The signs are that this season’s Isle of Wight’s table tennis 1st Division may be a closer affair than last year’s at this early stage.
Division One Results
| Shanklin A | 6 | Ryde Ravens | 4 |
| Newport Vics B | 2 | Ryde B | 8 |
| Ryde A | 3 | Ryde C | 7 |
Ryde C took on last season’s champions Ryde A this week, and a match of exciting, high-quality play ensued, with some close games. Ultimately, Ryde C won the match 7-3, with Paul Rainford player of the match and junior Ryan Cates winning 2, whilst Rainford and Cates also combined to take the doubles in 4 close sets for the C team, against Mark Turner and Rob Smith.
Shanklin A had a close match against Ryde Ravens, taking the match 6-4, but the Raven’s Steve Mills finished unbeaten and was also involved in the doubles win with teammate Joe Chapman.
Division 2
| Havenstreet Hooters | 4 | Ryde Revellers | 6 |
| Ryde Rockets | 4 | Newport Vics C | 6 |
| Ryde Rascals | 8 | Wootton Wanderers | 2 |
In Division 2, there was a close match between Havenstreet Hooters and Ryde Revellers.
Once again the Reveller’s Gourav Shah was player of the match, whilst teammate Dave Batten was on fine form with 2 victories. Havenstreet’s Dave Rendle also had a good night, winning 2 games, but the combination of Shah and teammate Nicky Dando in the doubles proved too much for Rendle and fellow player Paul White, meaning the Revellers took the match 6-4.
Newport Vics C had another strong win against Ryde Rockets, although nobody could get the better of the Rocket’s Trevor Percival. Newport took the match 8-2 and lie joint first in the table with last year’s runners-up Ryde Rascals.
Division 3
| Shorwell Saints | 5 | Shorwell Spinners | 5 |
| Ryde Frogs | 3 | Ryde Rustics | 7 |
| Newport Vics D | 8 | Ryde Retailers | 2 |
The closest match in Division Three was a derby between the two Shorwell teams, the Saints, and last season’s runners-up, the Spinners.
Player of the match was the Saints’ Kevin Williams, who was unbeaten, but the Spinners put together a solid performance between them, and newcomer Sam Biles had a memorable 5-set win for his 1st victory in the league. The match ended in a draw.
Newport Vics C beat Ryde Retailers 8-2, but the Retailer’s young Joe Millward proved very hard to beat and won the 2 victories of the night for his team.
