CRICKETSHANKLIN were crowned Division 2 champions of the Harwoods Renault League, edging out Northwood on run-rate after both teams won their final matches.
Shanklin started the evening knowing a win against Ryde Cavaliers III would leave Northwood needing a big win to pass their run-rate.
Cavaliers III briefly threatened to throw a spanner in the works taking two early wickets but steady batting from Jamie Icke (25 not out) and Jim Thorn (22) put the innings back on track, reaching 121-4. Disciplined Shanklin bowling contained the Cavs III batting and the result was never in doubt as the innings drifted to 84-3 after 12 overs.
Meanwhile, Northwood lost the toss to IW Prison Officers, who batted first, with steady Northwood bowling restricting the total to 105-4 (Jon Turner 34 not out).
This left Northwood needing to score a very improbable 105 in less than four overs to take the title, and the Northwood batsmen settled for taking the points and securing a well earned runners-up spot.
Earlier in the evening, Cowes Centurions posted their first win of the season with victory over IW Health Associates.
All the batsmen contributed to Cowes’s 142-3, which proved too much for the IW Health, who collapsed to 87 all out.
After waiting all season for a win, the Centurions did not have to wait long for a second to come along, defeating Ryde Cavaliers III in the next match. Posting 137-5, Charlie Callaway scoring 31, Cowes took wickets regularly, Cavs III falling to 72 all out in reply.
Whitecroft took advantage of a Godshill side who couldn't wait to put the season behind them, Wes Maynard (31 not out) the main contributor as Whitecroft reached 116-4 to win by 97 runs.
Meanwhile, in Division 1, Ventnor took another step towards the title by defeating Island Bakeries.
Ventnor scored 152-5, Mark Fletcher top scoring with 44 not out, although Sam Richards recorded 3-41 for Bakeries. Bakeries set after the challenging total with determination until Martin Blackman (3-21) ripped through the batting, the innings ending on 111 all out.
FSC strengthened their hold on third place with a convincing win over St Helens. Defending 142-2, steady FSC bowling put St Helens under early pressure, the game was effectively sealed when Phil Mew took 3-2 in one over, the chase ending well short on 64 all out.
Niton showed a rare glimpse of last season’s league winning form, racking up a big score against Ryde Cavaliers. Cavs never threatened to chase down Niton’s 187-3 (Joby Wells 26 not out) reaching 132-4 in reply. GKN eased to victory against Ryde after steady bowling limited Ryde to just 99 all out, GKN passing the total for the loss of just one wicket.
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Bembridge brushed aside Arreton in pursuit of their third consecutive title. Batting first, Arreton lost two early wickets and Bembridge never relinquished their grip on the game. Kevin Cooper (51 not out) and Andy Davies (34 not out) batted courageously but their final total of 109 did not test Bembridge, who chased the target with ease.
West Island remain in contention after easing to victory over Ryde CC Youth.
An opening partnership between Jason Swain (25 not out) and Graham Gosden (28 not out) was the cornerstone of West Island’s score of 141-3.
Ryde batted admirably in reply but were unable to score at a quick enough rate.
Binstead Royals restricted third-placed Young Cavaliers to 119-3.
Only Dan Keller (27 not out) was able to play with any freedom. But Royals’ batsman failed to emulate the good work of their bowlers. Wickets were lost at regular intervals and in the end Cavaliers gained a comfortable 14-run win.
Wootton bowled Cask and Crispin out for a modest 101.
Rod Kellaway swung merrily for his innings of 29 before perishing in the final over, while Mike Holliday (2-8) was very efficient with the ball before scoring 26 not out as Wootton coasted to victory.
Bembridge and West Island now each have 20 points and next week’s clash between Bembridge and West Island will almost certainly decide the league champions.