Ventnor’s recent fine run, which had taken them to the top of the table, came to an end on Saturday when the Hampshire Academy inflicted a three wicket defeat in the ECB Southern Electric Division contest at Newclose.
On a blustery and overcast day, Ventnor were asked to bat first and were given a 78 run start by Ollie Mills and Jake George before the former departed for 43. At lunch, the home side were well placed on 141-2 from 36 overs but the dismissal of George for a splendid 85 early in the afternoon session saw the Hampshire youngsters gain the initiative. From 175-4, the Islanders lost their remaining six wickets for only 63 runs with off spinner Brad Taylor impressing in a marathon 25 over stint which brought him 4-90.
With 57 overs to score 239, Wilf Marriott gave his side a terrific start with a fluent 51 before Travis Head took a sharp slip catch off Jamie Miller to break an opening partnership of 69 with Joe Weatherley.
The talented Weatherley, a 16 year old England Development Programme prospect, survived two dropped catches to underpin the visitors response after tea, his responsible 145 ball stay ending when Head (4-66) trapped him leg before one short of what would been a thoroughly deserved hundred. At 210-6 with the overs ticking away, the spirited Ventnor side sensed all was not lost but in a tight finish, skipper Michael Porter saw his team home with just one ball and three wickets remaining.
The defeat saw Ventnor knocked off the top of the table by reigning champions South Wilts, who host Ian Hilsum’s side in a first versus second clash on Saturday.
