CRICKET
VENTNOR suffered their second loss of the Southern Electric Premier Division campaign after a seven-wicket defeat at reigning champions Havant.
Batting first, the Islanders found runs hard to come by as the impressive Havant bowlers applied a vice-like grip on proceedings, restricting Ventnor to just 48 runs after 25 overs.
MCC Young Cricketer Adam Hose finally fell for a patient 76 and Chris Ridley for 51 but Ventnor were never really able to take advantage of wickets in hand and finished on 185-4.
Ian Hilsum was run out off the final delivery of the innings for 30 while Jamie Miller contributed an unbeaten 16.
Havant’s reply began in positive fashion with Ben Walker (59) and Pete Hopson (40) putting together a century stand. When they departed, Stuart Ransley (38) and Richard Hindley (20) led their side to comfortable win with ten overs remaining.
Meanwhile, a strong Ventnor second team cantered to an eight-wicket win over Wellow and Plaitford in Hampshire League Divison 2 at Steephill on Saturday.
Last year, a youthful team was hampered by a lack of consistency but with Andy and Mark Whyte dropping down from the first team to add experience and quality, this season promises much for Rob Snell’s side.
George Hatt’s return is also a considerable boost and it was the left hander’s fine unbeaten innings of 76 (11 fours and three sixes) which led the way for the home team, Henry Bartlett (18) and Hugh Calloway (17) chipping in.
Earlier in the afternoon, an impressive bowling display had dismissed the visitors for 125, former Ryde man Kevin Cooper taking 2-31, Snell 3-22, Andy Whyte 2-22 and Bartlett 2-20.
Ventnor under-13s progressed to the second round of the ECB Cup with an emphatic win over Ryde Cavaliers.
Ben Herridge (50), James Attrill (44) and Marcus Horton (47 not out) helped their side to 159-3 before Cavaliers were bowled out for 70, Horton impressing with ball as well as the bat with 4-14.