Ventnor recovered from an uncertain start to post an impressive 98 run victory over Alton in Saturday’s ECB Southern Electric Premier Division at Jubilee Fields.
The win was enough to move the Islanders into third place with Mark Holmes and Ollie Mills playing decisive roles.
The visitors were put in on a damp pitch and minus Ian Hilsum, Chris Ridley and Hampshire Academy prospect Ben Duggan, hit early trouble with openers Jake George and Marc- Antony Eysele both dismissed without scoring. Tom Friend with 21 began the recovery, which Neil Westhorpe (39) built upon in a stand of 80 for the fourth wicket with Mills. At 127-4, Martin Blackman joined the former Winchester College captain and the pair added 70 before Blackman departed for 38, a knock which included six fours. Mills went on to hit a crucial 85, his top score of the season, but from 217-6 the lower order managed to add only six further runs, New Zealander Dewayne Bowden doing the late innings damage to dismiss Ventnor for 223.
The home team’s response was undone by an inspired new ball spell from skipper Holmes which effectively won the game for Ventnor. The pace man accounted for the Alton top order, taking 4-33 to leave the hosts struggling on 47-4 and although Bowden hit 38, Eysele (3-35) and Hugh Calloway (2-13) ensured there was to be no recovery to clinch an excellent win for their side.
With three games remaining, Ventnor have an opportunity to better last season’s fourth placed finish and welcome Bashley (Rydal) to Newclose on Saturday at 13:00.
