Ventnor are off the bottom of the ECB Southern Electric Premier Division for the first time this season after pulling off a remarkable 12-run victory over Bashley (Rydal).
Seemingly down and out at 80-7, they mounted a late order recovery, doubling their total to 174 and then bowling third-placed Bashley out for 162.
Ventnor (141 points) have edged two points clear of the bottom side Sarisbury Athletic and one behind Burridge (142), whom they face in a critical 50-over affair at Newclose this Saturday.
“That one will be crucial,” said Ventnor skipper Mark Holmes.
“There’s a real belief in the camp we can get out of this and a win over Burridge will be enormous.”
But with the innings seemingly in tatters at 80-7 (Sean Willis 28) and Bashley’s spin twins Tom Andrews (4-64) and Sam Thomson (3-53) in full flight, there seemed no way back for the islanders.
But, led by Rob Snell (48), Ventnor’s tail dug in, with teenager Ross Whyte (15) and Holmes (28) himself adding precious runs as the visitors posted a competitive total.
Bashley plunged head first into trouble when they replied – Tom Friend (2-12) and Holmes putting Michael Porter, Josh Digby and James Morris back in the BCG pavilion with only one run on the board.
When Richard Morris (11) fell to Snell, Bashley really were in trouble at 20-4 on a deteriorating surface.
But the left-handed Andrews, who plays his farewell Bashley match at St Cross Symondians this weekend, looked capable of winning the match single-handed.
His patient 70 (which contained ten fours), with support from Tom Jacques, took Bashley to a threatening 125-5.
But when 16-year old George Willis bowled the South Australian with a low delivery, Ventnor’s hopes soared again.
Chris Ridley (26) fought it out until the bitter end, but Henry Bartlett (3-37) and Holmes (3-44) continued to take wickets forcing Bashley to concede a 12-run defeat at 162 all out.
Seemingly down and out at 80-7, they mounted a late order recovery, doubling their total to 174 and then bowling third-placed Bashley out for 162.
Ventnor (141 points) have edged two points clear of the bottom side Sarisbury Athletic and one behind Burridge (142), whom they face in a critical 50-over affair at Newclose this Saturday.
“That one will be crucial,” said Ventnor skipper Mark Holmes.
“There’s a real belief in the camp we can get out of this and a win over Burridge will be enormous.”
But with the innings seemingly in tatters at 80-7 (Sean Willis 28) and Bashley’s spin twins Tom Andrews (4-64) and Sam Thomson (3-53) in full flight, there seemed no way back for the islanders.
But, led by Rob Snell (48), Ventnor’s tail dug in, with teenager Ross Whyte (15) and Holmes (28) himself adding precious runs as the visitors posted a competitive total.
Bashley plunged head first into trouble when they replied – Tom Friend (2-12) and Holmes putting Michael Porter, Josh Digby and James Morris back in the BCG pavilion with only one run on the board.
When Richard Morris (11) fell to Snell, Bashley really were in trouble at 20-4 on a deteriorating surface.
But the left-handed Andrews, who plays his farewell Bashley match at St Cross Symondians this weekend, looked capable of winning the match single-handed.
His patient 70 (which contained ten fours), with support from Tom Jacques, took Bashley to a threatening 125-5.
But when 16-year old George Willis bowled the South Australian with a low delivery, Ventnor’s hopes soared again.
Chris Ridley (26) fought it out until the bitter end, but Henry Bartlett (3-37) and Holmes (3-44) continued to take wickets forcing Bashley to concede a 12-run defeat at 162 all out.
 Rob Snell - Ventnor |  Mark Holmes - Ventnor |
