Andy Gorvin, Havant’s young stand-in captain, led from the front, taking five wickets and then making an unbeaten half-century as the Premier Division top dogs strengthened their claim to top place with a comfortable win over Ventnor at Newclose.
The Cardiff University bound all-rounder followed up a 5-34 return with the ball by making 54 not out as Havant chased down a moderate 180 to win by six wickets.
Gorvin was skippering as Havant captain Ben Walker is currently serving a two-match suspension.
It looked as though it might be a doddle for the current leaders when Gorvin and Cam Prentice (2-48) reduced rock bottom Ventnor to 42-6.
But Toby Corbin (21) and Mark Holmes (16) kick started lower-order resistance which was climaxed by teenager Ross Whyte hitting a patient and maiden 64 which, with the aid of the tail, saw Ventnor’s total swell to 180.
Havant lost two cheap wickets to Australian Alex Glendenning, but Peter Hopson, out of touch and without a significant score since making 63 against Bashley (Rydal) in mid-May, took control of the situation.
He spent an invaluable 132-balls at the crease, hitting a six and 12 fours in a key 94, his best SPL score since making a century against Lymington in June 2014.
Hopson’s 144-run stand with Gorvin condemned Ventnor to an eight straight defeat.
The Cardiff University bound all-rounder followed up a 5-34 return with the ball by making 54 not out as Havant chased down a moderate 180 to win by six wickets.
Gorvin was skippering as Havant captain Ben Walker is currently serving a two-match suspension.
It looked as though it might be a doddle for the current leaders when Gorvin and Cam Prentice (2-48) reduced rock bottom Ventnor to 42-6.
But Toby Corbin (21) and Mark Holmes (16) kick started lower-order resistance which was climaxed by teenager Ross Whyte hitting a patient and maiden 64 which, with the aid of the tail, saw Ventnor’s total swell to 180.
Havant lost two cheap wickets to Australian Alex Glendenning, but Peter Hopson, out of touch and without a significant score since making 63 against Bashley (Rydal) in mid-May, took control of the situation.
He spent an invaluable 132-balls at the crease, hitting a six and 12 fours in a key 94, his best SPL score since making a century against Lymington in June 2014.
Hopson’s 144-run stand with Gorvin condemned Ventnor to an eight straight defeat.
