INDOOR CRICKET NEWPORT are top of the Harwoods Renault Indoor League after a 63-run win over Ventnor.
Batting first, Newport raced along to 170-4, punishing any bad bowling. Tom Dye top scored with 43 not out and had support from Gareth Bricknell (42 not out). In reply, Ventnor struggled to keep up with the run rate and after Harris Payne took 3-25, Newport were the obvious winners as Ventnor finished on 107-5.
Niton kept up their good start with a close victory over Ryde. Jordan Galsworthy continued his fine form with 40 not out and was helped by Mark Oatley (28) as Ryde made 134-4.
Niton then had Joby Wells to thank for their victory, he hit a superb 60 not out as Niton passed the target with one wicket and one ball left. GKN also continued their 100 per cent start to the league season in a nail-biter against Northwood. Northwood made 141-4 (Gavin Paddock 28, Dan Bell 27 not out). In reply, Mark Watson smashed his way to 39 but the hero was Ian Riley who kept his nerve at the end, making 41 in the last-wicket stand, GKN winning off the final ball.
Ryde Cavaliers were awarded a win after Whitecroft were unable to raise a side.
In Division 2, Shanklin are the early leaders after a confident win over IW Prison Officers.
Shanklin were bowled out for 147, with Rob Moore smashing 45. Despite the best efforts of John Turner (53) and Les Barns (37), Prison Officers fell short on 118.
Ryde II were comfortable winners over Godshill, mainly thanks to a wonderful performance from Jadon Buckeridge. Godshill could only make 92-4, with Buckeridge taking 1-7 from three overs. Buckeridge then hit 27 not out and was supported by Simon Wratten (24 not out) as Ryde II reached the target with five wickets in hand.
Island Bakeries won a close low-scoring match with GKN II. Sam Richards took 3-27 to restrict GKN II to 88 all out, Abdul Reham top-scoring with 20.
Dave Cox (3-13) turned the match in the favour of the East Cowes side, but a brilliant 35 not out from Matt Webb saw Bakeries home in the final over.
IW Health Associates were also winners beating Newport II by 24 runs. Raj hit 24 and David Hands 21 as the Health Associates posted 107.
Despite 28 not out from Stuart Gurney and an unbeaten 25 from Tom Stafford, Newport's run rate wasn't high enough and they finished on 83-3.
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A meeting of Sandrock Services’ League’s top two sides, Young Cavaliers and Ryde CC Youth, produced a match worthy of the billing, with Jordan Galsworthy dramatically securing a one-wicket win for the Colts off the final ball.
Chasing a modest 113, Colts reached 48 off the first four overs and appeared to be heading for a comfortable victory. But two wickets for Chris Hebberd and the loss of top scorer, Sam Rockley (40) to a run-out, resulted in an exciting climax.
A fine spell by Steve Sprake (3-18) helped Wootton dismiss a depleted Arreton side for 110.
Gary Cooper hit an aggressive 46 for Arreton, but received little support.
Wootton were given a good start by Cyrus Dean (29 not out) in reply and coasted to a four wicket win.
Newport Ale House made 167-1 against Binstead Royals.
Chris Ash and Owain Hooper gave the innings early impetus and the momentum was maintained by Simon Berendt and Toby Corbin. The Royals never looked in contention and limped to 85-4 in reply.
Glenn Bailey (52 not out) revived a flagging Freshwater against Bembridge with some robust shots. Despite his efforts, Freshwater were still only able reach 118-5, and against some innocuous bowling Bembridge eased to a three-wicket win.
Ryde CC Youth now top the league with five wins out of five.