Latest news with #SouthernPremierLeague
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Leaders stay perfect with late winner
Northern continued their 100% league record, winning 10 games on the trot. But they were made to work very hard for their 1-0 victory over a resilient Roslyn Wakari at Ellis Park in the men's Southern Premier League on Saturday. Northern had the majority of possession and attempted to speed up the game early, taking a more direct route. However, Roslyn's defensive pairing of Joe Woods and Angus Mackay dealt with things well. Both teams were cancelling each other out in the first half, being limited to half chances with Northern's Cam McPhail winning a lot of ball and Sam Cosgrove looking dangerous on his attacking forays. Rory Hibbert had the best chance of the first half with a shot from the left-hand edge of the 6-yard box, forcing Roslyn keeper Tom Stevens to save with an outstretched foot. The second half was equally tight with chances at a premium. Roslyn had a chance to take the lead when Jack McFarlane worked his way to the edge of the box and, having a clear sight at goal as well as striker Nathan Wilkie free on his inside, he opted to shoot and put it over the bar. Northern were not ready to give up their 100% record and got the winner in the 83rd minute. With Roslyn's defence stretched, Hibbert found space inside the box and shot from 10 yards, across Stevens into the top left-hand corner. University are in second spot following a 5-0 win away to Old Boys. Mosgiel overcame Queens Park 4-2 at Memorial Park, while the Northern Hearts secured a valuable point in a 2-2 draw with the Dunedin City Royals. In the Women's Southern Premier League Sofia Zame scored a hat-trick and Naomi Jutel added one more for Otago University to beat Northern 4-0 at the Caledonian Ground. Green Island beat Roslyn Wakari 4-2 at Sunnyvale, while Queens Park upset the Dunedin City Royals 2-0 in Invercargill. — Neville Watson
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ventnor put one over on league leaders
Shanklin ad Godshill skipper Ben White raises his bat in celebration after hitting an unbeaten century against Kerala at Westhill on Saturday. (Image: Beth Brookes) VENTNOR pulled off a fine win against top-of-the-table Havant in Division 1 of the Southern Premier League. In an exciting match filled with twists and turns, Ventnor secured a 13-run victory at Steephill on Saturday. Advertisement The hosts opened the batting, but faced an early blow when star player Dineth Thimodya was dismissed cheaply. Further dismissals left them struggling at 114-6. Tom Marriott taking strike for Shanklin. (Image: Beth Brookes) Jack White bowling for Shanklin against Kerala (Image: Beth Brookes) A patient half-century from Dan Cox, along with some crucial contributions from the lower order, helped the team reach a modest 181 from 49.4 overs. George Watts made an early breakthrough for Ventnor, and the experienced Havant batting line-up struggled against Ventnor's strong bowling attack. Ventnor reduced the visitors to 100-7. Advertisement A late order partnership of 50 runs revived Havant's hopes, but with 30 runs needed from the final five overs, Archie Lucy returned to the attack to dismiss both Hayward and Turner. Thimodya (4-22) then took the final wicket, securing a significant victory for Ventnor. It was a successful day all around for Ventnor, as the second team continued their early season form, beating Havant away to remain top of the table in Division 2B of the Hampshire League. Ben Davies's side won by six wickets, with Australian Ethan Short being the standout bowler, taking a Ventnor best of 6-42 from eight overs. Advertisement From 126-2, Havant were all out for 191 within 31.2 overs. Kevin Cooper (3-17) was a valuable part of the attack. Ventnor replied quickly, and after the early losses of Davies and Ben Attrill, a century partnership between Cooper (45) and Martin Blackman (51 not out) took the team to a 196-4 victory within 29 overs. However, Ryde faced defeat away at Cadnam by 35 runs. With the hosts restricted to 188-9, with Ian Hailes grabbing 3-32, Ryde must have felt confident of securing another victory. However, they were all out for 153, with wicketkeeper Tom Roscoe the only player showing resistance with an unbeaten 44. Advertisement In Division 3B, Shanklin and Godshill secured a 45-run win over Kerala, moving them up to fourth spot. The home side, put into bat, made 260 all out, with Ben White producing a captain's performance with a superb 102 not out. Tom Quaife (35) and Matt Lambourne (30) contributed useful runs. Olly Pease (3-32) and Jack White (3-38) were instrumental as Shanklin restricted Kerala to 215. There were no surprises in the Isle of Wight Senior Cup. In Group A, Northwood easily defeated Ryde seconds (131), beating them by ten wickets at Harding Shute. Northwood's John Jones (77 not out) and George Griffith (31 not out) knocked off the total in less than 19 overs. Advertisement In Group B, Newport beat Ventnor thirds (212 all out) by 32 runs at Brading. Ventnor, which included six teenagers, put in a strong performance, with Tom Dye (75), Adam Wilson (42) and Max Poyner (37 not out) scoring well for Newport in their 244-9. Peter Jackson Parker (3-25) and Midhun Devassy (3-54) were among the wickets for Ventnor. In reply, Ventnor skipper Gary Legg (44), Souvik Sanyal (43) and newcomer Ollie Way (32 not out) batted well. Aaron Hartup took 4-26 for Newport. In the other game, St Helens defeated Shanklin seconds (142 all out) by eight wickets. Matthew Manning (37) top scored for Shanklin, with Winterbottom (53 not out) and Balloch (43) the pick of the St Helens batsmen.
