SHUTTE THE STAR IN VICTORY AT BURRIDGE
Ventnor retained second place in division two of the Southern Electric Premier League after a thumping eight wicket win at Burridge last weekend. This latest victory, inspired by Ryan Shutte, sets up an intriguing clash at Steephill on Saturday with unbeaten league leaders Rowledge.
With the weather uncertain, the toss was always likely to be important, and it was Mark Whyte who called correctly, inviting Burridge to bat first. The home side generally struggled against an accurate Ventnor attack and slipped to 125-5 with Charlie Freeston, Ryan Shutte, Andy Whyte and Mark Holmes doing the damage. However, the visitors were unable to dislodge the former Hampshire player Iain Brunnschweiler who batted throughout to finish just one run short of a fine hundred as his side closed on 174-7 from 50 overs.
Ventnor’s target of 175 was subsequently reduced to 154 from 40 overs after a rain interruption but the reply began disappointingly when John Birchall was out first ball. That early set back did not deter Matt Compton and Ryan Shutte, however, who went on to dominate the Burridge attack. The left handed duo added 148 in a fine partnership for the second wicket before RAF man Compton, playing against his former club, was adjudged leg before for 51. South African Shutte played probably his best innings of the season so far to finish unbeaten on a splendid 97 as Ventnor reached their target from just 31.3 overs.
The Islanders will be forced into at least one change for the first versus second encounter, with Matt Compton away on RAF duty. Mark Fletcher, Rob Snell and young Tom Friend come into contention.
SECOND TEAM HAMMER HAVANT IN HAMPSHIRE LEAGUE
Ventnor’s second team continue to dominate division 4 east of the Hampshire League after a massive 204 run win over Havant IV at Steephill on Saturday. Batting first, David Beven (69) Mark Price (46) provided an excellent base before teenagers Chris Russell (39) and Tom Friend (41no) led their side to 265-6 from a rain reduced 39 overs. Not for the first time this season, paceman Russell did the early damage with 3-13, before Beven (4-11) and Josh Franklin (2-12) rolled over the visitors for just 61.
WELCOME WIN FOR THIRD TEAM
Ventnor’s third team finally got back to winning ways with a 20 run win over Arreton on Saturday in Harwood’s League division 2. Rob Snell played a major part in his side’s success. The teenager hit 33 to help his side to 147 ( Lloyd Parker 30) and then helped dismiss Arreton for 127 by taking 4-22 to ease his way back to action after a long standing side injury.
VENTNOR BLITZ RYDE IN SUNDAY CUP TIE
Ventnor progressed to the semi finals of the Island Webservices Senior Cup with an emphatic 156 run win over Ryde at Steephill on Sunday.
The Ryde attack was put to the sword by a terrific century plus opening stand between Alex Lloyd (75) and John Birchall (67) which provided a great base for the home side. Former Ventnor pace bowler Andy Day accounted for both openers but was powerless to stop the Southern League side hammering 70 runs from the final 65 deliveries as Neil Westhorpe crashed an unbeaten 51 in a total of 270-6 from 40 overs.
Richard Burrell and Nick Drysdale gave their side a promising start with a stand of 25, but once they departed, only Laurence Tolfrey (23) and Day (18) provided any resistance as the Hampshire League team subsided to 114 all out. Hampshire Academy slow left armer Danny Briggs (3-13) Mark Holmes (3-10) and David Beven (2-4) did the damage for Ventnor.
Forthcoming fixtures:
Mon 25th: GKN (Under 13 League) Away 6.00
Fri 29th: Midweek XI v Eridge Home 3.30
