VENTNOR look as though they have struck on a perfect opening batting partnership as Isle of Wight talents Tom Friend and Dineth Thimodya took Calmore Sports apart at Steephill on Saturday.

Highly-talented Friend, returning to the Isle of Wight club after a five-year absence, and Sri Lankan, Thimodya, starting his second season with Ventnor as he ended a brilliant first, totally overwhelmed the New Forest team.

In a post-tea blitz, the pair were ruthless — smashing 100 in the opening nine overs and 183 in just 21 overs, before the outstanding Sri Lankan pro departed for a superb 74.

Friend went on to finish on a magnificent unbeaten 156, to comfortably lead his side to their target of 238 — a nine-wicket win with more than 20 overs remaining.

Right-hander Friend struck 15 fours and ten sixes from 94 deliveries faced, while left-hander Thimodya hit seven fours and three sixes from 63 balls, in a partnership which thoroughly entertained the Steephill faithful.

Earlier in the day, the visitors had amassed a competitive looking 238-8, which included a century opening stand, before the Ventnor attack made in-roads, with Thimodya and Chris Russell both finishing with 2-29.

Ventnor will take on Hook and Newnham Basics in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight county final of the Voneus National Village Cup, held at King George V playing fields on Sunday, June 4.

In Hampshire 1, Ryde entertained Portsmouth II at Harding Shute, losing by 33 runs.

The visitors batted first, posting 234-9, with Ryde, at one stage, in control at 90-5. Julion Jayerajah got 3-53.

In reply, Ryde could not get their innings going, with Ashley Goldsmith (35) and Kerry Rice (33) giving them hope — but they fell short at 201-9.

Shanklin and Godshill could only muster a modest 189 all out, with only Mark Ringer (38) and George Niemiec (37), putting up any worthwhile resistance away at Ellingham in Hampshire 3 (South).

The hosts knocked off the runs with 34 balls to spare to win by six wickets, Ben White (2-17) the best of the Shanklin bowling attack.

In Hampshire 4 (South), Ryde II were kicking themselves they lost by 24 runs after restricting hosts, Solent Rangers, to a modest 172 all out.

Frank Gumley (3-23), Freddie Boyce (3-45) and Jerin Rose (2-17), did the damage.

But Ryde struggled throughout their run chase, with only opener Mark Oatley (29) causing problems, as they clawed their way to 143-8. 

The previous day’s rain in Southampton resulted in the postponement of the Ventnor II match at Old Netley and Highfield.

In Division 1 of the Island League, Newclose Cricket Ground played host to defending champions Newport against Freshwater.

Newport opener Kevin Winchcombe rolled back the years to hit a superb 105 not out in their 221-4 from 40 overs.

Freshwater struggled to contain Newport's potent bowling attack, succumbing to 78 all out, with Max Poynter (3-15), Gareth Bricknell (2-8) and Aaron Hartup (2-13) destructive.

Meanwhile, Newport's big rivals, Northwood, comfortably beat Ventnor III by 92 runs.

Northwood posted a decent 258-7, with Chris Williams (84) leading the way, with Akshay Harikumar, Ventnor's best bowler (3-34).

The visitors could only reach 166-9 — Gary Cooper (58) top scoring, while Robert Wilcox (4-46) Northwood's best bowler.

Meanwhile, in Division 2, Cowes easily defeated Park Road neighbours Northwood II by eight wickets.

Cowes all-rounder Jack Summers hit 58 not out and had 2-27 with the ball.