Underdogs Newport show bite to stun Ventnor

This time, it was Newport — last year’s Island champions — to cause an upset against the Southern Premier League Division 1 outfit, after Ventnor were beaten by Ryde I, who play three leagues below them, last week.

Bastien Wiedmann drops a caught and bowled chance for Newport against Ventnor. Photo: Dave Reynolds

In Division A of the All-Island League, Ventnor, the hosts, batted first and reached 167-6, with Ben Attrill (34), Oscar Vandecasteele (30) and Ross Whyte (27 not out), top scoring, and Newport bowler Aaron Hartup pitching in with 3-35.

Newport all-rounder Gareth Bricknell. Photo: Dave Reynolds

Tom Dye (45) led the way as Newport hunted down the total to win by three wickets, with Charlie Calloway the pick of the home bowlers with 3-23.

Ryde I maintained their 100 per cent record with a gutsy performance at Northwood I.

Batting first on a damp wicket, Ryde were in trouble at 20-3, with Niall Carson (2-28) doing the early damage.

Ryde I's Matt Webb in action against Northwood I at The Park, Cowes, on Saturday. Photo: Graham Brown

But three good partnerships took Ryde to 150-5 before the tail pushed on to a final 212-9.

Ben Baker (77) was Ryde’s star batsman, while his identical namesake caught him out and took 3-27 for the hosts.

Ryde's Ollie Morgan in action at Northwood I. Photo: Graham Brown

In reply, Northwood started well at 50-2, but Ryde’s bowlers gained control and took the next eight wickets cheaply, with Northwood floundering on 96 all out.

Ryde captain, Stuart Robertson, was the pick of the Ryde bowlers with 3-23 backed up with late wickets by Sam Rockley 3-6 and Matt Webb 2-23.

Newport's Tom Dye, brilliantly caught by Ventnor wicketkeeper Oscar Vandecasteele. Photo: Dave Reyolds

St Helens (247-6) enjoyed a comfortable 114-run win over Shanklin and Godshill I at The Green.

Mark Watson was the St Helens star, hitting 105 not out.

Mark Ringer (33) top scored for Shanklin in their 135-9 reply.

Newport's Kev Winchcombe hits the winning runs against Ventnor. Photo: Dave Reynolds

In Division B, Ryde II are mirroring the first team’s success — top of the league and unbeaten after they beat Ventnor II.

A hard hitting 108 from captain Andy Day, along with 54 from wicketkeeper, Guy Bonnett, saw Ryde post a challenging 258-6.

In reply, Ventnor were in with a shout throughout while Ben Woodhouse was at the crease.

Rollo Little, 13, making his adult cricket debut with the ball against Ventnor II, finishing with 1-10. Photo: Martin Little

But just after he had reached his century, he was bowled by Ryde debutant, Rollo Little, 13, which proved to be the turning point for Ryde as they brought about a swift collapse — skittling Ventnor out for 180 and a 78-run victory.

Ventnor captain, Ross Whyte, in action against Newport. Photo: Dave Reynolds

Will Mew, 14, was the most successful of the Ryde bowlers, returning 3-38.

Ryde III made it two wins out of two with a comfortable six-wicket win over Ryde Cavaliers and Bembridge at Arreton.

Newport's Aaron Hartup took three Newport. Photo: Dave Reynolds

The Cavaliers posted a competitive 197-6, with George Niemiec (70), Chris Higgins (47) and Dorian Cobb (32) leading the way.

But Ryde ticked along nicely in the run chase, winning with ten balls to spare.

Captain Simon Berendt’s half century proved to be the bedrock of the innings.

At Westhill, Shanklin II were beaten by Northwood II by 26 runs.

Ventnor opener, Oscar Vandecasteele, attacking the Newport bowling at Steephill. Photo: Dave Reynolds

Jordan Langdon (79 not out) top scored for the visitors in their 170-7, with Archie Lucy grabbing 2-29.

Teenager, George Robinson, top scored with 53 in Shanklin’s reply, with Callum Witham bowling well to get 4-33.