THE new cricket season gets underway on Saturday with the Isle of Wight's top teams in action, hoping to improve on their positions and performances on 2022.
Ventnor get their Southern Premier Cricket League Division 1 50-over campaign underway with a home game against Hambledon at Steephill.
Led by wicketkeeper Ben Woodhouse, his side will be playing games with a white ball and all teams wearing coloured kit.
The talented and popular Sri Lankan pro, Dineth Thimodya — who topped the Division 1 batting averages in what was a superb debut season for Ventnor — returns for a second season.
Tom Friend will add his talents to the batting line-up on his return to his Ventnor roots.
In addition to Friend, the club will also benefit from adding Tommy Barton and Henry Bartlett to their ranks.
Bartlett returns to the club after a five-year absence, while Barton, with Southern League experience at Lymington, will further bolster the Islanders' playing strength.
In Hampshire 1, Ryde return to action at newly-promoted Ferndown Wayfarers — a ground they won at in 2021.
Ryde welcome Tom Durman to the club from Ipplepen, who will provide another all-rounder option for the side.
First team player Ashley Goldsmith said: "We are looking forward to the season and are feeling positive after the first team gained some momentum with a number of victories towards the back-end of last season."
In Division 3 (South), Shanklin and Godshill begin their season with a tough fixture against Bedhampton Mariners at Westhill.
The first fixture list for Division 4 (South) features a big derby between hosts Ryde II and Ventnor II at Harding Shute.
Ryde go into the game with a side that has a good mix of youth and experience, while Ventnor II, led by skipper Ben Davies, will hoping to better their fourth placed finish last year.
The Island League gets underway on Saturday, May 13.
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