Ventnor put one over on league leaders
VENTNOR pulled off a fine win against top-of-the-table Havant in Division 1 of the Southern Premier League.
In an exciting match filled with twists and turns, Ventnor secured a 13-run victory at Steephill on Saturday.
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The hosts opened the batting, but faced an early blow when star player Dineth Thimodya was dismissed cheaply.
Further dismissals left them struggling at 114-6.
Tom Marriott taking strike for Shanklin. (Image: Beth Brookes)
Jack White bowling for Shanklin against Kerala (Image: Beth Brookes) A patient half-century from Dan Cox, along with some crucial contributions from the lower order, helped the team reach a modest 181 from 49.4 overs.
George Watts made an early breakthrough for Ventnor, and the experienced Havant batting line-up struggled against Ventnor's strong bowling attack.
Ventnor reduced the visitors to 100-7.
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A late order partnership of 50 runs revived Havant's hopes, but with 30 runs needed from the final five overs, Archie Lucy returned to the attack to dismiss both Hayward and Turner.
Thimodya (4-22) then took the final wicket, securing a significant victory for Ventnor.
It was a successful day all around for Ventnor, as the second team continued their early season form, beating Havant away to remain top of the table in Division 2B of the Hampshire League.
Ben Davies's side won by six wickets, with Australian Ethan Short being the standout bowler, taking a Ventnor best of 6-42 from eight overs.
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From 126-2, Havant were all out for 191 within 31.2 overs.
Kevin Cooper (3-17) was a valuable part of the attack.
Ventnor replied quickly, and after the early losses of Davies and Ben Attrill, a century partnership between Cooper (45) and Martin Blackman (51 not out) took the team to a 196-4 victory within 29 overs.
However, Ryde faced defeat away at Cadnam by 35 runs.
With the hosts restricted to 188-9, with Ian Hailes grabbing 3-32, Ryde must have felt confident of securing another victory.
However, they were all out for 153, with wicketkeeper Tom Roscoe the only player showing resistance with an unbeaten 44.
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In Division 3B, Shanklin and Godshill secured a 45-run win over Kerala, moving them up to fourth spot.
The home side, put into bat, made 260 all out, with Ben White producing a captain's performance with a superb 102 not out.
Tom Quaife (35) and Matt Lambourne (30) contributed useful runs.
Olly Pease (3-32) and Jack White (3-38) were instrumental as Shanklin restricted Kerala to 215.
There were no surprises in the Isle of Wight Senior Cup.
In Group A, Northwood easily defeated Ryde seconds (131), beating them by ten wickets at Harding Shute.
Northwood's John Jones (77 not out) and George Griffith (31 not out) knocked off the total in less than 19 overs.
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In Group B, Newport beat Ventnor thirds (212 all out) by 32 runs at Brading.
Ventnor, which included six teenagers, put in a strong performance, with Tom Dye (75), Adam Wilson (42) and Max Poyner (37 not out) scoring well for Newport in their 244-9.
Peter Jackson Parker (3-25) and Midhun Devassy (3-54) were among the wickets for Ventnor.
In reply, Ventnor skipper Gary Legg (44), Souvik Sanyal (43) and newcomer Ollie Way (32 not out) batted well.
Aaron Hartup took 4-26 for Newport.
In the other game, St Helens defeated Shanklin seconds (142 all out) by eight wickets.
Matthew Manning (37) top scored for Shanklin, with Winterbottom (53 not out) and Balloch (43) the pick of the St Helens batsmen.
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