By Isle of Wight Observer
by Debbie Yates
Division One
Ryde C 8 v Ryde A 2; Ryde Goshawks 4 v Ryde Revellers 6; Ryde B 4 v Ryde Rankers 6.
Ryde C strengthened their position at the top of Division One, with an emphatic win over Ryde A with the A‑team’s Scott Lawson, who has lost only twice all season, failing to register a win. He pushed both Paul Rainford and Ryan Cates close, but neither match went his way. Mark Turner secured the A team’s only singles victory, and he and Lawson combined to take the doubles.
The match of the week saw Ryde Rankers edge out Ryde B. Rankers’ Hugh Idle remained unbeaten, though B‑team player Tim Giles pushed him all the way, losing on deuce in the fifth. Giles then suffered a surprise defeat to 14‑year‑old substitute Thane Taylor, who impressed with a five‑set win. With the match finely balanced, the doubles proved decisive: Idle and Graham Evans overcame Alex Rorke and Bryce Wilson in yet another five‑set thriller, lifting the Rankers into third place.
Division Two
Ryde Rovers 2 v Ryde Rising Stars 8; Ryde Rogues 6 v Havenstreet B 4; Ryde Retailers 2 v Newport Vics A 8; Ryde Resisters 3 v Shorwell Sinners 7.
Leaders, Newport Vics A, dropped two unexpected points against Ryde Retailers, with wins for Paul Cates and Robin Clegg, but still hold a commanding 23‑point lead over Ryde Rising Stars, who beat Ryde Rovers.
The standout contest was Ryde Rogues’ victory over third‑placed Havenstreet B. The Rogues’ Joe Millward was in outstanding form, winning all three singles and pairing with Trevor Jones to take the doubles against Mike Prior and Jo Hurt. The win lifts the Rogues out of the relegation zone.
Division Three
Shorwell Saints 3 v Ryde Odd Balls 7; Newport Vics C 9 v Shorwell Saviours 1; Wroxall Warriors 2 v Cowes Baptists 8; Wroxall Warriors 8 v Ryde Raiders 2.
Wroxall Warriors A continued their dominance with a decisive win over Ryde Raiders, helped by 13‑year‑old substitute, Josh Helyer, who won all his matches and the doubles with Andrew Bailey.
Newport Vics C enjoyed a strong victory over Shorwell Saviours, with Debbie Yates and Chris Gordine unbeaten and Richard Jackson adding two wins. They are now in third place, but with matches in hand. Cowes Baptists moved into second place after a win over Wroxall C, though 13-year-old Aimee Waddell claimed an excellent singles win and paired with Wesley Coombe to take the doubles for Wroxall.