By IW Observer.co.uk
Shanklin Warriors have overtaken Ryde A at the top of the league table for the first time this season, after two 9-1 victories this week over Newport Vics A and Wroxall A.
Ryde A also had a good week, with an 8-2 victory over Newport Vics A, with only the Vics Dave Hilliam and Ana Joyce winning any games, despite some close contests.
Wroxall A proved their resilience after their drubbing by Shanklin Warriors, to come back and beat higher-placed Ryde Raiders 9-1, with only the Raiders’ Timothy Giles managing a win, over Wroxall’s Carl Rye.
With Ryde A having two games in hand over Shanklin Warriors, they still look set to take the league title, with Shanklin favourites for second place over Ryde Royals.
In a South Wight derby match, St Lawrence Lizards took on the Undercliff Belters in an exciting contest, with some close games. The Belters needed to rely on two subs this week, Division Three player, Albert Lee, and Junior, Lewis Johnstone, who joined regular player, Bryce Wilson. Wilson was player-of-the-match with three victories, whilst Lee won one, and Johnstone won two. The Lizards’ Derek Pittard was their best player with two wins, and the match culminated in a hard-fought doubles, which the Belters edged by winning the fifth set 11-9. The match ended 7-3 to the Belters.
Havenstreet stay at the top of the table, with Shanklin Skuas still in second place and unlikely to catch them at this late stage.
Second-placed Shorwell A continued their good form with an excellent 8-2 victory over third-placed Ryde Rustics and with a game in hand over the Rustics look favourites for the second spot behind Newport Vics C.
Ladies and girls practice sessions
In January a six-week run of ladies-only practice sessions was introduced at the Isle of Wight Table Tennis Centre at Smallbrook in Ryde, in a bid to encourage females to come back into table tennis or to try it for the first time. At every session, participants had the chance to play lots of different players, and the sessions finished with a fun ‘Round the Table’ game.
The sessions have proved very popular with up to 19 people taking part each week, and 20 new members signed up for Ryde Table Tennis Club.
Owing to their popularity, the sessions are continuing every Friday evening between 4.30 pm and 6.30 pm. The cost is £2.50 for adults and £1 for under-18s, to include use of bats and balls, and refreshments. Anyone interested in attending who would like more information; please email Nicky Dando at nicky.dando1968@gmail.com
Isle of Wight Observer