2 weeks Ago
THE Island Bakeries and Wight Whizzers were crowned champions on a thrilling final night of the Isle of Wight Indoor Leagues. They were joined by Ventnor B, who were confirmed as winners of their division a fortnight ago. Heading into the final matches, Division 1 had three potential winners — Ventnor A, Island Bakeries and Northwood and Arreton.
Island Bakeries, who started the evening in second place, clinched the title with a victory over Newport. Division 1 winners Island Bakeries (Image: Ash Goldsmith) Newport, who hadn't won a single match, put up their best batting performance, scoring 143-3. Manuel Kannampuzha was the top scorer with an unbeaten 33.
Jack Powell contributed 26 not out, while Guy Wells took 2-36. However, Island Bakeries chased the target with ease. Wells (31), Ellis Ridett and Nick Stafford (both 28 not out) all retired, securing a three-wicket win, with an over to spare.
The victory put Island Bakeries ahead of Ventnor A in the league table. The last match between Ventnor A and Northwood and Arreton was crucial. Northwood and Arreton needed a maximum-point victory to win the title, while any win would have sufficed for Ventnor A.
Ventnor posted 111-5, with notable contributions from Jack Powell (24), Thomas Southcott (21), and Harrison McQuillan (20 not out). Callum Witham took 2-36. Division 2 winners Ventnor B (Image: Ash Goldsmith) In reply, George Watts (1-11) bowled economically, but Mark Hartnell (27 not out) and Kevin Cooper (26 not out) led Northwood and Arreton to a four-wicket win, with five balls to spare.
However, losing the second wicket meant that Northwood and Arreton took 19 points from the game, leaving Island Bakeries just a point clear at the top of the table, securing their first-ever Indoor Division 1 title. In Division 3, Wight Whizzers scored a stunning 210-5 from their 12 overs, with Manu (41 not out), Arjun (40), Malin Rajendran (34), Midhun Devassy (30), and Jinu KP (27) all retiring. The Isle of Wight Women's Alex Barton took 4-30.
Barton and Jess Glover made 25 not out each in reply, but the Isle of Wight Women finished on 121-2, giving Wight Whizzers the win and the Division 3 title in their first season. Division 2 was already won by Ventnor A. Porchfield secured second place with a win over Shanklin and Godshill A.
We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate. You must verify your phone number before you can comment. Please enter your phone number below, and a verification code will be sent to you by text message.
Please enter the six-digit verification code sent to you by SMS. Your verification code has been sent a second time to the mobile phone number you provided. Your verification code has been sent a third time to the mobile phone number you provided.
You have requested your verification code too many times. Please try again later. The code you entered has not been recognised.
Please try again You have failed to enter a correct code after three attempts. Please try again later..
