By Isle of Wight Observer
Ventnor began their 2025 Southern Premier League Division One campaign with an impressive victory over Waterlooville, at Steephill.
Batting first, ’Ville reached 213 from their 50 overs, with George Watts finishing with 3-49, Dan Cox 2-45 and Dineth Thimodya 3-31.
Ventnor’s reply was led in spectacular fashion by Dineth Thimodya and Dan Cox, who dominated the visitors’ attack to secure a 9-wicket victory with 7 overs remaining. Thimodya, the talented and popular Sri Lankan all-rounder, who is spending a fourth consecutive UK summer at Steephill, struck 15 boundaries and 4 sixes in an unbeaten 127, and passed 3,000 runs for Ventnor, while Cox lent unstinting support in a fine knock of 77 not out.
Ventnor II XI, captained by Ben Davies, won at Cadnam, with the Islanders setting a target of 269 from 45 overs. Toby Noyes was the outstanding Ventnor performer, hitting 93, including fifteen boundaries, and a six, with Gary Legg (39), Martin Blackman (38) and Jack Powell (36) the other main contributors. After the interval, Sam Read and Aussie, Ethan Short, made early breakthroughs for Cadnam before Ventnor secured a 38 run win.
Ryde won by 87 runs away at Burridge, with Andy Day (2) and Ben Shannon hitting 66 out of 240, with Ian Hailes taking 4-18.
Shanklin & Godshill won by 5 wickets at home to Portsmouth & Southsea, with Olly Niemiec hitting 50 and Harry Collier an unbeaten 93, after Ben White returned 5-56.
Island cricket
Ventnor III faced Ryde II in Division One at Brading, and were defeated by six wickets. Ben Fry (29), Kayton Evans (21), Mark Price (23) and Jinu Poulose (20) helped Ventnor to 135, but 51 from Guy Bonnett helped Ryde to a comfortable win. Newport beat Freshwater by 165 runs, with Chris Howles hitting 110 and Aaron Hartup 68. Shankin & Godshill II won by 187 runs away at Arreton, with opener, Steve Egerton-Read, striking 123.
At Northwood, in Division Two, the home side’s second eleven totalled 231 against Ventnor’s fourth team, with Liam Goldsmith making 66 for the hosts. Despite 52 from Charles Andrew, the visitors fell short by 27 runs.