Ventnor continued their build up to the new League season with an eight wicket victory over Southampton University in Saturday’s friendly at Newclose.
Charlie Freeston’s side gave a debut to Sean Nowak, their overseas recruit from South Africa.
The 23 year old, who has an impressive record in first class cricket for Northerns, bowled at a brisk pace in a nine over spell, taking 1-36 as the students totalled 154-8 from their 45 overs.
David Beven and Mark Holmes each took two wickets.
After James Cheek and Richard Wilson departed, Ventnor eased their way to a comfortable win, Neil Westhorpe (50 not out) and Ian Hilsum (40 not out) impressing.
On Sunday at Steephill, tourists Merrow inflicted a six wicket defeat on Ventnor. Only Martin Blackman with 50 impressed as the youthful home side were skittled for 115, a total the visitors passed with ease.
On Thursday evening, Joe Cotton (64 not out) and Martin Blackman (50 not out) helped Ventnor to 156-1 against the Health Associates at Steephill.
Josh Franklin (3-11) and Marcus Toms (2-12) then bowled out the visitors for 65.
Ventnor’s first team play two more warm up games this weekend. Jon Ayling brings Hampshire Academy to Newclose on Saturday at 1pm, while on Sunday Ryde provide the opposition at Steephill at 1.30.
The second team have a home friendly on Saturday against Ropley at 1pm.
Image: TC7 under CC BY-ND 2.0
