By Isle of Wight Observer
by Debbie Yates
Division One
Havenstreet A 10 v Ryde Revellers 0, Ryde Goshawks 0 v Ryde C 10.
Just two matches were completed in Division One this week, and both ended in whitewashes for Ryde C and Havenstreet A against Ryde Revellers and Ryde Goshawks respectively. Ryde C extended their lead at the top of the table, whilst Havenstreet moved up to fourth place.
Michael Bulpitt was player of the match for Havenstreet and Ryan Cates for Ryde C.
Division Two
Shorwell Sinners 1 v Newport Vics A 9, Newport Vics B 5 v Ryde Rising Stars 5, Ryde Resisters 2 v Havenstreet B 8, Ryde Rogues 1 v Ryde Retailers 9.
The match of the week was between the continually improving Ryde Rising Stars and Newport Vics B. With five games going the to the full five sets, and three going to four sets, this proved a long and exciting match.
Newport’s Paul Freeborn was player of the match, but could not get the better of Ryde’s cadet Thane Taylor, who won the game in the final set.
Fellow cadet Theo Lewis had an equally close win over Newport’s Michael Jose. Ryde’s Tom Waddell won two and the match was decided by the doubles, which Newport’s Freeborn and partner Paul Lewis won in four sets, and the final result was a draw.
The Rising Stars are now second, with Havenstreet B in third after their 8-2 win against Ryde Resisters. Ryde Retailers moved up to further after an easy 9-1 win against Ryde Rogues, whilst Newport Vics A extended their lead at the top after a 9-1 victory against Shorwell Sinners.
Division Three
Cowes Baptists 6 v Wroxall Warriors A 4, Ryde Raiders 5 v Wroxall Lizards 5, Wroxall Warriors C 3 v Ryde Odd Balls 7, Wroxall Warriors B 6 v Shorwell Saviours 4.
Division Three leaders Wroxall A suffered their first defeat of the season against an inspired Cowes Baptists, with Cowes’ Mark Compton unbeaten and player of the match, and also ending Wroxall’s Andrew Bailey’s 100 per cent record. Bailey teamed up with Neil Hedges to take the doubles at the end of the match, and the final score was 6-4 to Cowes.
Wroxall B had a close match against Shorwell Saviours, with Wroxall’s Phil Stevens in exceptional form to win all three of his singles and the doubles along with partner Mark Coombe. Shorwell’s Martyn Walker won two, but the final result was a win for Wroxall 6-4.
Handicap Singles Tournament
This annual tournament took place on Friday, January 23 at the IW Table Tennis Centre. Twenty seven entrants took part, starting with group stages and moving onto knockout stages after 48 games were completed. This is a handicap competition, giving a level playing field for all who take part to have the opportunity of progressing through the tournament.
The tournament is sponsored by Island Echo with prize money of £150 for the winner and runner up to share.
After a full evening of close matches, the semi finals were contested between 14-year-old Toby Payne and Joe Chapman, Senior British Club League player. Payne received an 8 start, but Chapman still took the first leg; however Payne produced some remarkable shots to take the next three legs and make the final.
The second semi final was contested between two Senior British Club League players, Hugh idle and Ryan Cates, and there were no handicaps in this match as both were of similar standard. Cates won the match easily in three legs and will meet Payne in the final on the IWTTA Final’s Night.
