Hectic Season Ahead

What to expect in 2026 (Graeme Burnett)

After a busy pre-season and a disappointing exit in the first round of the National Village Cup, Ventnor's first team, which finished second in Division One of the ECB Southern Premier League last season, will look to go one better as they start their campaign on Saturday with a midday home clash with Calmore Sports. 

Prolific Sri Lankan left hander Dineth Thimodya has returned for a fifth consecutive year but will be missing from the season’s opener after injuring a finger in last weekend’s friendly with Fair Oak.

With Thimodya absent, skipper Ben Woodhouse will be particularly delighted to include Danny Briggs in Saturday’s side. Briggs, who began his cricketing journey at Ventnor, has re-joined Sussex on a three year contract from Warwickshire and will be part of the Hove based club’s Vitality T20 Blast squad and coaching set up. The former England left arm spinner will also play for the Trent Rockets in the Hundred so availability for his home town club is likely to be strictly limited!

The second team, again captained by Ben Davies, travel to Easton and Martyr Worthy for their opening fixture in Hampshire League Division 2.

In the Island League Division One, Ventnor's third team, skippered by Sam Read, take on Shanklin & Godshill's second eleven while Nick Dobson's fourth side visit Northwood II in Division Two.

There is a full programme of Women's fixtures and across the junior section, the Club's under 11, 13, 15 and 16 sides have plenty of games to look forward to!    The Southern League T20 competition and touring teams form the basis of Sunday and midweek matches from May to October.

In total, more than 250 matches involving Ventnor teams are scheduled to take place!!