parker taking 4-54 and Olly Turpin 2-47.
Ross Edwards’ side travel to the New Forest to take on Bransgore on Saturday.
HEAVY DEFEAT FOR THIRD TEAM AGAINST SHANKLIN
Ventnor’s youthful third team were shot out for just 47 in Harwood’s League Division 2 against Shanklin on Saturday. Arthur Halsey had earlier taken 4 wickets in Shanklin’s all out total of 185.
Malc White’s side take on Godshill in the semi final of the Fred Winter Cup on Saturday.
VENTNOR PREPARE FOR LASHINGS VISIT
Ventnor are preparing for another bumper Steephill crowd when the stars of Lashings World XI pay their annual visit on Sunday 10 August.
Richie Richardson’s side has yet to be finalised but will include some famous names from Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Pakistan, India, West Indies, South Africa and England.
Ventnor include their own international, Danny Briggs, who recently represented England at under 17 level.
The match starts at 2.30pm. Spectator and Corporate Hospitality tickets are still available. For further information, please contact Graeme Burnett on 07764 405023.
