CRICKETVENTNOR'S second team clinched promotion from Hampshire League Division 3 after a nine-wicket win over Highfield.
Mark Woodhouse’s side made short work of the visitors as Kyle Sharp (3-24) and teenage leg spinner James Cheek with an impressive 5-30 dismissed them for 121.
After Richard Wilson departed for 28, sixteen-year-old Henry Bartlett with a fine half century and young Cheek (31 not out) led their side to an emphatic victory with 20 overs to spare.
The first team, however, face a battle to retain their Premier Division status after a four-wicket defeat to fellow strugglers Lymington on Saturday.
With just three games to go, Ventnor need a victory to haul themselves clear of the bottom club.
After being invited to bat first, Ventnor were indebted to Roger Miller, whose innings of 94 ensured the visitors had a competitive total to defend.
The former Havant all-rounder cracked ten fours and two sixes in a 115-ball knock, with only Sean Nowak (22) and Charlie Freeston (13 not out) providing support in a total of 215-8 from 50 overs.
Lymington were given a excellent start in reply, as Islander Tommy Barton (59) and Morgan Rushbrook (33) led them past 100.
The home side, chasing a reduced target of 208 from 46 overs after a rain break, were then pegged back by Roger Miller whose spell of 3-21 from an impressive ten overs got Ventnor back in the game.
Ian Hilsum and Nowak then made further breakthroughs and at 172-5 the match was in the balance.
However, crucial knocks from Khan (31) and Pain (21 not out) proved decisive and although Ventnor took a sixth wicket, the hosts eventually got home with nine balls to spare.
Freeston’s side take on the Hampshire Academy at Newclose on Saturday at 1pm while Lymington face second placed South Wilts at Bemerton.