Shanklin and Ventnor could revive long standing rivalries if tentative plans to create a late season Isle of Wight League and Cup materialise.
The IWCB is aiming to salvage something from the season now the government has relaxed stringent lockdown rules and allowed recreational cricket to restart, albeit under strict Covid-19 regulations.
Island clubs are keen to see some competitive cricket for open age players, which reflected the results of a player survey carried out recently by the IWCB.
Thanks to a positive response from Island clubs over the course of the meetings, the IWCB is now forging ahead with plans to run a unique league for Island, Hampshire and Southern League teams and a September cup competition, should there be enough interest to warrant it.
Ventnor fields sides in the Southern Premier and Hampshire League, with Shanklin, Ryde and Ryde Cavaliers playing in the Hampshire League.
They could join the likes of Newport, Arreton, St Helens, Northwood, Cowes and Freshwater in an all-Island league.
Since they moved into mainland leagues, Shanklin and Ventnor haven’t locked horns on the field competitively for years. The likes of St Helen’s will relish the prospect of playing both these clubs.
"We’ve held two recent meetings and both were really positive. It great to see the clubs' enthusiasm to get the game on," said IWCB official Stuart Chatfield
"The board is looking to maximise what is left of the season and offer all players as many chances to get out into the middle and play.
"We hope to extend the season into September with a cup competition and finish the season with a six-a-side competition.”
The IWCB is aiming to salvage something from the season now the government has relaxed stringent lockdown rules and allowed recreational cricket to restart, albeit under strict Covid-19 regulations.
Island clubs are keen to see some competitive cricket for open age players, which reflected the results of a player survey carried out recently by the IWCB.
Thanks to a positive response from Island clubs over the course of the meetings, the IWCB is now forging ahead with plans to run a unique league for Island, Hampshire and Southern League teams and a September cup competition, should there be enough interest to warrant it.
Ventnor fields sides in the Southern Premier and Hampshire League, with Shanklin, Ryde and Ryde Cavaliers playing in the Hampshire League.
They could join the likes of Newport, Arreton, St Helens, Northwood, Cowes and Freshwater in an all-Island league.
Since they moved into mainland leagues, Shanklin and Ventnor haven’t locked horns on the field competitively for years. The likes of St Helen’s will relish the prospect of playing both these clubs.
"We’ve held two recent meetings and both were really positive. It great to see the clubs' enthusiasm to get the game on," said IWCB official Stuart Chatfield
"The board is looking to maximise what is left of the season and offer all players as many chances to get out into the middle and play.
"We hope to extend the season into September with a cup competition and finish the season with a six-a-side competition.”
