Ventnor claimed their second Southern Premier League Division 1 victory of the season in extraordinary fashion in just 22 overs at Old Tauntonians & Romsey on Saturday (17th May).
It was 4 wins from 4 games for Ventnor with the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th sides all recording wins.
The home side batted first on winning the toss but were unceremoniously demolished by the Ventnor pace duo of Chris Russell and George Watts. Working in tandem, the pair produced inspired spells to rout the hosts for just 41 in just 9.5 overs and 50 minutes.
Russell – the former Worcestershire bowler – took 6-15 while Watts claimed 4-18 as the Sports Centre team narrowly avoided an unwanted record. Only Purbrook, New Milton and Trojans have been dismissed for fewer runs in a Division 1 fixture over the past 25 years.
Continuing the theme of the game, Ventnor lost 5 wickets in pursuit of the meagre target but with Dineth Thimodya hitting 30 and Josh Carpenter 12 not out, a 20-point victory was secured with the match done and dusted inside 22 overs!
Old Tautonians & Romsey 41 all out Ventnor 43/5 Ventnor won by 5 wickets
Up next: Hook & Newnham Basics are the visitors to Steephill on Saturday for a 12:30 start.
BLACKMAN HITS FINE TON IN NARROW VENTNOR 2NDs VICTORY

Ventnor’s 2nd team were involved in a high scoring contest with their Burridge counterparts in Hampshire League Division 2B at Steephill on Saturday
After Mark Fletcher and Ben Attrill had fallen cheaply, it was an outstanding innings from Martin Blackman that underpinned the home side’s eventual total of 270-7 from 45 overs. The experienced right hander struck 15 boundaries and a 6 a fine knock of 109 and shared a momentum increasing 120 run stand with Jack Powell who blasted an eye catching 58 from just 43 deliveries with 5 6s and 4 boundaries. Hugh Calloway contributed 37.
Aussie Ethan Short and Sam Read made early inroads for the hosts and at 92-5 the visitors faced an uphill task in their run chase. However, 66 from Ronnie Singh and 2 50 run partnerships put Burridge II back in hunt before 2 crucial wickets from Hugh Calloway and a run out saw Ventnor clinch victory by just 2 runs.
Ventnor 2nd XI 270/7 Burridge 2nd XI 268/8 Ventnor won by 2 runs
Ben Davies’s side travel to Hythe & Dibden on Saturday.
EXCELLENT 7 RUN WIN FOR VENTNOR 3RD TEAM AT ST HELENS
Ventnor 3rds won a tight encounter by just 7 runs at St Helens in Island League Division 1.
Skipper Gary Legg set the pace for Ventnor with an impressive knock of 62 before a terrific innings of 73 from Souvik Sanyal led the visitors to a competitive score of 191. The all rounder hit 8 4s and 3 6s from just 62 balls to lead a recovery from 120-6. Marc Allen and Mark Harnell took 3 wickets apiece.
The St Helens reply was led by Vaithilingam with a fluent 71 with 10 4s and 3 6s, but his dismissal opened the door for the spirited young Ventnor team who won a closely contested match with just 2 balls remaining. James Curtis, Kayton Evans and Rafe Hawkins each took 2 wickets.
St Helens 184 all out Ventnor 3rds 191 all out Ventnor 3rds won by 7 runs
Shanklin & Godshill II provide the opposition in the Senior Cup at Westhill on Saturday at 13:30
VENTNOR 4THs DEFEAT ARRETON
Ventnor came out on top by 71 runs in the Island League 2 fixture at Arreton.
Adam Goulding with 62, and youngsters Isaac Borman (43 not out) and Harry Charlesworth (28) helped their side to 247-7 from 35 overs (Wayne Norris 2-31).
In reply, Alistair Gates top scored with 51 for Arreton who were restricted to 176-8 with Lucas Cotton, Ned Chatfield and Stuart Chatfield each taking two wickets for Ventnor.
Ventnor 4ths 247/7 Arreton 176/8 Ventnor won by 71 runs
Next up are Northwood II in the Fred Winter Cup. The match at Arreton starts at 13:30.
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