Sam Richardson might have wondered what he had joined as he was treated to his second tour of the New Forest. Breakfast had been enlightened by a tourist well versed in the South Hams cricket fraternity. WightLink had purchased some very large new ferries which were causing some scheduling problems but the 10.25am one was caught thanks to the vocals of the Torquay keeper. Entry was delayed by an electronic brake failure on an Audi that resulted in special treatment from one of the ferries mechanics. The mini-bus had now been joined by Sam Richardson but was not full when the ferry was vacated. Parked up there was an interesting who are you exchange with a mature gentleman putting up signs with a knife. It was most certainly holiday time on the Island’s roads and a forage harvester convoy caused apoplexy as it travelled at 15 miles an hour for what appeared hours. Ventnor was reached with England having taken a critical wicket.

The Isle of Wight won the toss and batted. Jack Porter had not taken more than four wickets for Devon but this was to change and in some style. He reduced the home side to 22-6 off 14 overs with Ross Acton conceding just 11 at the road end. Bowling down the hill to his friend – Friend was caught Joe Smith off his seventh ball, next over was a double wicket - caught Kingdon at square and Joe Thompson caught Hampshire’s leg spinner Miller. His fifth over was a wicket maiden when he caught and bowled Lloyd. The captain’s figures were now 4-8 and soon 6-10 as he bowled keeper Woodhouse and Dye. He received a little late tap but finished his ten over spell with the impressive figures of 6-32. At the other end Acton had conceded just 1.7 runs off his ten. Sam Smith replaced Porter down the hill and with the help of a magnificent diving catch from brother Joe removed the opposition’s stubborn captain Pongolo who batted for a minute under the hour. Barton quickly followed bowled by the Blundell’s captain. Chris Metters (2-7) cleaned up the tail as thee balls into the fortieth over the Island were all out for 103. By now Flintoff had taken his five and England was one up.

It took Hardy and Matt Thompson 23.5 overs to reach the target. Hardy’s fifty-five came off 83 balls and included nine fours and a six. There appeared some animosity as the noise level from the Ventnor balcony increased but it was a satisfying end to Jack Porters sixth and final visit to the Island. A long post mortem took place next door as an experimental route to Yarmouth was undertaken. Always good to try new roads after fourteen visits but we were trying to catch the 6.30pm ferry! It was missed by five minutes so it was a pleasure to watch the new ferry being washed down. Sam Richardson wisely decided on his own navigation from Lymington. There were no alarms at Dorchester with yet more new staff, the music was nostalgic and the bus parked up at MOTO for its wasted trip to the Principality the next day. An early start for Thommo and replacement coach Justin Yau.
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