Ventnor fell to an agonising one run defeat against reigning champions South Wilts in Saturday’s all day clash at Newclose in the ECB Southern Electric Premier Division.
Mark Holmes’ side had turned in an impressive display to control the post tea session but with a fine victory within their grasp, a flurry of late order wickets turned the match on its head in a dramatic finale.
Batting first, South Wilts initially scored briskly before a double breakthrough from paceman Tom Friend (2-38) checked their progress. They eventually recovered from 135-5 at lunch to total 218-8 (Eddie Abel 51) from 64 overs, off spinner Marc-Antony Eysele’s 4-76 from a marathon 26 over stint the highlight of an effective bowling and fielding display from the home side.
The Ventnor response began with the loss of two early wickets after Ollie Mills and Jake George, both still searching for form, were dismissed cheaply.
However, 16 year old Ben Duggan with a disciplined innings of 39 took the score to 97-3 before a partnership of 67 for the fourth wicket between Tom Friend and Ian Hilsum gave their side the upper hand. Friend’s fine knock of 62 ended at 160 but with Neil Westhorpe (21) edging his side closer and Hilsum completing an impressive half century the Islanders needed 15 runs for victory with four wickets in hand and three overs remaining. Crucially, Hilsum for 56 and Chris Ridley were dismissed in quick succession leaving Toby Corbin, Adam Wilson and Mark Holmes to eke out the required runs. As the final over arrived with Ventnor seeking two more runs for victory or at the very least a well earned winning draw, last man Holmes was trapped leg before by Jake Foley (6-54) to leave the home side devastated and the visitors jubilant.
The side travel to the Ageas Bowl on Saturday to face Hampshire Academy on the Nursery Ground.
