RAIN played its part in disrupting competitive cricket on Saturday, but a superb century by Sri Lankan all-rounder Dineth Thimodya ensured Ventnor scraped home in their reduced overs match at Hambledon in Division 1 of the Southern Premier League.

With the weather a factor in decision making, Ventnor put the home side into bat — but Hambledon set a very competitive 270-9 from their 50 overs.

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Isle of Wight County Press: Dineth Thimodya hits another great century for Ventnor.Dineth Thimodya hits another great century for Ventnor. (Image: Dave Reynolds)

Rob Snell led the attack, claiming 4-52, well supported by Thimodya (2-18).

Due to the weather, Ventnor were then set a reduced target of 209, which they achieved with just three balls to spare.

The hero again was Thimodya, who hit a superb 113, to lead his side to a four-wicket, confidence-boosting victory at the halfway stage of their season, hoisting them two places to fifth.

In another reduced overs game in Hampshire 1, Ryde were well on course for victory at Bramshaw when, with seven overs remaining and Bramshaw needing 54, the match was abandoned.

Isle of Wight County Press: Action from the Ventnor II v Portsmouth III match.Action from the Ventnor II v Portsmouth III match. (Image: Dave Reynolds)

Isle of Wight County Press: Action from the Ventnor II v Portsmouth III match.Action from the Ventnor II v Portsmouth III match. (Image: Dave Reynolds)

It was a pity for Ryde's Ben Baker, who scored an excellent 137 — an innings comprising 13 fours and ten sixes.

In Division 3 (South) at Westhill, Shanklin & Godshill were humiliated against Basingstoke II.

The Islanders, who elected to field first, restricted the visitors to a reachable 230-6, with in-form Ross Le Sueur grabbing 3-43.

Isle of Wight County Press: Action from the Ventnor II v Portsmouth III match.Action from the Ventnor II v Portsmouth III match. (Image: Dave Reynolds)

Isle of Wight County Press:

However, Shanklin registered five ducks as they were unceremoniously skittled out for 48 — a loss of 182 runs and one of their worst batting performances in living memory.

In another reduced overs game, Ryde II overcame United Services Portsmouth by five wickets at Harding Shute.

The city side, who elected to bat, struggled to mount a big score against a potent bowling attack — bowled out for 204, with Jerin Jose (3-34) and Mark Tuckwell (3-40) leading the way.

As the rain moved in, Ryde were set a revised target of 148 from 31 overs.

With a sense of urgency and not wanting to miss out on a winning opportunity, Ryde tried to force the pace, but struggled early on.

But a calm innings from Robert Hobbs (57) held the innings together to see Ryde home with nine balls to spare and move up to fifth place.

Ventnor entertained Portsmouth III at Steephill in similar circumstances.

The home side put Portsmouth into bat and they reached a modest 173 all out, with Hugh Calloway (5-17) and Thomas Southcott (2-12) the stand-out bowlers. 

In reply, Ventnor were set a reduced target of 127 — Calloway top scoring with 42 not out — which they reached comfortably, to win by seven wickets and keep them in top spot.

                                                SATURDAY'S FIXTURES
Southern Premier League, Division 1 — Ventnor v Basingstoke & North Hants; Hampshire 1 — Ryde v Odiham & Greywell; Hampshire 3 (South) — Hambledon II v Shanklin & Godshill; Hampshire 4 (South) — Portsmouth v Ryde II; Trojans II v Ventnor II; Island League Division 1 — Newport v Ventnor III; Shanklin & Godshill II v Freshwater; St Helens v Northwood; Division 2 — Northwood II v Newport II.