THE weather halted the start of the cricket season for Ventnor on Saturday, but with a much rosier looking forecast for the weekend ahead, there is a feeling of positive optimism.

Ventnor’s first team saw their opening match of the Division 1 Southern Premier Cricket League season against Waterlooville called off on Saturday, so will be aiming to get off to a positive start away at Calmore Sports tomorrow (Saturday).

Tomorrow also sees the start of the Hampshire and Island Leagues.

Ryde will be aiming for better than their 14th place finish last year in Division 1 of the Hampshire League, starting against Compton and Chandlers Ford, at Harding Shute.

In Hampshire 4 (South), Ryde seconds are away at Solent Rangers.

Shanklin and Godshill Cricket Club have their opening league match in Division 3 (South) at home to Portsmouth and Southsea seconds, at Westhill.

Last season the club finished mid-table, but club captain, Benji White, is hopeful the team will press for promotion this time around. 

Ventnor seconds join them in the division, buoyed by their promotion from Division 4 (South) last year. They will face Ellingham, at Steephill.

Shanklin will be fielding a third Saturday team for the first time in its 150-year history, with the seconds and thirds playing in the Island League.

CRICKET FIXTURES

Southern Premier Cricket League, Division 1: Calmore Sports v Ventnor.

Hampshire 1:  Ryde v Compton and Chandlers Ford.

Hampshire 3 (South):  Shanklin and Godshill v Portsmouth and Southsea II; Ventnor II v Ellingham.

Hampshire 4 (South): Solent Rangers v Ryde II.

Island League, Division 1: Newport v Shanklin & Godshill II (postponed); St Helens v Northwood; Ventnor III v Freshwater.

Division 2: Northwood II v Ventnor IV; Shanklin & Godshill III v Newport II.