CRICKETVENTNOR will get their competitive season under way this weekend, if the weather allows.
They are due to host the Hampshire Academy in a 50-over final friendly match at Newclose tomorrow (Saturday) and then visit Alton in the opening round of the ECB Kingfisher National Club Championship on Sunday.
Unlike most clubs, Ventnor have been able to play some pre-season friendly matches, with skipper Ian Hilsum scoring two half-centuries and Neil Westhorpe making several useful scores.
Last weekend, the side defeated Merrow in a tight contest at Steephill.
Westhorpe (77) and David Beven (58) helped Ventnor to 200-6 from their 40 overs, before a fine spell of 5-15 from Hugh Calloway saw the Surrey Championship side fall 17 runs short of the target.
On Sunday, four winter signings, Ollie Mills, wicketkeeper Chris Ridley, Jamie Miller and seamer Elliott Wilson, are expected to make their competitive debuts.