Cricketers nationwide are gearing up for the season. Thanks to Graeme for sending through details for our cricket lovers. Ed
RUSSELL BLAST WRECKS TOTTON & ELING
A terrific spell of quick bowling from Chris Russell routed Southern Electric Premier League Division 1 side Totton & Eling for only 58 at Steephill on Saturday.
The young pace bowler, about to embark on a second season at Wolverhampton, caught the eye with his control and pace, clean bowling 6 of the visitors’ batsmen to finish with an impressive 7-17 from his 8 over stint.
The Wroxall boy will be hoping to take this early season form into the Birmingham League campaign as he seeks to further impress Worcestershire.
Russell’s efforts helped Ventnor to an 81 run win over the mainlanders, Neil Westhorpe holding the innings together with 43 as the home team totalled 139-9.
The pre-season friendlies continued on Sunday with Southampton University inflicting a 51 run defeat at Steephill.
The visitors totalled 175-7 from their 40 overs (Joby Wells 2-19) before dismissing Ventnor for 124, Charlie Freeston (30) Rob Snell (31) and Richard Wilson (27) top scoring.
FIXTURES
This weekend, Hampshire Cricket Academy and Bournemouth are the Saturday and Sunday visitors to Steephill.
Both friendly games start at 1pm.
Ventnor second team play their first ever match at the superb Newclose County Cricket Ground on Saturday with Brading providing the opposition.
