 Happy days ! Alex Ayers celebrated a 2018 Kerry Cup century and repeated the dose with a maiden SPL ton at Ventnor. Dave Vokes picture. |  Charlie Ayres |
Alex Ayers burst back on to the scene with a maiden Southern Premier League century as Andover went on a 334-run fest against Division 1 cellar dwellers Ventnor in the Steephill sunshine.
Fresh from a run strewn season at Dauntseys School, where his 1,000 haul included two hundreds, Ayers hit 122 in the Steephill bowl, setting up a 137-run victory for the Lions.
Ayers, whose elder spin bowling brother Charlie was at the crease when he brought up his century, is anxious to make his mark during the second half of the season.
Hampshire Under-15s Player of the Year in 2016, Alex has been unable to reclaim his county colours since, so runs for Andover are paramount.
He made 78 against Portsmouth in the May half-term week and struck a six and 20 fours in his 122 at Ventnor, where Andover rattled up 334-8 before bowling the islanders out for 197.
Ayers enjoyed a century stand with Matt Knight (30) before handing over the reins to Babu Veettil, who smacked 60 off 34 balls, including one enormous six over the Steephill pavilion. He hit four maximums and six fours in a whirlwind knock, Charlie Calloway’s two overs going for 31 runs.
George Willis (22) and Chris Russell (24) got Ventnor off to a 52-run start – both openers were bowled by Aidan Jansen (2-39) - but it was largely damage limitation for Ventnor, who have still yet to win a match this season.
Stalwart Neil Westhorpe made 53 before becoming one of four victims for Charlie Ayers (4-41), while Glyn Treagus returned 2-29 as Ventnor were dismissed for 197.
Fresh from a run strewn season at Dauntseys School, where his 1,000 haul included two hundreds, Ayers hit 122 in the Steephill bowl, setting up a 137-run victory for the Lions.
Ayers, whose elder spin bowling brother Charlie was at the crease when he brought up his century, is anxious to make his mark during the second half of the season.
Hampshire Under-15s Player of the Year in 2016, Alex has been unable to reclaim his county colours since, so runs for Andover are paramount.
He made 78 against Portsmouth in the May half-term week and struck a six and 20 fours in his 122 at Ventnor, where Andover rattled up 334-8 before bowling the islanders out for 197.
Ayers enjoyed a century stand with Matt Knight (30) before handing over the reins to Babu Veettil, who smacked 60 off 34 balls, including one enormous six over the Steephill pavilion. He hit four maximums and six fours in a whirlwind knock, Charlie Calloway’s two overs going for 31 runs.
George Willis (22) and Chris Russell (24) got Ventnor off to a 52-run start – both openers were bowled by Aidan Jansen (2-39) - but it was largely damage limitation for Ventnor, who have still yet to win a match this season.
Stalwart Neil Westhorpe made 53 before becoming one of four victims for Charlie Ayers (4-41), while Glyn Treagus returned 2-29 as Ventnor were dismissed for 197.
