Tom Dye [Isle of Wight County Press]
Champions Calmore Sports were sent crashing to a 97-run defeat on their opening day defence of the Southern Premier League Division 1 title - Ventnor celebrating their return to the Steephill bowl with a victory.
Martin Blackman (30) and Chris Russell (32) guided Ventnor past the hundred mark, but Mark Lavelle’s side appeared to have things under control with their hosts 142-6.
A century seventh wicket partnership turned the game upside down.
Half-centuries by James Cheek (52) and debutant Tom Dye (59) led to 104 runs being added to the total and Ventnor finishing with a formidable 290-8 (James Rose 4-67).
Left-hander Ben Johns (67) did his bit for ring rusty Calmore (who had not played any previous cricket) but a 4-43 return by former Worcestershire pace bowler Chris Russell, now Ventnor’s captain, left the visitors well adrift at 193 all out.
Martin Blackman (30) and Chris Russell (32) guided Ventnor past the hundred mark, but Mark Lavelle’s side appeared to have things under control with their hosts 142-6.
A century seventh wicket partnership turned the game upside down.
Half-centuries by James Cheek (52) and debutant Tom Dye (59) led to 104 runs being added to the total and Ventnor finishing with a formidable 290-8 (James Rose 4-67).
Left-hander Ben Johns (67) did his bit for ring rusty Calmore (who had not played any previous cricket) but a 4-43 return by former Worcestershire pace bowler Chris Russell, now Ventnor’s captain, left the visitors well adrift at 193 all out.