BBC News
15-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Promoted Merthyr to compete in National League North
They are the football club proud to come from the south Wales valleys – but have been told they will be a 'northern' team next were huge celebrations when community-owned Merthyr Town won the Southern Premier League South it has been confirmed they will now play in the National League North next term – with 300-mile away trips to Darlington and South Shields among their away days in a regionalised front of more than 3,000 fans at Penydarren Park last month, the part-time outfit sealed promotion to English football's sixth tier, their highest level in 30 years. The Martyrs had played in the Western and Southern Leagues since being reformed after Merthyr Tydfil's liquidation in the club had been aware the potential make-up of the teams next season at sixth tier level – and the large contingent of teams from the south of England - could see them having to plan to head south of England sides, Dagenham & Redbridge, Ebbsfleet and Maidenhead, dropping out of the fifth-tier National League would have given organisers a headache in how to split National League confirmed its allocations for the 2025-26 season on Thursday, although says those are subject to appeal.A Football Association spokesperson said: "We make every effort each season to allocate National League System [NLS] clubs to the most geographically suitable league possible. "The clubs are allocated to a league based on the step in the NLS that they will be playing in, and their location in the country. These allocations are subject to appeals. "Geographical suitability continues to play an important part in NLS allocations, and we always try to balance this against the number of teams in each division to ensure sporting integrity is maintained." Merthyr are not alone in the anomaly: Oxford City, Hereford United and Bedford Town have also been placed in National League North, whose other new clubs include Robbie Savage's Macclesfield game at Hereford's Edgar Street will be Merthyr's shortest away day, with a 43-mile, one-way trip taking around an it will take fans – and players – as much as 12 hours on the road in a round-trip for their game at South the time of their promotion, chairman Les Barlow said their placing would make "no difference" as they revelled in a season in which they enjoyed a 32-game unbeaten won the Welsh Cup in 1987 and went on to upset Italian giants Atalanta in the following season's European Cup Winners' season, they turned down a lucrative offer from the Football Association of Wales to join the Welsh league system, a decision manager Paul Michael says was vindicated by their promotion.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mixed fortunes for Island cricket as big scores and bold spells mark weekend
VENTNOR'S promising start to their 175th-anniversary campaign in Division 1 of the Southern Premier Cricket League suffered a setback on Saturday (May 10), as they were beaten by 39 runs at home to Rowledge. Winning the toss, the visitors elected to bat first at Steephill and posted a competitive total of 261 for five from their allotted 50 overs. Ventnor's bowlers toiled hard in warm conditions, with Daniel Cox the pick of the attack. He claimed three crucial wickets for 48 runs from his ten overs to halt Rowledge's momentum. George Watts and Archie Lucy also chipped in with a wicket apiece, but tidy spells from Dineth Thimodya and Hugh Calloway went unrewarded in the wickets column. Sri Lankan all-rounder Dineth Thimodya in action for Ventnor (Image: Dave Reynolds) Chasing 262 for victory, Ventnor got off to a steady start but lost skipper Ben Woodhouse for 22. Once again, it was Thimodya who led from the front with the bat, striking 42 from 49 balls – including three sixes. Cox mirrored his bowling performance with a fluent 42, while Joshua Carpenter top-scored with a patient 43 off 65 deliveries. However, a flurry of middle-order wickets saw the Islanders lose momentum at a crucial stage. Despite contributions from Sam Mills (17) and Devon Pollard (13), Ventnor were eventually bowled out for 222 in their final over. The result leaves Ventnor with six points from the encounter – four for batting and two for bowling – and hungry to bounce back next weekend as their landmark season continues. Ryde continued their bright start in Division 2B of the Hampshire Cricket League with a hard-fought 33-run victory over Winton at Partlands. The home side won