Ventnor staged a terrific fightback to defeat New Milton by 12 runs in the first round of the Royal London Club Championship at Steephill on Sunday.
The visitors looked odds on to win the tie as they raced to 73 without loss in pursuit of the home side’s modest looking 170-8. However, in a dramatic turnaround, prompted by the dismissals of James Haggaty (33) and Mark House (40), by Rob Snell and Charlie Calloway respectively, Mark Holmes’ determined team took the game by the scruff of the neck to nick a fine win.
It was Snell and Hugh Calloway who did the damage with match turning spells of 3-36 and 4-31 before at 155-8, skipper Holmes returned to the attack to wrap up the tail.
Earlier in the day, Ventnor had seen their scoring restricted by an accurate New Milton attack, left handers Snell (54) and Neil Westhorpe (42) the main contributors.
Old rivals Lymington will provide the second round opposition at Steephill on Sunday 10th May.
Talented tourists Oxted & Limpsfield got the better of Ventnor in two weekend friendly fixtures. On Saturday, they rattled up 293-4 at Steephill before the rains came and on Sunday at Newclose, won by 99 runs having posted 192-5.
Meanwhile, Ventnor’s ECB Southern Electric Premier Division campaign starts on Saturday (2nd May) with Havant the visitors to Newclose at 13:00.
The Premier Division will start and end with the 50 overs a side format with nine all day games in the middle of the season.
The Islanders, minus talented duo Tom Friend and Ollie Mills who have joined Surrey Championship side Weybridge, give a debut to highly rated Australian under 19 international Sean Willis.
Hampshire’s 18 year old off spinner Brad Taylor has also joined the Club and will play when County commitments allow
