Ventnor Set For Premier 1 Debut
Ventnor fulfil an ambition stretching back 17 years on Saturday when they make their debut in Division 1 of the ECB Southern Electric Premier League.
Charlie Freeston’s side start their campaign with a trip to Totton & Eling in a league which is generally regarded as one of the strongest in the south of England.
It was way back in 1993 when Ventnor played their first match in Hampshire League Division 3 East, and 13 league titles and numerous record breaking performances later, the Islanders finally take their place at the top table of recreational cricket.
‘It’s been a long time coming but competing at this level is what we’ve always wanted ‘ said skipper Freeston. ‘It’s a real challenge but one we’re looking forward to’ he added.
With Ventnor’s unique Steephill venue not meeting league accreditation criteria for Premier 1, Southern League home games will be played at the superb county ground at Newclose. The club is indebted to Brian Gardener, their President and the man whose generosity has created a terrific new facility and a fine setting for top quality club cricket.
Ventnor will rely on the nucleus of the squad that has achieved so much success in recent years and welcome back Andy Whyte after injury ruled the all-rounder out of the 2009 season. 23 year old paceman and middle order batsman Sean Nowak will be an able replacement for fellow South African Nono Pongolo while Danny Briggs will play for the side when Hampshire commitments allow.
The team for the opening game will be selected from:
Charlie Freeston, Mark Fletcher, Neil Westhorpe, Matt Compton, Ian Hilsum, Mark Whyte, Adam Hose, Andy Whyte, Danny Briggs, Sean Nowak, Robert Snell, David Beven.
Ventnor continued their preparations for the new season with a match against a talented Hampshire Academy side at Newclose on Saturday. Benny Howell (78) Adam Rouse (86) and Michael Bates (40) top scored for the visitors in a total of 280-6 from 50 overs, with Ventnor replying with 182-7, Adam Hose (52) and Sean Nowak the main contributors.
At Steephill on Sunday, Nowak (40) Hose (32) Henry Bartlett (31) and David Beven led Ventnor to 201 against Ryde, for whom Danny Bishop took 4-60. James Cheek claimed 4-34 to help dismiss the visitors for 103.
The previous day at Steephill, Ropley inflicted a seven wicket defeat on Ventnor’s second team after the home side managed only 88.
Harwoods’ League Underway
Ventnor’s third team will play in Division 1 for the first time this season and begin their campaign on Saturday with a match against St Helens at Steephill (1.45 start)
Steve Clutterbuck has been coaxed out of retirement to captain the side with Mark Price as vice skipper.
Club Cricket Conference Debut For Ventnor
Ventnor take on Malden Wanderers in the first round of the Club Cricket Conference KO Cup at Steephill on Sunday (1pm start). The Surrey Championship side will provide stiff opposition as the Islanders make their debut in this competition.
The weekend’s fixtures finish with a friendly against Royal Hospitals at Steephill on Bank Holiday Monday at 1pm.
Image: TC7 under CC BY-ND 2.0
