AS PREDICTED, cricket's first competitive matches of the season with a new-look Isle of Wight League were decimated by bad weather yesterday (Saturday).
After three long months of waiting for the cricket season to start, due to coronavirus, it was ironic all six fixtures from Division A and B either didn't start or were abandoned not long after they started.
In Division A, Ryde 1 (v Newport), Arreton (v Ryde 2) and Northwood (v St Helens) called off their games because of the forecast for heavy rain.
Ryde Cavaliers called their match off against Freshwater at the eleventh hour.
Shanklin and Godshill 1 managed to get in seven overs in the rain against Ventnor 1 at Westhill, before the proverbial plug was pulled, with the home side on 19-3, while Ventnor 2's match against Northwood 2 was abandoned, also after seven overs bowled, at Steephill.
The Isle of Wight Cricket Board (IWCB) split entering teams into two leagues, with each team playing each other once in a 40-over format, run under stringent Covid-19 playing guidance from the ECB.
The league will see — for the first time in many years — Southern and Hampshire league sides take on Island teams.
The IWCB also aims to host an Island All Stars game on August 29 for a one-off match.
However, Isle of Wight County Press sponsored U11 friendlies were played this morning (Sunday) in pleasant, sunny conditions.
Arreton hosted East Cowes at Haseley Manor, Cowes faced Ryde at Isle of Wight Community Club, Newport played against Shanklin at Victoria Recreation Ground and Ventnor came up against Bembridge at Steephill.
Once the league ends, new competition, The September Cup, will follow.
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