the toss and chose to bat first, posting a competitive 245 all out in their 45 overs. Leading the way was Tom Durman, who produced a sparkling innings of 97 from 87 balls — a knock that included 12 fours and three sixes and proved to be the backbone of Ryde's total. Support came from Ashley Goldsmith (29) and Benjamin Shannon (20), while Tom Roscoe chipped in with a quickfire 26. Extras proved valuable again, with 29 gifted runs helping push Ryde to a defendable total. In reply, Winton made steady progress but were gradually pegged back by disciplined bowling. Star of the show with the ball was Durman once more, this time returning remarkable figures of six for 39 from his nine overs. Ashley Goldsmith also claimed a wicket in a lively three-over spell, and the rest of the attack kept things tight to see the visitors dismissed for 212 in 42 overs. The win keeps Ryde's momentum going early in the season, securing them 24 valuable points as they aim for a strong campaign. Ventnor 2nd XI endured a punishing afternoon in Division 2B of the Hampshire Cricket League, falling to a 172-run defeat at the hands of a dominant Portsmouth 2nd XI at the St Helens Ground. Portsmouth won the toss and opted to bat first, making full use of the favourable conditions to post a daunting 333 for four from their 45 overs. Ventnor's bowlers were put to the sword in a relentless display, struggling to make breakthroughs as Portsmouth piled on the runs. In reply, Ventnor's innings never truly got going. Benjamin Attrill offered some early resistance with a fluent 34, supported by Ben Davies who contributed a useful 31 in the middle order. Rafe Hawkins added an unbeaten 18 at the tail, but the Islanders were bowled out for 161 in 39.4 overs. Despite the heavy defeat, Ventnor claimed six points from the match and will be keen to bounce back when they return to Steephill next weekend. Shanklin & Godshill continued their winning start to the Division 3B season with a hard-earned 13-run victory away at Emsworth, thanks to a superb unbeaten century from George Niemiec. Winning the toss and choosing to bat first at Emsworth's Coldharbour Lawn, Shanklin posted a formidable 253 for six from their 45 overs. Niemiec anchored the innings with an outstanding 103 not out from 126 deliveries, stroking 16 boundaries along the way. He was well-supported by Sean Phillips, who hit a brisk 51 not out, and Ben White, who chipped in with a fluent 45. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Shanklin and Godshill's batters maintained momentum, aided by 30 extras conceded by the hosts, including 17 wides. In response, Emsworth fought back strongly but were restricted to 240 for eight in their 45 overs, falling short by 13 runs. Shanklin's bowlers held their nerve under pressure, and some tidy spells at the death ensured the visitors collected 23 points for their efforts. In the Island League Division 1, Northwood (77-1) made light work of Wight Whizzers (76 all out), winning by nine wickets. Simon Goldsmith ripped through the visitors with a brilliant 5-10, well-supported by Shane Keates (2-11). Gary Cooper led the reply with a fluent 45 as Northwood wrapped up the chase in under 15 overs. Meanwhile, Newport were awarded a full 24 points after St Helens conceded their opening fixture. The match was due to be played at The Green but did not go ahead. In Division 2, Arreton (213-7) proved too strong for Shanklin and Godshill thirds (75 all out), winning by 138 runs. Louis Vanassche led with 62, and Tony Blaize blasted 47 not out, backed by 48 extras. Alastair Gates (3-2) and Peter McClelland (3-12) did the damage with the ball. Freshwater (148-4) overcame Ventnor fourths (144-8) to win by six wickets at School Field. Ben Fry stood out with a battling 50 for Ventnor, but Harry Charlesworth (3-13) turned the tide with the ball. Holliday then anchored the chase with 60 as Freshwater secured the points Porchfield (299-3) overwhelmed Newport 2nd XI (147-8) to win by 152 runs in their Fred Winter Cup Group B clash. Marriott was the star, smashing an unbeaten 142 from just 106 deliveries, including 11 fours and six sixes. He was well supported by Billy Clarke (85) and T Wells (41), with the trio taking Porchfield to a formidable total. Newport's chase started poorly, slipping to 10-3, and despite resistance from James Haydon (24) and Paul Attrill (33), they never recovered. Porchfield's bowlers shared the spoils, with Owain Hooper, Toby Corbin, Callum Capon and Drake-Knight each taking two wickets.
