New Milton’s George Watts and Lymington’s Dan Cox sign for Isle of Wight side Ventnor

VENTNOR have swooped to sign prominent New Milton seamer George Watts following his move to live on the Isle of Wight, writes Mike Vimpany.

Watts will be joined at Steephill by off-spin all-rounder Dan Cox, who has returned to the cliffside club after six seasons with Lymington.

Watts has taken over 300 wickets since his Southern Premier League debut in 2012, with former Hampshire opener Derek Kenway, playing for Burridge, being his first victim.

Watts, who has regularly been New Milton’s top wicket-taker and has captained the club in recent seasons, admitted it had been a tough decision to leave the Green & Golds.

“I’ve played there since I was seven years of age and made my adult debut as a 12-year-old, but I felt leaving was the right thing for me to do,” he explained.

“Our relegation into division two at the end of last season wasn’t much of an influence on my decision, [it was] more in terms of living on the island.

“I’m very much looking forward to a new challenge with Ventnor and excited for what we can achieve with the squad we have after a couple of new additions.”

Watts played indoor six-a-side cricket for Ventnor on the island this winter.

Ventnor captain Ben Woodhouse said: “George and Dan bring masses of Southern Premier League experience to our side.

“We know what Dan is capable of from his time with us before moving to play in the Premier Division with Lymington, and watching him develop into a decent all-rounder has been great.

“It’s been great getting to know George over the last few months, and it has become clear he will offer plenty both on and off the field.”