A SUPERB century by skipper Ben Woodhouse helped Ventnor get back to winning ways against Totton and Eling at Steephill, on Saturday.

Some excellent bowling from George Watts (3-11) and Sri Lankan all-rounder, Dineth Thimodya (3-16) led to Ventnor bowling out the visitors for a modest 180.

In reply, Woodhouse hit 100 — but it turned out to be a nervy finish as the Islanders reached their target, scoring 183-9, to win by just one wicket.

Ryde lost away at Burridge by 40 runs in Division 1 of the Hampshire League.

A vociferous LBW appeal by Ventnor.A vociferous LBW appeal by Ventnor. (Image: Dave Reynolds)

Sam Mills drives through the covers.Sam Mills drives through the covers. (Image: Dave Reynolds)

Burridge set Ryde a testing total of 225-8, with Tom Durman picking up an excellent 5-40.

Ryde came up short in the response, making 185-9, with decent contributions from Benjamin Shannon (73 not out) and Jack Summers (50).

In Hampshire 3 (South), Ventnor II leap-frogged Island rivals Shanklin and Godshill into top spot after they defeated Totton and Eling II away, by ten runs.

Ventnor set the hosts 206-9, with Neil Westhorpe hitting 64.

There were some nerves as Totton edged towards Ventnor's total, but thanks to Archie Lucy (5-49) and Sam Read (3-41), they bowled them out for 196.

Shanklin, after doing well to bowl Emsworth out for 159 — brothers Jack White (3-17) and Ben (3-22) the pick of the attack — the Islanders slumped to a paltry 95 all out, to lose by 64 runs.

In Hampshire 4 (South), Ryde II lost at home to Challengers Gosport by six wickets.

Ryde set a decent 218-8, with Matt Webb smashing 100, but the visitors went on to reach their target comfortably. 

A sharp slip catch by Ventnor.A sharp slip catch by Ventnor. (Image: Dave Reynolds)

In Division 1 of the Island League, Newport easily beat St Helens by 124 runs at Newclose.

Newport set a mammoth 275-2, with Grant Richardson hitting an excellent 110 not out, well supported down the order, especially by Kevin Winchcombe (retired 53 not out).

Rob Holdcroft (62 not out) provided St Helens's only resistance, with Max Poynter (3-33) and Glenn Lovegrove (3-37) contributing well with the ball.

Northwood had an equally comfortable victory over Ventnor III by 104 runs.

The home side amassed 264-9, with Gary Cooper (82) and Kevin Cooper (73) leading the way. Ben Fry (3-34) and jack Gibbs (3-47) bowled well though.

Ventnor were skittled out for 160, with Morgan Perrin reaching a creditable 52, while Stephen Keates grabbing a well deserved 5-35 and Kevin Cooper got 2-9.   

In Division 2, Northwood II beat Ventnor IV by 19 runs.

FIXTURES — SATURDAY

Southern Premier Cricket League, Division 1: Waterlooville v Ventnor; Hampshire 1: Ryde v Alton II; Hampshire 3 (South): Shanklin & Godshill v Totton & Eling; Ventnor II v Waterlooville II; Hampshire 4 (South): Southampton Tuskers v Ryde II; Isle of Wight Senior Cup, group stage: Newport v Northwood; St Helens v Freshwater; Ventnor III v Shanklin & Godshill II; Fred Winter Cup group stage: Northwood II v Newport II; Shanklin & Godshill III v Cowes.