By Isle of Wight Observer
By Debbie Yates
Division One
Ryde C 9 v Newport Vics A 1, Newport Vics B 4 v Ryde Goshawks 6, Ryde B 7 v Ryde A 3, Ryde Ravens 0 v Ryde Reprobates 10.
In the final week of matches in Division One of the Winter League, Ryde A took second place, despite their 7-3 defeat to Ryde B.
Another Ryde team, the Reprobates, took third after their 10-0 defeat of Ryde Ravens. Ryde C came top after winning 14 of their 16 matches with the other two drawn, with Ryde B fourth.
Scott Lawson of Ryde A finished top of the averages table after only one defeat, whilst Ryde C’s Paul Rainford came in second, with over 91 per cent win average. The top player from a non-Ryde team was Shanklin A’s Mike Turner, who finished with just under 70 per cent.
Despite Ryde’s domination of Division One, Shanklin A finished in a respectable fifth place, whilst Newport Vics A had a disappointing season finishing second from bottom just ahead of clubmates Vics B.
Division Two
Ryde Allsorts 4 v Ryde Rockets 6, Wootton Wanderers 3 v Havenstreet Hooters 7, Ryde Rascals 1 v Newport Vics C 9.
Division Two still has a way to go before the end of the season, but Newport Vic’s C look like they will stay top after a 9-1 win over last season’s runners up, Ryde Rascals. Despite some very close matches, it was the Rascals’ Alan Burch who scored their only victory, against Paul Harper.
Havenstreet Hooters continued their fine form against Wootton Wanderers, winning 7-3, keeping them in second place and 8 points ahead of the Rascals. Havenstreet’s elder statesman, Mike Prior, defied his age to win all three of his matches, including two long five-setters against Wootton’s Alan Dennis and Guy Golbourn.
Division Three
Ryde Frogs 4 v Shorwell Saints 6, Newport Vics D 9 v Ryde Rustics 1
With only two matches played in Division Three this week, champions Newport Vics D showed their dominance, with a 9-1 win over Ryde Rustics. The Rustics’ Frank Kelly scored their only victory over Sam Pascoe.
With at least three matches remaining to be played for most teams, second place will likely be contested between Ryde Retailers and Shorwell Spinners.