THERE is no such thing as a friendly when the two old rivals of Island cricket go toe-to-toe, Shanklin and Ventnor — and so it proved in a match that went right to the wire on Saturday.

In marvellous cricket weather on a fabulous Westhill playing surface, Ventnor won the toss and decided to bat — setting a competitive target of 244-6 from their 40 overs.

Isle of Wight County Press: Shanklin skipper Benji White facing some excellent bowling from Ventnor. Shanklin skipper Benji White facing some excellent bowling from Ventnor.

Ross Whyte opened, scoring 82 off 60 balls, with Charlie Turpin supporting him well in the middle order with a half century off 77 balls.

Shanklin and Godshill’s wickets were shared, led by Matt Lambourne’s 2-35 from his eight overs.

Isle of Wight County Press: Ventnor batsman Sean Phillips on the defensive.Ventnor batsman Sean Phillips on the defensive.

Shanklin got off to a poor start at 30-3 off the first eight overs, but recovered for the fourth wicket thanks to a great 114-run stand from Sean Phillips (46) and skipper, Benji White.

White struck 61 off just 58 balls, with a good lower order contribution from Lambourne (29), but Shanklin’s wickets were nibbled away to leave them needing five off the final four nervy deliveries, with three wickets in hand.

Isle of Wight County Press: Ross Whyte smashes a boundary for Ventnor.Ross Whyte smashes a boundary for Ventnor.

All looked rosy for the home side, but Whyte took two vital wickets to see Ventnor home with an amazing two-run victory.

It is a match played with a superb competitive edge, which well prove to be great preparation for the club’s league seasons ahead.

Isle of Wight County Press: Shanklin's Nathan Moore bowling to Ventnor all-rounder Ross Whyte.Shanklin's Nathan Moore bowling to Ventnor all-rounder Ross Whyte.

Afterwards, White said: “It was a very close and competitive game, on a good wicket at Westhill. Credit to the new volunteers who have done an excellent job on the ground.

“Despite the result, it was a nice start to the season’s preparations as we look towards our first league game against Oakley, at Westhill, on May 8.

Isle of Wight County Press: An excellent off drive from Ventnor's Charlie Turpin.An excellent off drive from Ventnor's Charlie Turpin.

Ryde Cricket Club got their cricket season up and running last weekend with a couple of friendlies. 
On Saturday, they played an inter-club game at Harding Shute, with first and second team players mixed to produce two even sides. 

Isle of Wight County Press: Ventnor's Sam Read in action.Ventnor's Sam Read in action.
Morgan’s Marauders, skippered by first team wicketkeeper Tom Morgan, set a 181 target. 

Kerry Rice (3-20) and Sam Rockley (3-32) were the pick of the bowlers.

In reply Rockers’ Rockets reached the target in the 27th over for the loss of four wickets, with Harry Wratten (43*), Tom Roscoe (43) and Sam Rockley (41) scoring the bulk of the runs. 

Isle of Wight County Press: Shanklin bowler Callum Wright fields off his own bowling.Shanklin bowler Callum Wright fields off his own bowling.

Debutant, Jerin Jose took 3-18 for the Marauders.

On Sunday, Ryde were entertained by Shanklin. Ryde finished on 211-8, thanks to  Ash Goldsmith (57) and Matt Webb (37).

Dan Attrill (3-24) producing Shanklin’s best figures.

In reply, Shanklin fell 31 runs short, despitethe efforts of Sam Billington (58) and Jack Powell (50). Leg spinner, Josh Asher, returned figures of 3-2 for Ryde.