Team changes ahead of an away match at Hambledon on Saturday. Thanks to Graeme for sending through details for our cricket lovers. Ed
Ventnor travel to newly promoted Hambledon on Saturday as they begin their latest defence of the Southern Electric Premier League Division 2 Championship.
Mark Whyte, after captaining the team to an extraordinary five successive titles, has handed over the reins to Charlie Freeston who will lead a side boosted by the return of Matt Compton, Mark Fletcher and Martin Blackman after long term injuries.
However, the Islanders will miss the talents of Tom Friend who has joined Birmingham League side Bromsgrove while Ben Woodhouse has moved to Totton & Eling.
Mark Holmes’ shoulder injury will sideline him for several months, leaving the champions light on seam bowling options, particularly if skipper Freeston’s knee injury continues to hamper him.
The recruitment of young South African all-rounder Nono Pongolo for a second season is a major boost while Joby Wells and Richard Wilson have returned to the Club from St Helens and Ryde respectively and Stuart Barbrook has rejoined from Newport.
Team for Hambledon: Charlie Freeston, Andy Whyte, Ian Hilsum, Neil Westhorpe, Rob Snell, Mark Whyte, Zanzima ‘Nono’ Pongolo, Martin Blackman, Matt Compton, Richard Wilson, Joby Wells.
Preparations continue
Ventnor continued their preparations for the new season with a match against Hampshire Cricket Academy at Steephill.
Benny Howell hit 53 for the visitors in their total of 231-8 (Ian Hilsum 2-36 Stuart Barbrook (2-10) before the Steephill side replied with 160-7, Richard Wilson scoring 39 and Martin Blackman 36.
A youthful second team, playing at the superb new County Ground at Newclose, lost to by seven wickets to Brading.
Pat Morris hit a half century for Ventnor but a modest score of 123 never looked enough as their opponents cantered to victory.
