CRICKETVENTNOR’S chances of staying in the first division of the Southern Electric Premier League reduced further last week after a 113-run defeat at the hands of the talented Hampshire Academy side.
This latest setback sees Ventnor still second from bottom but only just ahead of basement club Lymington, whose match at South Wilts was abandoned.
With only one club relegated, the battle to avoid the drop is likely to go the last round of fixtures next weekend, when Ventnor host Alton and Lymington visit likely title winners Bournemouth.
This weekend, Charlie Freeston’s side travel to Bashley while their relegation rivals take on Havant.
Ventnor were left cursing yet another lower order partnership on Saturday as Hampshire Academy rattled up 248-9 from 50 overs. It could have been so different, however, as effective spells from skipper Freeston, Sean Nowak and Roger Miller reduced the young visitors to 71-5 after 20 overs with danger man Benny Howell dismissed for 38.
With the wet weather somehow steering clear of Newclose, the match turned on a sixth-wicket partnership of 112 between Chris Stone who made a fine 91 and former Ryde all-rounder Jamie Miller, who hit an impressive 46.
Their efforts ensured Ventnor would face a challenging total in gloomy conditions.
Adam Hose (20) and Ian Hilsum (37) helped the home team to 71-3 but a flurry of wickets in mid-innings wrecked any chance of a much-needed victory. Miller, Nowak, youngster Henry Bartlett and Freeston all failed to reach double figures with only Mark Whyte (14 not out) resisting long enough to ensure Ventnor at least managed one batting point to go with their four bowling points as the innings subsided to 135 all out.
Meanwhile, Ventnor II, who celebrated promotion from Hampshire County Division 3 last week, were denied the opportunity of a 15th consecutive league victory by the weather at Longparish. Not that Mark Woodhouse’s side had things their own way as they struggled for runs on a rain affected pitch, only Richard Wilson impressing with 51 in a modest total of 123 all out.
The home side had reached 72-6 (Adam Wilson 3-18) before heavy rain forced an abandonment.
Ventnor will hope to clinch the championship against South-ampton Community at Steephill tomorrow (Saturday).