Thanks to Graeme for this update from Ventnor Cricket Club. In his own words. Ed
Ventnor Teenage Pair Lead
Ventnor extended their already formidable lead at the top of the Southern Electric Premier League Division 2 to 48 points after a thumping seven wicket win at Paultons on Saturday.
This latest victory made it ten wins from eleven games for the Islanders whose only defeat was against Paultons at Newclose in May. Ian Hilsum’s side look odds-on favourites for a swift return to Premier Division cricket but will count no chickens with five games still to play.
The visitors took early control in their Whitemoor Lane clash with Adam Wilson and fit again Charlie Freeston reducing the home side to 21-2. Andy Whyte’s fine spell of 3-33 then ripped out the middle order before a typically belligerent knock of 72 not out from Tony Richman took the score from 106-6 to 173 all out, skipper Ian Hilsum (2-13) helping to dismiss the tail.
Hose and Cheek take the lead
Ventnor’s response was lead by teenagers Adam Hose and James Cheek whose partnership at the top of the order is showing considerable promise. Hose cracked eight fours in an eye-catching 47 and featured in a stand of 83 with Cheek who made an impressive 40.
With such a fine base, it was pretty much plain sailing for the table toppers thereafter who romped home with 21 overs remaining, Cole McConchie (30), Hilsum (33 not out) and Neil Westhorpe (13 not out)
Third placed Rowledge are the visitors to Newclose on Saturday.
Welcome return to form by Wilson boosts Ventnor
Ventnor’s second team kept their Hampshire League Division 2 promotion hopes alive with a convincing eight wicket win over Flamingo at Steephill on Saturday.
The hero of the victory was Richard Wilson who emerged from a disappointing run of form to hit a tremendous, unbeaten 93. The top order batsman timed the ball splendidly from start to finish, cracking twelve fours and a six in a run- a- ball knock, and with Henry Bartlett impressing with 53, the home team overhauled the visitors’ target of 189 with eight overs remaining.
Earlier in the afternoon, young Tom Groves proved the pick of the Ventnor bowlers, the left armer taking 2-15 as Flamingo totalled 188-5 from their 45 overs.
Mark Woodhouse’s side travel to Otterbourne on Saturday, looking for a third consecutive win to maintain their aim of a top three finish.
Ventnor defeat league leaders
Ventnor’s third team caused an upset in Harwood’s League Division 2, defeating previously unbeaten leaders Godshill by six wickets at Newclose on Saturday.
Trevor Mew cracked a fine 75 and Steve Thorne 40 as Godshill totalled 188-5 from their 40 overs, teenagers Jack Lyons (2-32) and Arthur Halsey (2-30) amongst the wickets.
Two more promising youngsters, Michael Compton (37) and Alex Horton (25) gave Ventnor a 50 run start in reply before Joby Wells with an excellent 40 and Alistair Cotton (22 not out) helped their team clinch an impressive win.
