Ventnor Cricket Club’s season is now in full swing, but their opening game proved disappointing against Worcester under 17’s.

Chasing a total of 206-7 (James Cheek 3-68, newcomer Henry Bartlett 2-45, Scott Wheeler 2-34) only Ben Woodhouse with 56 challenged the target as Ventnor slipped to 108 all out.

In the next outing visitors Southampton Community batted first and made 146, Charlie Freeston with 3-23 and debutant Tommy Barton (3-29) doing the damage. Ventnor had little trouble in knocking off the runs with Neil Westhorpe (53 not out) and fit again Mark Holmes (52 not out) ensuring a seven wicket win.

Ventnor lost by 24 runs in the fixture against Portsmouth University at Steephill. David Beven took 5-36 and Henry Bartlett 3-36 as the visitors totalled 236 from their 40 overs, a target only just beyond the home team who closed on 212-6. James Cheek hit a fine 69 while there were also impressive contributions from Ali Cotton who hit 43 and Mark Fletcher with 50.