VENTNOR'S Sri Lankan superstar Dineth Thimodya smashed the top Isle of Wight side to a much-needed victory in Division 1 of the Southern Premier Cricket League, at Steephill, on Saturday,

The Islanders defeated Calmore Sports by a comfortable seven-wicket margin.

The visitors were bowled out for a modest 147, with Charlie Calloway (4-35) and Daniel Cox (3-27) leading the battle with the ball.

Ventnor reached their target in style, with Thimodya smashing 97 not out — a swashbuckling innings that contained seven fours and four maximums.

Ryde's match away at Basingstoke II in Hampshire League Division 1 was abandoned due to rain.

But Ventnor seconds maintained their incredible start to the Hampshire 3 (South) season with a 46-run success at Gosport Borough, which keeps them top of the table.

The Islanders, aiming for back-to-back promotions, reached 201 all out, with Ben Attrill top scoring with 57.

Ventnor managed to bowl out Gosport for 155, despite a late batting rally, with Kayton Evans (3-18) and Archie Lucy (3-28) bowling well.

After a recent wobble in form, Shanklin and Godshill got back to winning ways by a two-wicket margin away at Waterlooville II (145-9), with Tom Quaife grabbing 4-23.

Due to the weather, Shanklin were given a revised 33-over target — nervously reaching 122-8. Shanklin remain in third place. 

In Hampshire 4 (South), Ryde II tasted victory at home to Fareham and Crofton II, by four wickets, with Liam Ringer (4-35) and Kensei Parker (50), Ryde's stand out performers.  

In Division 1 of the Island League, Shanklin II fell to an embarrassing ten-wicket defeat to league leaders Newport, at Westhill.

The game was done and dusted within the space of about 90 minutes, after Shanklin were skittled out for just 40 runs.

Louis Payne took an incredible 5-0 — the best bowling figures seen on the Island in several years — with other noteworthy performances from Harry Dye (34-4) and Aaron Hartup (2-7).

Newport's nearest challengers, Northwood, enjoyed a easy eight-wicket win over St Helens at home.

Kevin Cooper (3-19) and Gary Cooper (93 not out) were Northwood's stand-out players.

Ventnor's weekend was complete when Ventnor thirds (210-5) defeated Freshwater by five wickets, with Brett Hassett hitting an excellent 103 not out.

For Freshwater, Graham Gosden (53) and Gary Freeston (3-29) put in notable efforts.

In Division 2, in a low scoring game, Newport II beat Northwood II by 31 runs at Newclose.

SATURDAY'S FIXTURES

Southern Premier Cricket League, Division 1: Rowledge v Ventnor; Hampshire League, Division 1: Ryde v Odiham and Greywell; Division 3 (South): Shanklin & Godshill v Gosport Borough II, Ventnor II v Sway II; Division 4 (South): Folland (Hamble) v Ryde II; Island League, Division 1: Newport v Ventnor II, Northwood v Freshwater, St Helens v Shanklin & Godshill II; Division 2: Shanklin & Godshill III v Northwood II; Fred Winter Cup, group stage: Cowes v Ventnor II.

TUESDAY, JULY 23

Isle of Wight Women's League: Ryde v Arreton, Ventnor v Newport.