WITH table topping Newport’s match at home to Ventnor III called off, it gave some of the other clubs in the Leslies Motors Island League the chance to make up some ground on them.

There was a high scoring draw at Westhill as Shanklin and Godshill entertained Cowes.

Shanklin posted a competitive 222-7, with James Lucy top scoring with 55. Justin Pinder (3-57) and skipper Josh Rice (2-38) were the pick of the Cowes bowlers.

Cowes replied with 208-5 — Jack Summers hitting a superb unbeaten 134 to help them earn a winning draw under an unusual Island league ruling.

In their derby clash, St Helens hammered Bembridge by 223 runs.

Batting first, St Helens reached 303-4 declared, with Marc Allen stumped for 108 and Lee Brown caught on the boundary for 98.

The home team made light work of it, bowling Bembridge out for 80, with only Dorian Cobb showing resistance with 49 as Paul Holcroft (4-11) and Brown (2-10) did the damage with the ball.

Freshwater won convincingly against Northwood II by 124 runs.

The West Wight club batted first, reaching 231-5, with Mike Holliday hitting an unbeaten 94, well supported by Grant Richardson (65) and Graeme Gosden (46).

James Whitewood picked up 3-64.

Northwood II were skittled out for 107 — Sam Vandecasteele (3-13), Freshwater’s best bowler.

Northwood I were in superb batting form (251-6) against Arreton, with Liam Roberts hitting 101, well supported by Dave Chapman (62).

Arreton troubled the scorers little, slumping to 59, with Nathan Proud (3-4) and Ben Baker (2-5) bowling well.