25-05-2025
New beach cricket tournament coming to Appley
An Isle of Wight beach is gearing up to host a new cricket tournament.
Featuring both men's and women's teams, the Isle of Wight Cricket Board's inaugural event will take place on Appley Beach on May 27.
Eight teams, including one from the mainland, will compete in the tournament, which is open to players aged 16 and above.
The matches will be played on an artificial surface covered by a layer of sand, allowing for a more traditional cricket experience.
The wicket will be designed to let the ball bounce, while the rest of the playing area will be on soft sand.
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Each team will have six players, and matches will consist of five six-ball overs.
Batters will retire upon reaching a personal total of 20 runs, and only soft balls will be used.
The action-packed day will kick off at 11.30am with the women's tournament.
Teams from Ventnor CC, Newport CC, Arreton CC, and the IWCB will compete, with the final scheduled for 2.45pm.
The men's tournament will start at 3.30pm and will feature teams from Porchfield CC, the Whizzers Surfers, the Winchester Bears, and Arreton CC.
The men's final is set to take place at 6.45pm.
Both tournaments will follow a round-robin format, allowing each team to play against every other team.
Spectators are encouraged to attend and enjoy the lively atmosphere, complete with a BBQ and a children's cricket activity area.
Cricket enjoys great popularity on the Island, with 19 clubs offering various competitive and friendly formats.
Last year, 780 cricket matches were played over the five-month season, reflecting the sport's strong presence on the Island.
Teams range from men's and women's to junior boys and girls, covering age groups from under 9 to under 18.
The sport also caters to hardball and softball disability cricket, as well as table cricket.
The English Cricket Board provides significant funding to help young Islanders engage with the sport.
Alex Barton, from the board, said: 'We are so excited to be bringing this fun and inclusive cricket format to Appley Beach during half term week.
'The Isle of Wight Cricket Board invites everyone to come down and spectate, enjoy the BBQ and find out more about this ever-popular sport.'
