ISLE OF WIGHT COMPETE IN BRITISH SENIOR TABLE TENNIS LEAGUE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THEIR HISTORY

For the 1st time in their history, the Isle of Wight Table Tennis Association has entered teams into the British Senior League. The Isle of Wight 1st team plays in National C (5) and comprises Scott Lawson and Alex Rorke – who are also joined by 3 players from a small mainland club – with the Island’s Glenn Morley also taking part when needed. The Isle of Wight 2nd team plays in National C (7) and are all Island players – Paul Rainford, Hugh Idle, Ryan Cates, Tim Giles and Lewis Johnstone.  21-year-old Hugh Idle and 17-year-olds Ryan Cates and Lewis Johnstone have all come through the Island coaching system. With 10 matches completed, Isle of Wight 1 lies 6th in their division, having won 4 matches, including against Newton Abbott this weekend. Scott Lawson has an 87.5 % win average whilst Alex Rorke has a 62.5% win average. Isle of Wight 2 are fifth in their Division, also having won 4 matches, with a particularly good win over Norwich City this weekend, moving them up a place. Paul Rainford has a 67% win average, with Hugh Idle on 60%, and junior Ryan Cates on a credible 45%.

In Division 1…

At the halfway point of the season, Ryde C have taken back the lead from last season’s champions Ryde A. Ryde C now have a cushion of six points; the 2nd half of the season should prove interesting.  Rising star Ryan Cates – fresh from his recent success in Plymouth and also playing well in the British Senior League – was player of the match for Ryde C against Ryde Goshawks.  Cates did not drop a set in the C team’s 10-0 victory and is likely to improve on his 71% win average by the end of the season. Shanklin A are having an excellent run at present, after their 2nd 10-0 win in 2 weeks, this time against Newport Vics B, which has taken them into 3rd place. However, Newport’s sub Lawrence Fo, who was playing up from the 2nd division, deserves a mention for taking Shanklin’s Don Hobbs and Mike Turner to five sets, only to lose at the final hurdle.

In the players’ averages, Ryde A’s Scott Lawson remains unbeaten, with Ryde C’s Paul Rainford on 95% win average.

Ryde C	10	RydeGoshawks	0
Newport Vics B	0	Shanklin A	10
Ryde Ravens	8	Newport Vics A	2

In Division 2…   

In Division 2, Newport Vics C lead the table, with Ryde Rascals close behind in 2nd place after their 7-3 win over Ryde Revellers. Ryde Rockets move into 3rd place after beating Ryde Lizards 9-1. In the players’averages, both Ryde Rocket’s Trevor Percival and Newport Vics C’s Lawrence Fo are unbeaten, with Ryde Reveller’s Gourav Shah on 87% win average.

Ryde Rockets	9	Ryde Lizards	1
Ryde Allsorts	2	Wootton Wanders	8
Ryde Rascals	7	Ryde Revellers	3

In Division 3…

Newport Vics D have a strong lead at the top of the table after their 8-2 win over Ryde Rustics. The Rustic’s nonagenarian Bert Paice and junior Grace Stevens both enjoyed their victories over Newport’s Sam Pascoe. Ryde Retailers are close behind Newport in 2nd place after a good win over Shorwell Spinners, with the Retailer’s Shane Cates player of the match winning all 3.

Shorwell Spinners	3	Ryde Retailers	7
Ryde Frogs	2	Shorwell Saints	8
Newport Vics D	8	Ryde Rustics	2