Otago Daily Times
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Chch United end Royals' four-game winning run
The Dunedin City Royals were unable to make it five on the trot when they lost 2-0 to Christchurch United at Tahuna Park on Saturday. Christchurch United threatened early in the Southern League clash, but just as the Royals looked to be settling, they were caught napping and Ben Campbell brought down his opponent on the edge of the box. He was red carded in the 17th minute, a pivotal moment in the game. The Royals continued to probe and threaten with attacks that troubled Christchurch United. Daniel Meyn broke the deadlock in the 40th minute for the visitors. The Royals came out of the break strong and continued to frustrate Christchurch United. Replacements Will Turner, Rhys Christie, Luke Salisbury, Max Davidson and Luis Deaker tilted the balance in favour of the Royals, who had multiple attacks — including Turner coming close with a curled shot. They were unlucky to concede with the final kick of the match — Waisea Henry's in the fifth minute of added time, which ensured the visitors remained at the top of the table. Coach Blair Scoullar was disappointed not to walk away with a point, but praised his side's attitude, intensity and resilience after playing nearly 80 minutes with 10 players. Wanaka also suffered to a home defeat, going down 3-2 to Nomads United to lose their unbeaten home run. Wānaka enjoyed most of the possession in the first half and took a deserved 1-0 lead into halftime thanks to Ronan Dillow's 11th minute goal. Nomads equalised when Caleb Cotton scored from a penalty in the 63rd minute, and further goals to Guy Reeves and Cooper Goldsmith gave them a 3-1 lead with five minutes to go. Dillow reduced the deficit in injury time by scoring his second for Wanaka. Cashmere Technical beat Ferrymead Bays 3-2, Selwyn United and Universities of Canterbury had a 2-2 draw and Coastal Spirit won 3-0 against Nelson Suburbs. — In the men's Southern Premier League, both Northern and University continued their unbeaten records. University are top on goal difference after thumping Northern Hearts 9-1. Ashton Hodson opened the scoring on 11 minutes, and it was 3-0 to the students before Bailey Chambers pulled one back just after the half hour mark. Simba Muwunganirwa grabbed a hat-trick, and Blake Allison and Oscar Crowe both scored braces. Sam Clegg rounded out the scoring. Northern had a much tougher task against the previously unbeaten Royals, but prevailed 2-1. After dominating early in wet and windy conditions, Northern found themselves 1-0 down after George Barker buried a penalty in the 16th minute. Toby Orchiston headed home the equaliser in first half stoppage time. The second half continued to be a fierce battle, with both teams sharing possession. Northern created better chances and the Royals looked likely on the counterattack. Northern's winner came in the 60th minute, when Asti Wallace whipped a free kick 30m out from goal into the top corner. Queens Park left it late to record their first win of the season, with two goals in injury time helping to overcome Green Island 3-1. Sebastian Castillo Viveros' eighth minute opener was cancelled out by Harrison Mclean's 60th minute penalty for Green Island. The game look to be heading for a draw until Zac Owen-Gear pounced on a loose ball to rifle an unstoppable shot into the back of the net in the first minute of added time. Ryo Okuyama added another in the 95th minute. Roslyn Wakari recorded a 4-2 victory against Mosgiel. The game was evenly poised 1-1 until the stroke of halftime, when Roslyn's George Holland pounced from close range to make it 2-1. Reese Burtenshaw had earlier levelled for Mosgiel after Hamish Mair's 25th minute opener for Roslyn. Two near identical breakaway goals to Ben William-Davies midway through the second half gave Roslyn a 4-1 lead. Harvey Stevens pulled one back for the home side but Roslyn claimed the three points. — In the women's South Island League, Roslyn captain Amelie East-Giles scored a hattrick to lead her side to a 6-3 win against Halswell United at home. University had a 4-0 win against Coastal Spirit and the Royals had a 2-0 victory against Universities of Canterbury. — Neville Watson
