By Isle of Wight Observer
By Debbie Yates
Division One
Ryde Rankers 6 v Ryde B 4, Ryde C 6 v Ryde B 4, Ryde Rankers 10 v Newport Vics B 0, Newport Vics A 2 v Ryde A 8
The gap at the top of the League has narrowed as Ryde Rankers played twice this week, with a whitewash over Newport Vics B giving them 10 points, and a much closer match against Ryde B, which they won 6 games to 4.
With top-placed Ryde C also playing Ryde B, and the match ending in the same scoreline, 6-4, there are now only 7 points between first and second place.
Alex Rorke was the sole winner for Ryde B in both matches, remaining unbeaten and also teaming up with Tim Giles to claim the doubles on both occasions.
Division Two
Ryde Rascals 7 v Ryde Rockets 3, Newport Vics C 8 v Ryde Quintet 2
With only two matches played in Division Two, Ryde Rascals had a fine win over Ryde Rockets, winning 7-3, although Trevor Percival of the Rockets was unbeaten.
Newport Vics C had an excellent win over Ryde Quintet, who were a player short. Vics’ Dave Newnham and Paul Lewis were in great form, winning two very close games each, against Des Wiltshire and William Paul.
Wiltshire and Paul claimed the doubles for Ryde and the match ended 8-2 to Vics.
Division Three
Shorwell Saints 5 v St Lawrence Lizards 5, Ryde Retailers 6 v Ryde Frogs 4, Wroxall Warriors 8 v Ryde Rustics 2
The Division Three title has become an even closer affair this week as Shorwell Saints, who are second to bottom of the table, met St Lawrence Lizards who were favourites to finish top at the beginning of the season.
Shorwell’s Tony Pearse and Ian Parker both won two matches each, whilst team-mate, Nola Gould, won one. St Lawrence Lizards took the doubles in four sets and the match ended in a draw.
The two other contenders for the title are Wroxall Warriors and Ryde Retailers. Wroxall beat Ryde Rustics 8-2, whilst the Retailers had a hard match against the much improved Ryde Frogs, which they won 6-4.
2025 Handicapped Doubles Tournament
This popular tournament was held on January 31 and attracted 34 players. There were many close matches with both the semi finals and final going to the full five sets.
The losing semi-finalists were fast-improving Third Division pair, Steve Laing and Robin Clegg, and husband and wife team, Tim and Bev Giles. The runners up were Andy Hookey and Jo Hurt, whilst the pairing of 15-year-old Jye Lock and top Island player Alex Rorke came out the winners.