Ventnor lost by seven wickets to Hampshire Academy in Saturday’s penultimate Southern Electric Premier Division game of the season on Saturday.
Invited to bat first on a Ageas Bowl Nursery Ground pitch which offered encouragement to the Academy’s seamers, Jake George struck seven boundaries in an impressive knock of 44 before being adjudged leg before. With his dismissal at 87-4, a repair job was needed and for the second time in recent weeks, it was Neil Westhorpe who led the way. The left hander’s fine innings of 62 included eleven fours and with Ian Hilsum making 31, the Islanders were eventually able to set a target of 215 for the home team.
The Academy side set off at five and more runs an over and although Travis Head, in his final match for the club, took the wickets of openers Harris and Green, Tom Alsop went on to make light work of the run chase, his excellent unbeaten 76 leading the hosts to an convincing victory.
Ventnor, who have enjoyed a fine campaign, take on South Wilts at Newclose on Saturday as the curtain comes down on the league season. The visitors will come to the Island as champions, having clinched the title for a second successive year after a nine wicket win over Bashley.
