Trophies flew as freely as ping pong balls as the Isle of Wight’s table tennis players celebrated a packed 2025/26 season.
The Isle of Wight Table Tennis Association held its annual presentation evening at Ryde Castle Hotel on Friday 4th September, capping a season which saw around 20 tournaments contested.
Silverware was handed out across Island championships, league and cup competitions, doubles, handicaps and age groups ranging from cadets and juniors to veterans.
The Island Echo Cup went to Ryan Cates, who took the trophy ahead of runner-up Toby Payne.
It was one of several successes for Cates. He also won the Hard Bat competition, partnered Paul Rainford to victory in the Men’s Doubles and finished runner-up to Scott Lawson in the Men’s Island Singles.
Pat Thorley was crowned Women’s Island Singles champion ahead of Debbie Yates, while a host of other individual and team champions collected their trophies during the evening.
The association also had success away from its regular competitions during 2025/26. A special tournament attracted 48 players and raised £1,800 for Mountbatten, while Matt Daish and Matt Porter provided coaching sessions for adults and juniors.
Island players also welcomed Southampton West Table Tennis Association during the season.
Even the presentation evening itself featured some friendly rivalry, with The Young Ones winning the quiz. The team included Division 1 and Senior British Club League player Joe Chapman and his family.
Association chairman Alex Rorke thanked the committee, tournament organisers and everyone who had contributed to another busy season, as well as sponsors Woodcliffe Holiday and Retirement Homes.
RESULTS
Winner listed first, runner-up second.
INDIVIDUAL & DOUBLES
Island Echo Cup: Ryan Cates; Toby Payne
Island Singles – Men: Scott Lawson; Ryan Cates
Island Singles – Women: Pat Thorley; Debbie Yates
Hard Bat: Ryan Cates; Joe Chapman
Men’s Doubles: Paul Rainford/Ryan Cates; Scott Lawson/Joe Chapman
Mixed Doubles: Roger Hookey/Jo Hurt; Pat Thorley/Thane Taylor
Brian Warne Drawn Doubles: Bryce Wilson/Bev Giles; Tim Giles/Ollie Lewis
Gordon Burnell Handicapped Singles: Jye Lock; Jo Hurt
Handicapped Doubles: James Helyer/Josh Helyer; Carol Taverner/Mark Weeks
Novices: Josh Peake; Rhys Woodward
AGE-GROUP & DIVISIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Veterans Over-70s: Tim Giles; Rob Smith
Veterans Over-60s: Paul Rainford; Rob Smith
Veterans Over-40s: Mark Turner; Rob Smith
Juniors: Lewis Johnstone; Jye Lock
Cadets: Theo Lewis; Thane Taylor
Division 2: Thane Taylor; Mark Compton
Division 3: Toby Payne; Mark Coombe
LEAGUE & CUP HONOURS
Summer League – Columbia Cup: The Thorneys; The Giants
Doubles Day League: Nitons; Chales
Day League Pairs: Goshawks; Kites
Knowles Cup: Ryde C; Cowes Baptists
Winter League – Division 1: Ryde C; Ryde A
Winter League – Division 2: Vics A; Rising Stars
Winter League – Division 3: Warriors A; Vics C
