Danny Briggs, the Hampshire and England left arm spinner, returned to his hometown club on Saturday to play a key role in Ventnor’s important 32 run victory over Burridge in the Southern Electric Premier Division.
After opener Henry Bartlett had departed for an entertaining 41, Briggs joined Sean Willis to add 73 for the fourth wicket before the Australian, playing his last game for the club, was dismissed for 51. The 24 year old Briggs went on to strike six boundaries and a six in a fine innings of 92 to help his side to a challenging 262-7 from 50 overs.
The visitors reached 48 without loss in reply before Rob Snell and Bartlett made a double breakthrough. A partnership of 86 for third wicket between Dods (41) and former Hampshire man Lee Savident (51) kept Burridge in contention but in the face of an accurate Ventnor attack and sharp fielding, lost wickets in trying to force the pace as Snell and Bartlett took four crucial wickets, including Dods, brilliantly caught by Willis off Snell at deep square leg.
Briggs ensured there was to be no late drama with two wickets to finish with 2-26 from his ten overs while Bartlett returned impressive figures of 5-43.
Ventnor look to continue their recent fine run which has brought them three victories and winning draw as they head to Alton on Saturday.
WHYTE HITS 63 BUT VENTNOR LOST AT ST CROSS
A spirited Ventnor side slipped to a six wicket defeat at St Cross Symondians in the Hampshire League Division 1 on Saturday.
Ross Whyte top scored with 63, backed up by 27 from newcomer Hamish Fletcher and 23 by Cano Hooneberg as Ventnor reached 206 all out, a total bettered by the home team who reached their target inside 35 overs, Whyte taking 2-24.
Ben Woodhouse’s side, hit by unavailability once again, need a victory at home to Purbrook on Saturday to give them a boost as the season reaches a crucial stage.
THIRD TEAM MAINTAIN SECOND PLACE
With three games to go, Ventnor’s third team cemented second place in Hampshire League Division 4 South East with a convincing 109 run win over Karala II at Steephill.
Tom Stafford and new recruit Justin Pinder impressed with 46 and 43 respectively before James Attrill struck eight boundaries in a fine knock of 56 not out to help the home side to 224-6.
At 86-2, the visitors looked capable of challenging the total before a dramatic collapse saw them dimissed for 115, the Ventnor seam attack of Marcus Toms (3-31), Chris Hebberd (2-19) and Harry Sprengel (2-26) doing the damage.
Portsmouth & Southsea III are the Islanders opponents on Saturday.
VENTNOR SET FOR T20 FINAL
Ventnor head to Totton & Eling on Sunday to face Waterlooville in the final of the Southern Electric T20 Plate competition at 15:00.
UNDER 19’S IN T20 ACTION
Ventnor’s under 19 side take on Old Tauntonians and Romsey on Sunday in their latest group match, still searching for their first victory in the Nat West T20 sponsored competition. The match starts at 14:00.
