SHANKLIN and Godshill relinquished their proud unbeaten start to the season with defeat away at Locks Heath on Saturday, but have not lost their grip on top spot in Division 3 (South) of the Hampshire League.

On a wet and blustery day, which saw Ventnor and Ryde's matches called off, against Sarisbury and Shrewton respectively,  Shanklin were put into bat first.

Locks Heath took wickets at regular intervals, with Shanklin never putting together any meaningful partnerships, with veteran, Mark Ringer, top scoring with 36.

The only other major contribution came through the extras column — 34, of which 31 were wides — in an all-out total of 138.

Shanklin needed to produce a good bowling and fielding performance.

Skipper, Ben White, took 3-31 and had Locks Heath struggling at 25-5 at one stage.

However, Locks Heath batted well, to beat the Islanders by three wickets in the 36th over.

Ventnor seconds' match at Mudeford was also cancelled, as was the Division 4 (South) game between Ryde II and Trojans II.

There was plenty of action in the Island League on Saturday.

In Division 1, Northwood hammered Freshwater by 200 runs in the West Wight.

The visitors posted 303-6 from their 40 overs, Kevin Cooper (86) and John Jones (63) leading the way.

In reply, Freshwater were skittled out for 103, with Gary Freeston scoring 50 of them.

Robert Wilcox led a deadly bowling attack, grabbing 4-33, with Stephen Keates (2-13), Simon Goldsmith (2-16) and Gary Cooper (2-17) providing solid support.

Newport had a similarly easy day out, beating Ventnor III by 175 runs.

After electing to bat, Ash Brett smashed 87, which included ten fours and a six.

Tom Dye (65 not out), Grant Richardson (53) and Gareth Bricknell (44) helped Newport reach a mammoth 325-4.

Ventnor were bowled out for 150 in reply, with opener Nithin Jose Sunhil top scoring with 52.

Max Poynter got 3-20, well supported by Andy Ball (2-14) and Adam Wilson (2-19).

In Division 2, Newport II beat Ventnor IV by 16 runs, with Steven Steinmetz the man of the match — hitting 63 not out and taking 2-19.

Newport's Paul Attrill grabbed 4-27 in his spell, with Nathaniel Wells top scoring for Ventnor with 42.

In the other game, at The Wood, Northwood II cruised to a 211-run win over Shanklin and Godshill III.

Liam Roberts showing all his Hampshire League experience as he smashed his way to 100 not out — well supported at the top of the order by Martyn Richards (73) and Jeff Barrett (51), on their way to 267-2 in a rain-reduced 35-overs.

It could have been a different story had Shanklin not dropped six simple chances.

Shanklin were skittled out for a paltry 56, with Richard Herbing-Smith (2-2), Neil Redmond (2-6) and Harry Cooksey (2-12) doing the most damage.  

FIXTURES

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

Southern Premier Cricket League, Division 1: Hook & Newnham Basics v Ventnor; Hampshire League, Division 1: Ryde v Bramshaw; Division 3 (South): Ventnor II v Emsworth; Division 4 (South): Portsmouth & Southsea III v Ryde II; Island League, Division 2: Shanklin III v Ventnor IV.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26

Isle of Wight Women's League: Arreton v Ryde.