THIS afternoon will see the start of the competitive cricket season on the Island as 13 teams from eight clubs play in two mini-leagues — weather permitting!

Isle of Wight County Press:

On what would be the first competitive day of cricket this season, after four months of lockdown, it looks as though play may be stopped before it the first ball is bowled, with rain forecast throughout the afternoon.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Should some cricket be played, teams will be split into two leagues (A and B), with each team playing each other once in a 40-over format, run under stringent Covid-19 playing guidance from the ECB. 

Isle of Wight County Press:

The league will see — for the first time in many years — Southern and Hampshire league sides take on Island teams. 

Isle of Wight County Press:

The Isle of Wight Cricket Board also aims to host an Island All Stars game on August 29 for a one-off match.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Once the league ends, new competition, The September Cup, will follow.

                                            TOMORROW'S FIXTURES
All-Island Division A: Ryde 1 v Newport, Northwood v St Helens, Shanklin and Godshill 1 v Ventnor 1, Ventnor 2 v Northwood 2; Division B: Ryde Cavaliers v Freshwater, Arreton v Ryde 2.