THE inconsistent form of Ventnor continued with a poor home loss at the hands of the side struggling below them in Division 1 of the Southern Premier Cricket League on Saturday.

Ventnor, who normally reserve their best cricket at Steephill, were disappointingly beaten by 122 runs against Rowledge.

The visitors, batting first, amassed 278-7, with only off-spinner Ben Attrill (4-46) enjoying any kind of success with the ball, although Rob Snell was unlucky not to add to his 1-31 from ten lively, economic overs.

The visitors added 80 runs in the final eight overs.

With a competitive total to chase down, Ventnor never really got going, other than an encouraging opening partnership of 66 between Dineth Thimodya (50) and Henry Bartlett (31).

Ventnor lost wickets at regular intervals to be eventually bowled out for 156, and their fourth loss this season.

The remaining eight wickets mustered only 90 runs.

In Hampshire 1,  Ryde beat Compton and Chandlers Ford by five wickets at Harding Shute.

An excellent bowling display led by Kerry Rice (3-32), Tom Durman (3-38) and Frank Gumley (2-28) saw the visitors skittled out for 141.

Although they did not look particularly convincing themselves with the bat, Durman's 61 ensured Ryde got over the line with five wickets to spare to continue the Islanders' solid start to the campaign.

Shanklin and Godshill have also been inconsistent of late — this time coming up just 15 runs short at Mudeford in Hampshire 3 (South).

Chasing the home side's 234-4, the Westhill side were unable to string enough decent partnerships together to hit their target, with Ollie Niemiec (61) and Ross Le Sueur (41) top scoring.

In Hampshire 4 (South), Ventnor II continued their superb start to the season, top of the pile, with another resounding victory — this time at struggling United Services Portsmouth.

The city side reached 190-9, with Charlie Turpin (4-30) and Sam Read (2-23) spearheading the Ventnor bowling attack.

Ventnor II knocked off the runs comfortably, with Mark Fletcher (72 not out), Tom Stafford (46) and Neil Westhorpe (32 not out) all showing form at the crease to an ensure an eight-wicket victory.

Ryde II were dealt a blow at Kerala (Portsmouth) II.

Kerala posted a fairly competitive 231-9, with the wickets being shared among the Ryde bowling attack — Jerin Jose (2-18), Mark Tuckwell (2-32), Kensei Parker (2-35) and Dan Parker (2-49).

With a reachable target, Ryde struggled to 139 all out, with only Frank Boyce (38) showing any real resistance — losing by 92 runs to keep them mid-table.

                                                 SATURDAY'S FIXTURES
Southern Premier League, Division 1 — Hambledon v Ventnor; Hampshire 1 — Bramshaw v Ryde; Hampshire 3 (South) — Shanklin & Godshill v Waterlooville II; Hampshire 4 (South) — Ryde II v United Services Portsmouth; Ventnor v Portsmouth III; Island League Division 1 — Freshwater v Newport; Northwood v Ventnor III; St Helens v Shanklin & Godshill II; Division 2 — Ryde III v Cowes.