FRIEND AND WHYTE STAR AS VENTNOR MAINTAIN TITLE CHALLENGE
Ventnor are still in the hunt for a fifth successive Southern Electric Premier League title after a massive 241 run win over struggling Liphook & Ripsley on Saturday.
With four matches remaining, this latest victory edged the Islanders into second place behind Rowledge who won at Purbrook.
With the leaders visiting Steephill on the last Saturday of the season, this clash of the top two could yet be a championship decider.
Tom Friend had a match to remember for Ventnor. The 17 year old all rounder, promoted to open the innings in recent weeks, smashed a terrific maiden century as he put the hapless visitors to the sword. When the teenager departed for 118, Nono Pongolo (39no) and Mark Holmes, with four sixes in an unbeaten 36, took charge to blast an astonishing 116 runs from the final ten overs to lead their side to a formidable 297-6.
Any hopes Liphook harboured of a decent response were blown away as Andy Whyte produced an inspired spell of new ball bowling.
The long serving paceman took a Southern League personal best of 7-23 as the relegation threatened visitors were shot out for just 56 inside 17 overs. Pongolo took his total of SEPL wickets for the season to 31 after taking 2-6.
Ventnor travel to Havant II on Saturday.
THIRD TEAM DEFEAT GODSHILL TO CUP FINAL
Ventnor are through to the final of the Fred Winter Memorial Cup after an excellent win over Godshill on Saturday.
Arthur Halsey’s spell of 2-16 from eight overs, together with 3-35 from Andy White and 2-11 from Adam Hose, helped restrict the village side to 146, Seb Edgerton-Read top scoring with 33.
Ventnor’s response was led by Mark Price whose 59no was the cornerstone of his side’s eight wicket success, Jo Cotton supporting with 44 and Andy White with an unbeaten 24.
Malcolm White’s team will face Brading in the final at Shanklin on Sunday 31 August after they defeated Cup holders Carisbrooke Old Boys in the other semi.
RAIN IN THE FOREST THWARTS SECOND TEAM
Heavy rain meant the cancellation of Ventnor second team’s Hampshire League match at Bransgore. Ross Edwards’ side take on Hamble at Steephill on Saturday.
