by Debbie Yates

Senior British Club League

A full-strength Isle of Wight 2 team that included Steve Mills, back from injury to take up his number one slot in the squad for the first time, enjoyed a barnstorming weekend at the second round of Senior British Club League matches held in Harlow, Essex, on November 8-9.

IOW 2 – comprising Steve, Paul Rainford, Ryan Cates and Joe Chapman – won all four of their matches convincingly, seeing off teams from London and Essex.

Everyone contributed to the team’s success, with current Island champion, Ryan, and Steve winning seven of their eight matches, Paul winning six and Joe picking up a couple of good wins over the course of the weekend.

On the doubles front, Ryan and Paul, who regularly play together in the Island league for Ryde C, proved unstoppable, winning all four of their matches.

The performance leaves IW 2 in third place in Division C (7), behind Fusion 4 and Ellenborough 2, with an outside chance of making it into the top two promotion places.

With the next round of matches taking place in January – including a vital clash against top-of-the-table Fusion – it’s a case of everything to play for!

Division One

Ryde A 7 v Ryde B 3, Ryde C 9 v Ryde Goshawks 1, Ryde Revellers 4 v Havenstreet A 6.

Ryde’s C and A teams continue to lead Division One and at this stage look to be the two teams vying for the title after their victories this week.

The C team had an easy 9-1 win against Ryde Goshawks. The A team beat Ryde B by 7 games to 3. Havenstreet beat Ryde Revellers by 6 games to 4 to stay in third.

Division Two

Havenstreet B 5 v Ryde Rogues 5, Shorwell Sinners 6 v Ryde Resisters 4, Newport Vics A 7 v Ryde Retailers 3, Ryde Rising Stars 8 v Ryde Rovers 2.

The match of the week was between Havenstreet B and Ryde Rogues, which proved a perfectly evenly matched contest involving experienced Island players. Newport Vics A kept their hold at the top of the table with a 7-3 win over second-placed Ryde Retailers.

Division Three

Shorwell Saviours 3 v Newport Vics C 7, Cowes Baptists 5 v Wroxall C 5, Ryde Raiders 1 v Wroxall A 9, Ryde Oddballs 3 v Shorwell Saints 7.

Wroxall A increased their lead at the top of the table with a 9-1 victory over Ryde Raiders, whilst Wroxall C’s new players enjoyed their first draw of the season against Cowes Baptists. Newport Vics C enjoyed a good 7-3 win against Shorwell Saviours.