Ventnor, back, from left, Ollie Mills, Jake George, James Cheek, Adam Hose, Neil Westhorpe, and Hugh Calloway. Front, Jamie Miller, Charlie Freeston, Ian Hilsum, Mark Holmes and Chris Ridley. Picture by Chris Vimpany.
CRICKET
VENTNOR clinched the points they needed to ensure survival in the ECB Southern Electric Premier Division against Totton and Eling on Saturday, despite defeat.
Going into the match needing four points to guarantee another season of top-level club cricket, the Islanders lost by 18 runs but the ten points they gleaned saw them finish above the Hampshire Academy and bottom club Bournemouth.
At the Linden Oval, Charlie Freeston and Adam Hose made two early breakthroughs for the Islanders, the second courtesy of a brilliant slip catch by Jake George to dismiss Tom Beresford.
From there, however, Totton and Eling captain Dave Taylor took centre stage with a fine innings of 82 and with support from Eysele (52) and Mohod (40) the home side totalled a formidable 265.
Crucially though, with Freeston taking 4-36, Hose 3-53 and Hilsum 2-32, Ventnor clinched the bonus points they needed to secure their Premier Division place, making the updates from the Alton and Bournemouth game irrelevant. Rarely can an interval cup of tea have tasted so sweet.
Openers Jake George (21) and Ollie Mills (22) gave the visitors a decent 50-run base in pursuit of their target before Taylor dismissed them both in quick succession. A splendid 64 from Jamie Miller and a maiden Southern League half century from the impressive Hugh Calloway set up an exciting climax.
In failing light, the partnership was finally broken and despite Calloway and Mark Holmes adding further runs for the tenth wicket, the run chase finally closed on 247-9.
Meanwhile, the club’s town day drew a healthy crowd despite the weather.
With live bands, bouncy castles and food and drink available, the afternoon was enjoyable and successful.
The karaoke competition was popular and a fitting way to remember to Martha Creighton (nee Chapman) who died earlier this year. It was also very appropriate that the Martha Memorial Cup for the best karaoke performance should be won by Billy Chapman, Martha’s brother.
The club thanked social secretaries Ray and Sandra Herridge for organising, and appreciate the support of the following businesses, organisations and bands: MD Scaffolding, Island Windows, Widget PA Equipment, Adam Pratt, John Gray, Dave Yates of Yates Brewery, 5 A Day Fruits, The Rotary Club of Ventnor, The Hillmans, Pier Street Band, Thirteen (Simon), Mike Davies, Paul (Karaoke).