IN WHAT turned out to be an amazing day of cricket, Ryde I were crowned champions of the All-Island League Division A against a strong Newport side at Harding Shute on Saturday.
Ryde, who superbly continued their 100 per cent record in the league, made a healthy 204-9 against the Newport attack, with Julion Jayerajah (44) top scoring.
In reply, Newport looked good with Harry Dye (72) at the crease, before he was caught.
Tight Ryde bowling from Jayerajah (2-17), Ollie Morgan (2-19) and Mark Tuckwell (2-24) pinned Newport down to 167-9 and a 37-run defeat.
Martyn Richards, of the Isle of Wight Cricket Board, presented Ryde captain, Stuart Robertson, with the Division A trophy after the game.
Struggling Ventnor I lost again — this time at home to Shanklin and Godshill I.
Shanklin made 158-8, with Mark Ringer hitting 38.
Zeph Wells and Ben Atrill got 2-18 and 15 year old Fred Gurney returned 2-26.
Ventnor were bowled out for 139, with Callum Wright (3-24) and Andy White (2-27) bowling well.
The biggest shock of the day was in the match between St Helens and Northwood I.
On a damp pitch, St Helens were skittled out for a record low 28, with Nathan Goldsmith (4-1), Josh Procter (4-7) and Simon Goldsmith (2-1) doing the damage.
Northwood’s Jason Boulter and Callum Witham rattled off the required runs in 6.1 overs, without loss, in a match that lasted a little over an hour.
In Division B, Ryde II and III could face a showdown for the title in a just over a weeks’ time if their results go to plan on Saturday, to make it a summer to remember for the club.
Ryde II comfortably beat Ryde Cavaliers and Bembridge by 179 runs.
Phil Mew (55) and Ben Shannon (53 not out) top scored in their mammoth 243-5 total.
The Cavs' reply was poor — all out for 64, with Dorian Cobb hitting 27 of them.
Thirteen year old Rollo Little (4-9) was the pick of the bowlers, well supported by Darren Poplett (2-15) and Will Mew (2-18).
Senior Ryde player, Simon Wratten, said: "We have some fantastic young players coming through at the club. Rollo has a bright future if he continues his excellent progress."
Ryde III beat Shanklin II by 117 runs, with Mark Oatley (76) their top scorer in their 214 all out.
Shanklin were bowled out for 97, with Owen Denness showing the only resistance with 45 not out.
Simon Wratten (4-18) and Dan Parker (2-11) did the damage with the ball.
There was a tight game between Northwood II and Freshwater in Cowes — the visitors winning it with just three balls to spare.
Northwood batted first and hit 189-6 — the innings anchored by a Chris Williams century.
Sam Vandecasteele (3-33) and Graham Gosden (2-5) were the pick of the Freshwater bowlers.
Freshwater’s response was on par with Northwood throughout the innings, with Graham Gosden hitting 98, well supported by Vandecasteele (21) again, to keep them in with a shout.
Freshwater required eight to win from the final over, with Glenn Bailey smashing a six and a four.
Alix Hamilton (4-35) and Chris Williams (2-35) were Northwood’s best bowlers.
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