Purbrook wary of Ventnor threat

Martin Lee’s side have suffered defeat just once so far this season.

But he is wary of the threat posed by the hosts.

‘I can’t ever remember us winning a game at Ventnor,’ said Lee.

‘Their ground has been a bit of a hoodoo for us.

‘You can never be sure what sort of team you are going to face and they are always stronger at home.

‘Often you find their team contains a couple of first-team players who have not been able to travel with the senior side.

‘We are giving ourselves the best chance because we are probably fielding our strongest team.

‘In our last game we beat New Milton comprehensively and feel we are heading in the right direction.

‘It is vital we try and keep that going.’

The visitors have Clark Harding back from his visit to the European Championships and James Gurney back from a stag do in Benidorm.

Portsmouth & Southsea 
are in good shape as they prepare to entertain Shrewton at St James Hospital.

Kieron Dunstan’s third-placed side showed all their resilience to come out on top in a hard-fought derby at United Services.

The batting of the Benfield brothers, Matt (88) and Tom (65). along with the bowling of Jack Peach (four for 25) proved enough to give them the edge.

‘It was a very good performance and I was proud of the way we stuck to our task,’ said Dunstan.

‘We thrived under a lot of pressure.

‘The win keeps us in the mix and with other teams at the top winning there is little margin for error.

‘We still have to play the teams around us and Shrewton will be another tough test.

‘They gave us a difficult game last season.’

Bishop’s Waltham will look to pick things up again as they take on Burridge II at Albany Road.

Their three-game 
winning run came to a disappointing end with a five-wicket defeat against Ellingham.

Burridge II, however, celebrated their first win with a seven-wicket success over Andover II.

Elsewhere in the top tier of the Hampshire League, Sarisbury Athletic II entertain St Cross Symondians III at Allotment Road.