Thanks to Graeme Burnett, who will once again be sending VB readers regular updates from the Ventnor Cricket Club. Ed
Ventnor began their season last Wednesday with a match against Worcester Under 17’s.
Chasing a total of 206-7 (James Cheek 3-68, newcomer Henry Bartlett 2-45, Scott Wheeler 2-34) only Ben Woodhouse with 56 challenged that target as Ventnor slipped to 108 all out.
At the weekend, Saturday’s visitors Southampton Community batted first and made 146, Charlie Freeston with 3-23 and debutant Tommy Barton (3-29) doing the damage.
Ventnor had little trouble in knocking off the runs with Neil Westhorpe (53 not out) and fit again Mark Holmes (52 not out) ensuring a seven wicket win.
Ventnor lost by 24 runs in Sunday’s fixture against Portsmouth University at Steephill. David Beven took 5-36 and Henry Bartlett 3-36 as the visitors totalled 236 from their 40 overs, a target only just beyond the home team who closed on 212-6.
James Cheek hit a fine 69 while there were also impressive contributions from Ali Cotton who hit 43 and Mark Fletcher with 50.
This Saturday, Newclose is the venue for Ventnor first team’s latest pre-season friendly against Southampton University at 1pm.
On Sunday, the first team travel to Shanklin in the Roy Tiller Memorial Trophy at 1.30 while at Steephill, Surrey tourists Merrow provide the second team opposition, again at 1.30.
