He underpinned a demanding total of 257-5 and shared early order partnerships with Martin Blackman (38) and Hugh Calloway (37) before Ben Attrill smashed a rapid 69 not out.
St Helen’s were rushed out for 91, Dan Cox taking 3-34 and Attrill (4-12) four of the last five wickets to fall. Ventnor won by 164 runs.
Ben Baker (58) and Steve Tait (52) hit unbeaten half-centuries as Ryde thrashed Shanklin & Godshill by nine wickets at Westhill to secure back-to-back All Wight League victories.
Fresh from beating St Helen’s the previous week, Ryde bowled Shanklin out for 152 (Jack Powell 28), with Simon Wratten (4-20) infiltrating the lower-order.
Baker and Tait then shared an unbeaten century stand to sweep Ryde to victory – one they’ll hope to repeat in Saturday’s top showdown against Ventnor at Hardings Shute, 1.30.
Fingernails were being bitten at Victoria Park, where Newport scrambled past Northwood’s 127 with their last pair at the crease.
Chris Williams played an influential role for Northwood, scoring 26 and later creating inroads into Newport’s middle-order with a 4-31 return.
The roaming Josh Procter (26) helped Northwood’s cause, as did a late innings contribution from John Butt (40).
Procter (2-16) and Williams bowled the Cowes side into the box seat, but after Trevor Dye (32) had gone, Gareth Bricknell made 41 to set up a thrilling and nervy finish.