Ventnor v Liphook & Ripsley: TEN-MAN Isle of Wight Festival-depleted Ventnor slipped to a ten-run defeat against Liphook and Ripsley in Division 1 of the Southern Premier Cricket League on Saturday afternoon.

Liphook had George Neave to thank for their win, after he produced a match-saving all-round performance at Steephill.

Ventnor skipper Chris Russell was too sharp for the visitors’ top order, which was in disarray at 49-5. Russell (4-29) took the first three wickets, courtesy of keeper Ben Woodhouse, who gloved all of Liphook’s top five. Charlie Sammons (3-38) was also in the wickets.

Neave then launched a whirlwind 82 off 63 balls, smashing 11 fours and five sixes and turning the game on its head. With only two other batsmen reaching 11, Liphook were bowled out for 189.

Ventnor opener Tom Friend threatened to win the game on his own with a rapid 69, but wickets fell regularly after he was caught by Neave off the fit-again again Chaz Janczur (3-31).

A late stand of 52 by Ben Woodhouse and Sammons brought Ventnor to within 21 of victory, but Neave (3-32) removed both and Rob Snell as Ventnor were bowled out for 179.