WITH the archetypal British summer sport of cricket up and running again, but with the competitive game severely disrupted for Isle of Wight clubs, plans are being finalised to salvage the season with a unique all-Island league and cup.

Last week saw the Isle of Wight Cricket Board (IWCB) host vital video meetings to discuss the way forward for Island cricket, after much of the stringent lockdown rules for team sports scuppered half the cricket season, but were relaxed by the government nine days ago.

Isle of Wight County Press: A Zoom video meeting run by the Isle of Wight Cricket Board and attended by officials of Island clubs last week to discuss the way forward for the local game.A Zoom video meeting run by the Isle of Wight Cricket Board and attended by officials of Island clubs last week to discuss the way forward for the local game.

Island clubs were invited to discuss what they would like to see for their open age teams for the rest of the season — and the way forward for youth cricket across the Isle of Wight.

"Both meetings were well attended, with some really productive discussions and agreement on the way forward," said Stuart Chatfield, the IWCB's lead officer, who organised them.

Clubs were keen to see some competitive cricket for open age players, which reflected the results of a player survey carried out recently by the IWCB.

Isle of Wight County Press: Stuart Chatfield, of the Isle of Wight Cricket Board.Stuart Chatfield, of the Isle of Wight Cricket Board.

Thanks to a positive response from Island clubs over the course of the meetings, the IWCB is now now forging ahead with plans to run a unique league for Island, Hampshire and Southern League teams and a September cup competition, should there be enough interest to warrant it.

Ventnor fields sides in the Southern Premier and Hampshire League, with Shanklin, Ryde and Ryde Cavaliers fielding sides in the Hampshire League.

They could join the likes of Newport, Arreton, St Helens, Northwood, Cowes and Freshwater in an all-Island league.  

Isle of Wight County Press:

The IWCB also aims to offer opportunities for players looking for some midweek cricket, having invited Island clubs to host fixtures open to all.

As well as club cricket, there will be district-style county age group games, to give players an opportunity to put their winter training into practice.

Youth cricket will continue, with all teams taking part for the rest of the season in friendly fixtures — all agreeing that participation was the priority and that players gain the best possible experience from what remains of the British summer.

The board will also be looking to offer women and girls opportunities to take part in a special festival of cricket on the Isle of Wight.

Isle of Wight County Press: Cricket fans on the Island are looking forward to league and cup matches being played this month.Cricket fans on the Island are looking forward to league and cup matches being played this month.

"The two meetings held last week were really positive and it was great to see the clubs' enthusiasm to get the game on," said Stuart.

"The first week of cricket has seen over 12 fixtures take place. I hope everyone enjoyed watching or playing at the weekend.

"The board is looking to maximise what is left of the season and offer all players as many chances to get out into the middle and play.

Isle of Wight County Press:

"We hope to extend the season into September with a cup competition and finish the season with a six-a-side competition.

"I encouraging anyone with an interest in following what’s going on and players wanting a game to check out our social media for further details."