ROPLEY continued their season of extremes in the Hampshire League County One by recording a massive 204-run victory over Ventnor II.

Ventnor misjudged the pitch as they inserted the home side and watched them plunder 356-9 in 50 overs – Ropley’s highest ever league total.

Openers Rob Smith and Tom Wood put on a brisk 47 before Ben Attrill struck twice in the tenth over.

Tim Niemand then started his 90-minute occupation of the crease during which he combined patience, craft and raw power to amass a near faultless 139. Skipper Alexander Stogdon helped raise the pace to ten an over with a fast 80 in a partnership of 149. Will Stennett (33) and others allowed Niemand to make hay until he holed out off skipper Martin Blackman in the final over.

The islanders stuck to their task in the field and held some difficult chances.

Ventnor then lost both openers to Ed Stennett (3-15) without a run scored. Ben Clarke (38), Pierre Kriel and Martin Blackman made the score respectable, but found Jimmy Hawkings difficult to play and the pacey teenager took 3-33. Niemand added 2-19 to his epic innings, James Hawkings took 3-33, and Ventnor were all out for 152 in 34 overs.