Lashings World XI drew near-1,000 crowd in T20 spectacle
Nearly 1,000 spectators packed into Steephill on Friday for the much-anticipated return of the Lashings World XI, where the visitors came out on top by 26 runs on a glorious, sun-drenched afternoon.
Former Somerset star James Hildreth (80) and Owais Shah (60) led the charge as the Lashings side – which also featured West Indies fast-bowling great Courtney Walsh – posting 198-8 from 20 overs. Ventnor’s George Watts, Dineth Thimodya and Dan Cox each took a brace of wickets.
In reply, Thimodya struck a superb 75, but former England off-spinner John Emburey turned the game with 4-18 as Ventnor closed on 172-9.
Thimodya was named man of the match, receiving a Ventnor shirt signed by the Lashings squad.
Ventnor 172/9 Lashings World XI 198/8 Lashings World XI won by 26 runs
PHOTOS:
VENTNOR FIRST XI EXTEND WINNING STREAK TO SEVEN
Ventnor remain in the hunt for the Southern Premier League Division One title with just 2 fixtures to play.
On Saturday, Ben Woodhouse’s side travel to Hambledon looking to stretch their 7-match winning run and keep the pressure on long-time leaders Sarisbury Athletic.
At Steephill last weekend, Fair Oak were beaten by 5 wickets. Teenage bowler Archie Lucy stole the show with sensational figures of 6-27 – including 5 wickets in a devastating opening burst – as the visitors were restricted to 195-9.
In reply, Thimodya powered Ventnor home with a blistering 98 from 82 balls (12 fours, 4 sixes), ably supported by Hugh Calloway (25*). The hosts wrapped up victory with 20 overs to spare.
Ventnor 198/5 Fair Oak 195/9 Ventnor won by 5 wickets
PHOTOS:
AUSSIE SHORT BLASTS THIRD CENTURY IN A WEEK FOR SECONDS
Ventnor II captain Ethan Short made it three centuries in seven days with a stunning 100 at Lymington II in Hampshire League Division 2B – but his side slipped to a seven-wicket defeat.
At 72-6, Short launched a counter-attack, hammering 11 fours and 5 sixes in just 80 balls. He shared a 129-run stand with skipper Ben Davies (29) as Ventnor were bowled out for 231.
Lymington chased down the target with five overs to spare despite the efforts of Harrison McQuillan, who impressed with 1-25 from eight overs.
Ventnor II are back at Steephill on Saturday for a local derby with Ryde before ending their season against Havant II.
Lymington 2nds 232/3 Ventnor 231 all out Lymington won by 7 wickets
THIRD XI SECURE TOP-THREE ISLAND LEAGUE FINISH
Ventnor III wrapped up their campaign with a creditable 3rd-place finish in Island League Division 1, despite a 38-run defeat away to St Helens.
The hosts posted 238-9 (with Jackson Parker 3-40), before Ventnor replied with 200, Mark Price top-scoring with 55.
FOURTH XI TARGET STRONG END TO CAMPAIGN
Ventnor IV face Newport II this weekend before closing their Island League Division 2 season at home to Northwood II on 30th August.
JUNIOR TEAMS CLOSE IN ON LEAGUE DOUBLE
It has also been a strong season for Ventnor’s juniors, with both the Under-15 Hurricanes and the Under-13s just one win away from clinching league titles – setting up the prospect of a remarkable club double.
