ISLE of Wight clubs Ventnor and Ryde could both clinch promotion today (Saturday), with the outcome in the hands of both and the odds in their favour.
Ventnor’s bid for promotion from Division 2 of the Southern Premier League was halted last weekend in the clash of the top two as Liphook & Ripsley all but gained promotion with a four-wicket victory, to bring an end to a run of six successive wins for the Steephill club as the hosts leapfrogged them into top spot.
To ensure Ventnor join them in Division 1 next season, Ben Woodhouse’s side need at least ten points against South Wilts II at Steephill in what could be a dramatic season climax.
A win could even see Ventnor clinch the title if Liphook lose at Bashley.
They will be looking again to the brilliant Barbadian, Anthony Alleyne — the league's top runs scorer this season with more than 600 to his name — to make his mark against struggling second bottom South Wilts II.
Anthony said: "Regardless of the result today, we are proud of the way we have played this season, despite all the interruptions through rain.
"I'm obviously pleased I've done as well as I have and with with the way I've played this season, but it's more important to get the club promoted.
"Promotion today would top it all off."
Ryde will gain promotion to Division 1 of the Hampshire League if they can beat Island rivals Shanklin, who sit bottom of the table and need to win, alongside a miracle set of results from the strugglers around them, to beat the drop back into Division 3 (South).
Ryde put themselves inthe driving seat after they defeated Oakley by one wicket last Saturday — on the final ball.
Ryde captain, Sam Rockley, said: "Promotion would be massive for the club and get us back to where we belong after a couple of bad seasons.
"We have gone into the season with a positive mentality and playing with a smile on our face, without pressure.
"The youngsters have stepped up to the plate and the whole team has been amazing."
Players will be wearing black armbands in memory of Ryde Cricket Club stalwart, Dominic Hillyard, who died earlier this week. There will also be a minutes' silence before the game.
Both matches start at 1pm.
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