‘Super over’ drama as Ryde win historic double

In scenes reminiscent of last year’s ICC World Cup final win for England, Sunday’s September Cup final at Newclose against Ventnor saw Ryde win in a ‘super over’ after the teams were tied after 30 overs.

Ryde batsman Julion Jayerajah attacks the Ventnor bowling. Photo: Graham Brown

In decent, late summer weather, Isle of Wight cricket lovers were entertained throughout by two evenly-matched sides.

Ventnor won the toss and chose to field first, with opening bowlers, Rob Snell and George Willis, keeping things extremely tight as Ryde struggled to put runs on the board.

Ollie Morgan was powerful with the bat, to help hold the Ryde innings together. Photo: Dave Reynolds

Following a change of bowling, Ryde opener and skipper, Stuart Robertson, decided to get on with things.

But a sharp, short delivery from Ventnor captain, Ross Whyte, saw Robertson sky the ball to mid-off and he was caught.

Fellow opener, Steve Tait (25), remained solid as team-mates attacked.

Ryde’s Steve Tait was solid in the top order. Photo: Graham Brown

But it wasn’t until he became the fourth victim, Ryde finally found some momentum, with big hitting Ollie Morgan (37) and Benj Shannon (26) pushing Ryde up to 154-6.

Fred Gurney, 15, was the pick of the Ventnor bowlers, with figures of 3-28.

Ryde — back, from left: Will Mew, Steve Tait, Fred Boyce, Ollie Morgan, Benjamin Shannon and Julion Jayerajah. Front: Tom Morgan, Stuart Robertson, Mark Tuckwell, Ben Baker and Frank Gumley. Photo: Mike Vimpany

In reply, Ventnor’s opening pair of Snell and Mark Fletcher started well, but man of the match Morgan dismissed both in quick succession to swing the pendulum Ryde’s way.

Robertson also helped himself to three wickets, which included him getting his revenge on Whyte.

When 14 year old Will Mew dismissed experienced Martin Blackman with a sharp caught and bowled, Ryde became firm favourites to win.

Martin Blackman at the crease for Ventnor. Photo: Dave Reynolds

However, a superb knock from Gurney (26), showing maturity beyond his years, took Ventnor to Ryde’s score with one ball remaining.

Shannon delivered the final ball, which went through to the wicket keeper, and as Ventnor tried to scramble the run needed to win, Gurney was run out.

The socially-distanced winning Ryde team. Photo: Graham Brown

Rather than it ending as a tie, both captains agreed to settle it with a ‘super over’.

Ryde batted first, with Robertson and Ben Baker facing Whyte.

Robertson anticipated the first ball would be another short delivery from Whyte, and so set himself deep in his crease, guessed right and pulled it for a huge six.

Ollie Morgan’s bowling in the ‘super over’ ensured Ryde won the September Cup. Photo: Dave Reynolds

A further 14 was added, with 20 looking a formidable target.

In reply, Hugh Calloway and Whyte faced the lively Morgan and smashed the first delivery for a boundary.

Man of the match, Ollie Morgan. Photo: Mike Vimpany

But a run out followed and, despite one further four, Ventnor fell six runs short, which meant Ryde had not only completed the All-Island A Division League and September Cup double, but also went the full season unbeaten.