175 Celebrations

Major Highlights of a Very Special Year

2025 is the club's 175th anniversary season. Founded in 1850, the club moved to Steephill in the 1880s and has played there continuously ever since. (More on our updated history page). To mark the 175th, a special working group has planned a series of events. These appear on this page and will update regularly as more information becomes available. Following the appearance of England fast-bowling legend, Matthew Hoggard at Steephill in April, the 175 team has also booked visits by a Hampshire Representative XI (Wednesday 4th June), by the MCC (Sunday 27th July) and by the Lashings World XI (Friday 15th August). A special Gala Dinner @ Ventnor's Royal Hotel (Saturday 22nd November) will close out a very special year.

Hoggy Opens 175 Celebrations in Style

Former England Quick Live At Steephill

Saturday 5^th April 2025

In a very special start to the Club’s 175th Anniversary celebrations, former England fast-bowling legend, Matthew Hoggard MBE (aka ‘Hoggy’) took to the stage at Steephill on Saturday 5th April (6pm).

A renowned after-dinner speaker and raconteur, Hoggy delighted a 90-strong audience over a buffet dinner in the Sports Hall with his tales of his rise through the game from Pudsey's 3rd XI - "I'd have been in the 4s if they'd had one!" - to a starring role in the epic 2005 Ashes-winning series.

Compered by club 1st XI skipper, Ben Woodhouse, Hoggy made himself at home - from an extended stint behind the bar (any time Hoggy) beforehand to chatting animatedly with many attendees after.

Warmest thanks to all those members and friends who joined us for this wonderful evening. And not least to the 175 co-ordinating team (Ben & Lou Woodhouse, Luke Butler, Graeme Burnett, Gary Legg and Bill Nichols) for their work in putting Hoggy on the Steephill stage.

Hampshire XI Visiting

2024 Championship Runners-Up @ Steephill

Wednesday 4^th June 2025 - Wednesday 4^th June 2025

Hampshire County Cricket Club has very kindly agreed to send a representative XI to the Island to participate in the Club's 175th Anniversary celebrations.

This special match (a T-20) will take place on the afternoon of Wednesday 4th June. Expected start time: 3pm. Further details will appear here shortly.

Lashings Returns To Steephill

Global stars renew old rivalry

Friday 15^th August 2025

The renowned Lashings World XI, sometimes referred to as ‘the Harlem Globetrotters of Cricket’, is coming to Steephill this summer – Friday 15th August - as part of the club’s 175th Anniversary celebrations.

Lashings’ much anticipated visit renews a long-standing Ventnor tradition but will be the first encounter since 2017.

The match (a T20) is provisionally scheduled to be underway at 3pm.

Famous names already confirmed include West Indies' legend, Courtney Walsh; former Bangladesh Test Captain, Mohammad Ashraful and ex-England leggie, Chris Schofield, who will captain the side.

Further details will appear here shortly.

MCC Join 175 Anniversary Line-Up

July Visit Booked for Steephill

Sunday 27^th July 2025

Probably the world's most famous cricket club, and guardian of the laws of the game, MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) is set to visit Steephill on Sunday 27 July.

Part of Ventnor's 175th Anniversary celebrations, full details will appear here in due course.