GALLERY Ventnor and Ryde promoted in dramatic season finale

Ventnor celebrated promotion to Division 1 of the Southern Premier League after a dramatic victory over South Wilts II at Steephill.

Ben Woodhouse’s side clinched the runner-up spot behind Liphook and Ripsley in a contest that ebbed and flowed — concluding with a tremendous batting partnership between Chris Russell and Martin Blackman for the seventh wicket to see the game out with 2.3 overs left.

Martin Blackman helped steer Ventnor home with the bat. Photo: Dave Reynolds

The pair came together at 154-6 chasing the visitors’ score of 222-9, knowing anything less than victory would hand promotion to Old Tauntonians and Romsey, who won.

That scenario added to the tension of playing in front of Steephill’s biggest crowd of the season.

Anthony Alleyne — consistently superb with the bat all season — departed to a stunning catch at backward point for 70, while Woodhouse hit an impressive 41.

Anthony Alleyne top scored again with the bat. Photo: Dave Reynolds

When Russell joined Blackman, only ten overs remained and needing 70 runs to win — but the experienced pair set about their task superbly. 

Former Worcestershire man, Russell, upped the tempo with a succession of enormous maximums, finishing on a quickfire 45 not out, while Blackman’s disciplined, unbeaten 24 laid the foundation for the match-winning finale.

Meanwhile, Ryde won promotion back to Division 1 of the Hampshire League at the first time of asking, securing the runners-up slot with a victory over rock bottom Shanklin.

The Ryde team which gained promotion from Hampshire League Division 2 on Saturday — Back, from left: Gayle Trevallion (scorer), Tom Morgan, Matt Webb, Ben Gregory, Ollie Morgan, Tom Roscoe and Will Mew. Front: Ben Baker, Julion Jayerajah, Sam Rockley (capt), Kerry Rice and Mark Tuckwell. Photo: Dave Reynolds

Action from the Ryde v Shanklin and Godshill match. Photo: Paul Blackley

It was by no means easy, with Shanklin taking the game to the penultimate over of the match. 

Shanklin started well with openers Callum Wright (36) and Mark Ringer (34), but the introduction of Ben Gregory (3-23) saw the pendulum swing in Ryde’s favour — dismissing both and bowling Shanklin skipper, Ben White (43).

In reply, Ryde got off to the perfect start, reaching 83 without loss, but three quick wickets put Shanklin back in the game — especially with the late introduction of veteran, Andy White (3-26), who put the game in the balance.

Action from the Ryde v Shanklin and Godshill match. Photo: Paul Blackley

However, the home side held their nerve to celebrate what turned out to be a memorable season.