Newport win inaugural six-a-side contest in memory of Newclose benefactor

NEWPORT Cricket Club won the inaugural Brian Gardener Trophy — a new six-a-side competition devised by the Isle of Wight Cricket Board — on home turf, Newclose, on Sunday.

They defeated Ryde in the final, in a competition which also included teams representing Ventnor, Northwood, Cowes and a Newport seconds team.

The late Brian Gardner was the benefactor and founder of Newclose, which he jointly opened with former England captain, Mike Gatting, 15 years ago this month.

"The Gardener family continue to support his legacy to cricket. They are supported by volunteers from the Island cricketing community and head groundsman, Andy Butler," said Hugh Griffiths, of the IWCB, who co-organised Sunday's competition.

Action from the final between Newport and Ryde. (Image: Hugh Griffiths)

Newclose founder and benefactor, Brian Gardener, left, and former England captain, Mike Gatting, at the opening of the ground in July 2009. (Image: Contributed)

Action from the final between Newport and Ryde. (Image: Hugh Griffiths)

"The final was the climax to a memorable weekend, with cricket and other attractions, as the backcloth to the 2024 Newclose Beer Festival, which brought crowds in their hundreds to the Island’s county cricket ground."

Together with the recent, successful Australia v Isle of Wight veterans match on June 19, the third of three major Newclose cricket events will be held on Wednesday — the IWCB U22s fixture with the MCC touring team.

The annual match is played for the Keith Newbery Trophy, in memory of the renowned Isle of Wight County Press columnist and stalwart supporter of Island cricket.

"Keith’s specific contribution to Newclose was chairing the Friends of Newclose committee, which raised funds for the Newclose Charity, as well as providing the basis for the groups of volunteers, who have done so much to ensure Newclose’s survival during some challenging times," added Hugh.

Keith’s daughter, Samanatha, and his granddaughter, will present the trophy.