Appley To Host Island Beach Cricket Tournament

Male and female players are shaping up for next week’s inaugural Isle of Wight Cricket Board beach cricket tournament on Tuesday May 27, 2025.

The men's and women’s event, for players aged 16 and above, will be played on the iconic Appley Beach, with 8 teams taking part, including one from the mainland. 

An artificial surface will be placed just underneath a layer of sand to create a wicket that will allow the ball to bounce, with the rest of the playing area on soft sand. 

The six-a-side matches will be five six-ball overs, with batters retiring on a personal total of 20 runs, with the use of only soft balls permitted.

The day’s action will start at 11.30am, with the women’s tournament, featuring teams fielded by Ventnor CC, Newport CC, Arreton CC and the IWCB, with the final played at 2.45pm.

The men’s tournament starts at 3.30pm running until a 6.45pm final. 

Again, four teams will play in a round-robin format from Porchfield CC; the Whizzers Surfers; the Winchester Bears and Arreton CC.

Spectators are being encouraged to come along and enjoy the tournament alongside a BBQ and children’s cricket activity area.

Cricket is a hugely popular participation sport on the Island with 19 clubs offering a range of competitive and friendly playing formats for all. 

There were 780 cricket matches played last year over the 5 month season. 

(Mens, womens, junior boys and girls teams from under 9 - under 18, hardball and softball disability cricket, and table cricket)

The sport receives significant funding from the English Cricket Board to enable young Islanders to get involved and fall in love with the sport. 

Alex Barton, Isle of Wight Cricket Board says:

“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.”