IT was a happy return home for Ropley after their day trip to the Isle of Wight ended in a 73-run victory over Ventnor II in Hampshire League County One.

Ropley chose to bat on a flat track and posted a decent 215 all out in 49 overs. Promoted to opener, Ed Stennett shared half-century stands with Rob Smith (22) and Alex Spencer. Stennett finally departed for an excellent 85, including 12 boundaries.

Skipper Alex Stogdon hit 33 off 23 balls before holing out against Charlie Sammons (4-21) and Neil White chipped in with a useful 18.

Ropley impressed in the field for once. They held all seven catches on offer and only bowled seven wides. Stennett (2-23) and spinner Seb Newens (2-28) bowled well with the new ball and although skipper Martyn Blackman took charge in the middle order, Ventnor’s challenge was effectively ended by Jack Ireland who claimed 3-28 in seven hostile overs.

Blackman was finally caught for 66 off Jack Oxenham (3-11) who took the last two wickets with successive balls. Ventnor were all out for 142 in the 39th over.

• Rowledge II recorded only their second win of the season to revive their hopes of escaping relegation from County One. Ollie Baker had a fine game for Rowledge, scoring 34 and then taking 4-17 as Hook & Newnham Basics II, chasing 160, were dismissed for 147.

Rob Woodliffe top-scored for Rowledge with 44, number 10 Richard Forbes made 20 and the home side yielded a generous 31 extras.