Ventnor start their Southern Premier Cricket League Division 1 season with a home game against Hambledon at Steephill today (Saturday).
Ahead of their 1st game, Island Echo has spoken to Ventnor’s talented overseas professional Dineth Thimodya, who has returned to Ventnor Cricket Cub after a winter playing 1st class cricket for Sri Lankan side Ragam.
Dineth opened for Ragam in 4 games, scoring a century and 4 50s. According to the Sri Lankan cricketer, other clubs have contacted his agent hoping to engage his services for the forthcoming cricket season, but he was very happy playing for the Island club last year and had no interest in appearing for a different team this season.
The Sri Lankan was player-of-the-year for Ventnor in 2022. He scored 966 runs in the Southern Premier Cricket League at an average greater than 65 runs, including 4 centuries and 4 half-centuries. In total, he scored over 1,234 runs in all competitions.
Dineth also chipped in with the bowling, taking 26 wickets.
When asked why he had returned to Ventnor this season, Dineth told Island Echo:
“My main reason for coming back to Ventnor is that it is a very nice place to live. My landlady Fiona treats me and my wife Sandali really well. Everyone in the club is very friendly.”
“I’ve also played for Barrow-in-Furness in the north of England and Colwyn Bay in North Wales. The sun shines more in the south than up north.”
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When asked what he liked and didn’t like about England, Dineth said:
“The weather in Sri Lanka is around 30C throughout the year. I have to get used to the cold weather in England. The summer was fine last year, but this Spring has been really cold.
“Sri Lankan food is very spicy. Curries in the UK are too mild. However, I do enjoy a traditional roast dinner.”
Dineth’s wife Sandali – who also came to England last year – said:
“It seems like a 2nd holiday for me. I walk everywhere. I love Appuldurcombe, Bonchurch and Ventnor beach. The water around the Island is cold for me, but I did go for a swim last year.”
When asked about his own and Ventnor’s prospects for the forthcoming season, Dineth told Island Echo.
“My personal ambition is to get 1,000 runs and 35 wickets this season. I would also like to see Ventnor get promotion to the Premier division.
“We have a stronger side than last year. Tom Friend will strengthen the batting lineup. Henry Bartlett’s return to the club will also help Ventnor do well.”
In other games …
In Hampshire Division 1, Ryde start their season at Ferndown Wayfarers, who they beat last season at their home ground.
In Division 3 (South), Shanklin & Godshill begin their campaign with a tough home tie at Westhill against Bedhampton Mariners.
The big Isle of Wight game this Saturday is the derby between Ryde II and Ventnor II at Steephill.
Isle of Wight League games get underway next Saturday (13th May).
For the 2023 season a weekly cricket round-up will appear on Island Echo.
