WHEN a team's all-rounder is on top of his game, you always stand more than a fighting chance of a win — and that's exactly what 'deadly' Dineth Thimodya did for Ventnor in their Southern Premier League Division 1 fixture.

Up against Old Tauntonians and Romsey, Ventnor's bowling attack — led by the talented Sri Lankan — made short work of Old Tauntonians and Romsey at Steephill on Saturday (July 27).

The visitors were skittled out for a paltry 71 runs, with Thimodya grabbing 3-11 and three superb catches, well supported by Zach Wells (3-23), who was unlucky not not notch up a hat-trick, and Daniel Cox (2-9).

Ventnor quickly hit their target, to win by eight wickets, with Thimodya smashing 55 not out.

Ventnor bowler Zach Wells watches on as a run out chance is missed. Ventnor bowler Zach Wells watches on as a run out chance is missed. (Image: Dave Reynolds)

Zach Wells celebrates as the umpire lifts his finger. Zach Wells celebrates as the umpire lifts his finger. (Image: Dave Reynolds)

A Ventnor fielder makes a great effort to catch a powerful cut shot.A Ventnor fielder makes a great effort to catch a powerful cut shot. (Image: Dave Reynolds)

Their fifth win of the season moves Ventnor up to mid-table.

Ryde saw their awayday woes continued with defeat at Hythe and Dibden by four wickets in Hampshire League, Division 1 — their cause not helped by being bowled out for just 126. 

In Hampshire 3 (South), Ventnor II remain top of the table, despite losing away at Old Tauntonians and Romsey II by two wickets.

Ventnor were bowled out for 184 — a below par total for the seconds this season — and could have won the match had the luck gone their way with the ball, Kayton Evans the pick of the Islanders' attack, with 3-28.

Shanklin and Godshill have returned to their early season form, with a crushing win over Sway, to stay in third and now with a realistic chance of promotion.

After knocking over Sway's batting for just 93 — with superb bowling from Nathan Moore (4-25, Ben White (3-15) and his brother, Jack White (2-24) — the visitors reached their total quite comfortably, with Matt Lambourne hitting 37 not out.

In Hampshire 4 (South), Ryde II had an off day on home soil — losing to Langley Manor II by six wickets. 

Ryde were bowled out for a reasonable 171, with Jerin Jose putting up some late resistance, reaching 32 not out, to help make their score more defendable.

However, the visitors reached their total without too many scares.

Ventnor's Zach Wells traps an Old Tauntonian LBWVentnor's Zach Wells traps an Old Tauntonian LBW (Image: Dave Reynolds)

Dineth Thimodya smashing a maximum in his quickfire unbeaten half century.Dineth Thimodya smashing a maximum in his quickfire unbeaten half century. (Image: Dave Reynolds)

Dineth Thimodya takes a smart caught and bowled.Dineth Thimodya takes a smart caught and bowled. (Image: Dave Reynolds)

In the Isle of Wight Senior Cup group stages, Shanklin and Godshill II had a tough ask trying to beat Newport at Westhill, following their 90-minute mauling in Division 1 of the Island League two weeks ago.

Newport set Shanklin II 254-6 — a total they have not come close to matching so far this season.

Louis Payne hit 100 not out and Tom Dye 54.

In reply, Shanklin saw out their overs with 109-9 — Andy White rolling back the years with an unbeaten half century.

FIXTURES — SATURDAY, AUGUST 2

Southern Premier League, Division 1 — Andover v Ventnor; Hampshire League, Division 1 — Ryde v Portsmouth II; Hampshire 3 (South) — Shanklin and Godshill v Old Tauntonians and Romsey II, Ventnor II v Verwood; Hampshire 4 (South) — Portsmouth II v Ryde II; Island League, Division 1 — Freshwater v Shanklin and Godshill II, St Helens v Newport, Ventnor III v Northwood; Division 2 — Newport II v Ventnor IV; Northwood II v Shanklin and Godshill III.