Ventnor produced a fine all-round display to record a 6-wicket victory at Rowledge on Saturday.
This 3rd successive win ensured the Islanders retained fourth place in Division 1 of the Southern Premier League.
Seamer Ollie Morgan impressed with 3-20 for the away side before Dineth Thimodya (2-43), and Chris Russell (2-55) took late order wickets to dismiss the hosts for 208. Archie Lucy and George Watts chipped with a wicket apiece while wicket keeper Ben Woodhouse took 5 catches.
Ventnor’s response saw Dineth Thimodya depart early, and after Josh Carpenter (26) and Hugh Calloway (20) had made useful contributions, Dan Cox and Will Mew took centre stage in a century partnership for the 4th wicket.
Cox continued his outstanding campaign with a splendid 92 with 8 fours and 2 sixes, while Mew struck 7 boundaries and a six in an excellent run a 49 ball 53, his maiden Southern League half century.
Pacing his innings perfectly, all-rounder Cox remained unbeaten as he and Henry Edwards saw their side home with 9 balls to spare.
Rowledge 208 all out Ventnor 209/4 Ventnor won by 6 wickets
Old Tauntonians and Romsey are the visitors on Saturday for a 12.30 start.
VENTNOR 2NDS VANQUISHED BY PORTSMOUTH
The top 2 in Hampshire League Division 2B met at Steephill on Saturday and it was Portsmouth II who strengthened their position as leaders with a 43 run success.
Kevin Cooper with 4-40 and James Cheek with 2-44 were the principal wicket takers for the hosts as the away side set a target of 247 from 45 overs.
Openers Ben Attrill with 26 and Cheek with a fine 59 provided a solid base for a run chase, but the loss of Martin Blackman for 35 and Cooper for 29 in quick succession was ultimately decisive. Further wickets gave the home team too much to do with Ethan Short unbeaten on 14 in an all-out total of 203.
Ventnor 2nds 199/6 Portsmouth 2nds 246/9 Portsmouth won by 43 runs
Ventnor 2nds travel to 5th-placed Burridge on Saturday.
VENTNOR 4THS DEFEATED AT NORTHWOOD
Ventnor’s 4th team lost by 51 runs to Northwood II in the Fred Winter Cup at Park Road on Saturday.
Set 231 to win by the home side, Ventnor’s spirited reply saw them eventually dismissed for 176, with young Matteo Burgess top scoring with 47. Ali Cotton made 34 and Adam Goulding 29.
Northwood 230/5 Ventnor 179 all out Northwood won by 51 runs
MCC SET FOR STEEPHILL VISIT
Ventnor’s 175th anniversary celebrations continue at Steephill on Sunday 27th July with a match against MCC, starting at 11:30am.
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) is a world famous cricket club founded in 1787 and based since 1814 at Lord’s Cricket Ground, which it owns, in St John’s Wood, London, England. The club was the governing body of cricket from 1788 to 1989 and retains considerable global influence.
Entry to the game is free.
Ventnor’s Under-15 team take on Hampshire side Compton & Chandler’s Ford at Steephill on Sunday in a South & West quarter final tie in the ECB Club T20 National Cup. The match starts at 14:00.
