THE Isle of Wight’s cricket teams endured a difficult afternoon on the green at the weekend.

Ventnor lost by six wickets to Sarisbury Athletic in Saturday’s Southern Premier League Division One clash at Steephill.

The home team were invited to bat first and after a promising start (Dineth Thimodya 33), wickets tumbled at regular intervals.

At 116-8, it was Henry Edwards with a knock of 42 which helped the score towards respectability before a spirited tenth wicket partnership of 32 between Zach Wells (19 not out) and Dom Brihmani (14) saw their side to 177 not out.

Isle of Wight County Press: A Ventnor batsman clipping the ball.A Ventnor batsman clipping the ball. (Image: David Reynolds.)

Paceman Chris Russell took two early wickets as Sarisbury dipped to 30-2, but a fine unbeaten innings of 101 from the prolific Tom Morton saw the visitors home with 14 overs to spare.

Over in Division 1, Ryde were well beaten by a travelling Hursley Park side, losing by eight wickets.

Ben Gregory (32) was the only standout player as the Islanders accrued 121 runs; a total the visitors easily overcame.

Isle of Wight County Press: A Ventnor batsman following through after striking the ball.A Ventnor batsman following through after striking the ball. (Image: David Reynolds.)

In Division 3 (South), Shanklin and Godshill lost to hosts Sarisbury Athletic by 80 runs.

The Islanders won the toss and elected to field, with Ross Le Sueur claiming two scalps and Lewis Powell taking three as the hosts were limited to 273.

Seb Egerton-Read (70) and Archie Lucy (44) contributing the most to a total of 193 in reply.

Meanwhile, in Hampshire League Division 4 (South), an under-strength Ventnor second team lost for the first time this season.

Isle of Wight County Press: Ventnor were invited to bat first at Steephill.Ventnor were invited to bat first at Steephill. (Image: David Reynolds)

Batting first, the terrific partnership of 170 between Gary Legg (80) and Neil Westhorpe (93) took Ventnor to 263-6 from 45 overs.

But a 100-run partnership for the fifth wicket proved decisive as the hosts, Fareham, ran out six wicket winners with two overs remaining.

Fellow Division 4 side Ryde II lost by 30 runs on the road to Fair Oak.

The Islanders won the toss and elected to field, with Nathan Day (2-20) limiting the hosts to 210.

But Ryde failed to match that total, hitting 180, despite Mark Oatley (49), Guy Bonnett (41) and Andy Day (35) all performing well.