INDOOR CRICKETNORTHWOOD scored their first points since returning to Division 1 of the Harwoods Renault Indoor League, comprehensively defeating a previously in-form Ryde by 83 runs.
Assisted by 50 extras, Northwood’s Harry Collier (42 not out) and Mark Tuckwell (23) did the bulk of the damage to record 143-4. Ryde’s reply started well, reaching 40-1 off the first four overs, but a clatter of wickets through the next four overs ended the innings with just 60 on the board (Tuckwell 2-6).
Niton kept up the pressure on fellow league leaders SVYC and Newport, with a convincing victory over GKN.
Openers Joby Wells (30 not out) and Guy Wells (25 not out) set the tone with a fast start before the middle order pushed the score on to 149-2.
GKN’s hopes of overhauling the total were all but ended in the first two overs as both openers were dismissed for just three runs, Stuart Robertson (23) the pick of the batting as the innings finished on 84-5.
Ventnor returned to the fray after forfeiting the last two matches and left GKN II perhaps wishing they hadn’t. Ventnor’s openers Adam Hose (25 not out) and Mark Whyte (23 not out) made quick work of GKN’s 83 (Alan Johns 29, Rob Holdcroft 25, Charlie Calloway 2-14, Adam Hose 2-17).
St Helens have pulled out of the division.
In Division 2, Whitecroft are the only team left unbeaten after defeating IW Prison Officers.
A much-improved Prison Officers’ attack limited the previously free-scoring Whitecroft batsmen to a competitive 123-2, openers J. Godwin (26 not out) and K. Barnes (22) laying the foundations.
Prison Officers started brightly and a first win of the season looked likely until three wickets in one over from Godwin (3-7) gutted the reply as they finished on 70.
Godshill’s title challenge was dented by rivals Ryde II.
Batting first, David and Jaydon Buckeridge (both 37) were the key contributors with the bat as Ryde reached 140-5. Godshill set about their reply positively but found themselves 18-3. Sharp fielding from Ryde added to Godshill’s woes as three run-outs ended the chase on 77.
Newport II continued their improved form, chasing down IW Health Associates’ 119-5 (Souvik 27, D. Horwood 25 not out) without dropping a wicket.
Ryde Cavaliers Veterans continued GKN III’s struggles, 69 extras proving their undoing as the Cavs’ Veterans reached the target of 97-4 (A. Rahem 26 not out) with four wickets to spare.
• Due to unforeseen circumstances, there will be no Sandrock Services League report this week.