
Tom Friend, left, struck his first Ventnor century since his return from York when his 106 set up an important relegation easing victory over Hook & Newnham Basics at the King George V Ground.
His hundred paved the way to a 70-run victory for the islanders’ who hoisted themselves to sixth place, 24 points above Liphook & Ripsley, who occupy the second from bottom relegation spot in Division 1.
Friend, who played ECB Yorkshire Premier League cricket for 2017 champions York during his university work placement summer in the north, shared significant partnerships, initially of 112 with fellow opener Harry Dye (50), then Martin Blackman (60), the pair taking Ventnor to 212-2.
Neil Westhorpe took up the mantle late on as Ventnor reached 298-7, with Hook captain Matt Love (3-40) the chief wicket taker.
Hook’s reply did not start well with opening pair Richard Willcock and Jordan Hobday, both out with only 13 scored. The North Hampshire side fought their way back, as Harry Warner (31) and Matt Love (22) moved the score to 61.
Matt Buckingham (49) then kept the scoreboard ticking over and Alex Brown (60) coming in at number eight helped the score past 200 as they were all out for 228, Harry Dye taking 3-46.
His hundred paved the way to a 70-run victory for the islanders’ who hoisted themselves to sixth place, 24 points above Liphook & Ripsley, who occupy the second from bottom relegation spot in Division 1.
Friend, who played ECB Yorkshire Premier League cricket for 2017 champions York during his university work placement summer in the north, shared significant partnerships, initially of 112 with fellow opener Harry Dye (50), then Martin Blackman (60), the pair taking Ventnor to 212-2.
Neil Westhorpe took up the mantle late on as Ventnor reached 298-7, with Hook captain Matt Love (3-40) the chief wicket taker.
Hook’s reply did not start well with opening pair Richard Willcock and Jordan Hobday, both out with only 13 scored. The North Hampshire side fought their way back, as Harry Warner (31) and Matt Love (22) moved the score to 61.
Matt Buckingham (49) then kept the scoreboard ticking over and Alex Brown (60) coming in at number eight helped the score past 200 as they were all out for 228, Harry Dye taking 3-46.