Ventnor slipped to 6th place in Division One of the Southern Premier League after a 7-wicket defeat at Calmore Sports on Saturday.
After Ian Hailes was dismissed for 19, Dineth Thimodya top-scored with 63, while Dan Cox added 54 as Ventnor reached 147-3. However, a devastating spell from Calmore’s Mark Lavelle, including a hat-trick, saw the visitors collapse to 194 all out from 48.5 overs.
An opening partnership of 76 put the hosts firmly in control before Ben Johns made 73 and Australian Evan Allaway finished unbeaten on 61 to guide Calmore to victory with 5 overs to spare.
TEEN STAR SEALS LAST-BALL WIN FOR VENTNOR
Teenagers Sam Mills and Oliver McQuillan starred as Ventnor’s 2nd XI edged Easton & Martyr Worthy by just 3 runs at Steephill.
Opening the batting, Sam Mills produced an excellent innings of 88 to underpin Ventnor’s total of 217-7 from 45 overs. Martin Blackman (35), Neil Westhorpe (39) and Aaron Hartup (20 not out) all made valuable contributions.
The visitors had reached 150-4 before opener Rhodes Franklin, who made 75, became the first of Hugh Calloway’s 3 wickets.
It was the return of 15-year-old Oliver McQuillan for the closing overs that proved decisive. Having already taken 3 wickets, the young seamer induced an edge through to wicketkeeper Ben Davies with the final ball of the match to seal a dramatic 3-run victory.
McQuillan finished with impressive figures of 4-35, while Hartup claimed 2-51.
YOUNG 3RD XI CRUISE TO SENIOR CUP SUCCESS
Ventnor’s youthful 3rd XI booked a Senior Cup victory with a convincing 5-wicket win over St Helens on Saturday.
Kayton Evans was the standout bowler with 3-11 from 8 accurate overs, while Harrison McQuillan and Toby Morgan each took 2 wickets as St Helens were dismissed for 164.
In reply, Alfie Toulson struck 54, Tom Noyes made 41 and David Paul finished unbeaten on 34 as Ventnor reached their target inside 30 overs.
POWELL AND GOULDING FIFTIES JUST OUT OF REACH
Ventnor’s 4th XI suffered a 4-wicket defeat despite Jack Powell and Adam Goulding both falling just short of half-centuries.
Powell and Goulding each made 49 as Ventnor posted 174, with Jess Glover adding 27 and Jack Charlesworth contributing 21.
Powell, Lucas Cotton and George Charlesworth each claimed 2 wickets, but Cowes successfully chased down their target to secure victory.
