A SUPERB century by Sri Lankan star Dineth Thimodya ensured a comfortable victory for Isle of Wight club Ventnor in the first round of the Southern Premier League T20 competition.

The Islanders eased through to the second round after convincingly beating Trojans by 125 runs, at Stoneham Lane, on Sunday.

Thimodya, in outstanding early season form, smashed a quickfire 118 in an opening stand of 147, with returning Henry Bartlett, who made an impressive 58.

With newcomer Henry Edwards, Kevin Cooper and Rob Snell chipping in, Ventnor posted a formidable 222-4 from their 20 overs.

Trojans never recovered from an inspired opening spell from the visitors’ seam bowler, Zach Wells, who took 3-9 from his four overs, as Trojans collapsed to 33-5.

Trojans eventually closed on 97-8.