It was a tough Saturday for Ventnor as their second team lost their local derby to Ryde while the first XI’s Southern Premier League Division 1 title ambitions all but disappeared at Hambledon.
At Steephill, Ryde edged out Ventnor II by 22 runs in a Hampshire League Division 2B clash. 7 Ryde players made useful contributions in their 214-8 from 45 overs, with Devon Pollard the pick of the Ventnor attack (3-31). Ventnor’s reply followed a similar pattern, with Martin Blackman (32) and Toby Noyes (35) making starts before skipper Ben Davies (18 not out) and Thomas Southcott (22) took the total past 190. However, 2 costly run outs ended their hopes.
Ryde 214-8 (45 overs, D Pollard 3-31) beat Ventnor II 192 all out (M Blackman 32, T Noyes 35) by 22 runs.
Ventnor II close their season at home to Havant II on Saturday (12:30).
Meanwhile, at Ridge Meadow, the first XI slipped to a 19-run defeat against Hambledon that all but ended their title challenge.
Leaders Sarisbury Athletic took a maximum 22 points from a dramatic one-run win over Old Tauntonians & Romsey, leaving Ventnor needing a miracle on the final day.
Ben Woodhouse’s side had started well, Archie Lucy continuing his fine season with another inspired spell, taking 5 wickets to follow up last week’s six-for. With support from Ollie Morgan (2-15), Dan Cox (1-34) and Dineth Thimodya (1-24), Hambledon were bowled out for 125. But Ventnor faltered in reply, their last-wicket stand of 26 between George Watts (14 not out) and Ollie Morgan (11) the best partnership in a disappointing 106 all out. South African leg-spinner Justin Behrens proved decisive for the home side with 5-24.
Hambledon 125 all out (A Lucy 5 wkts, O Morgan 2-15) beat Ventnor 106 all out (G Watts 14*, O Morgan 11; J Behrens 5-24) by 19 runs.
Ventnor’s first team travel to Havant Park for the season finale this Saturday.
