By Isle of Wight Observer
by Debbie Yates
The Winter League is halfway through as the teams take a two week break for Christmas and the New Year, and Ryde continue to dominate the First Division, Newport Vics the Second, and Wroxall and Cowes the Third, meaning this season’s League is a truly whole Island affair.
Division One
Ryde A 7 v Ryde Revellers 3, Ryde Rankers 7 v Ryde Goshawks 3, Ryde C 7 v Ryde Rankers 3, Ryde Goshawks 2 v Havenstreet A 8.
Ryde A stayed in second place behind Ryde C after a 7-3 win against Ryde Revellers. The Reveller’s Steve Mills was unbeaten, but the A team’s Pat Thorley, Mark Turner and Rob Smith were all unbeaten in their other singles, and Smith and Turner took the doubles in straight sets.
Havenstreet A moved up to fourth place after an 8-2 win against Ryde Goshawks, who were in action twice this week, and suffered another defeat 7-3 against the third placed team, Ryde Rankers.
Ryde C’s Ryan Cates heads the averages table going into the Christmas break, with Scott Lawson from Ryde A in second place.
Division Two
Havenstreet B 2 v Ryde Rising Stars 8, Ryde Resisters 4 v Ryde Rogues 6, Newport Vics B 6 Ryde Retailers 4.
Ryde Rising Stars are pushing to take second place from Newport Vics B after an 8-2 win against Havenstreet B, with cadet players Thane Taylor and Theo Lewis unbeaten and improving with every match, helped by the junior coaching they receive at the regular IWTTA sessions.
Second-placed Newport Vics B played a tight match against Ryde Retailers, with Newport’s Paul Freeborn unbeaten and player of the match.
Ryde’s Robin Clegg was on form winning two, and losing a five set thriller to Freeborn. Newport took the match 6-4 after an easy doubles win.
Newport Vic’s Barry Joyce heads the averages table, with club mates Paul Freeborn and Rob Warren tied in second place.
Division Three
Cowes Baptists 8 v Shorwell Saviours 2, Wroxall Lizards 3 v Ryde Odd Balls 7, Wroxall Warriors C 0 v Shorwell Saints 10, Ryde Raiders 0 v Wroxall Vics C 10, Wroxall Warriors A 9 v Wroxall Warriors B 1.
Cowes Baptists held onto second place after an 8-2 win against Shorwell Saviours, whilst Newport Vics C at last found their expected form after a 10-0 win over Ryde Raiders, and are just one point behind Cowes, with matches in hand.
Ryde Odd Balls had a good win against the experienced players of Wroxall Lizards, with 14 year old Toby Payne player of the match and undefeated. Ryde won the match 7-3.
Wroxall’s Andrew Bailey remains unbeaten and heads the averages table, with Cowes’ Mark Compton also unbeaten, but having played fewer games.