DEFENDING champions Ryde A were back on form in Division 1 of the Isle of Wight Table Tennis League.

Unbeaten Scott Lawson was player of the match in their 8-2 victory over Newport Vics A, while team-mates Pat Thorley and Rob Smith won two each — both losing to Newport’s Paul Freeborn.

However, Ryde C top the table, with Ryde Reprobates in second — both sides looking hard to beat after their easy victories over Shanklin A and Ryde Goshawks. 

Finalists in the English Leagues National Junior Tournament, Ryan Cates and Lewis Johnstone, play for Ryde C and the Reprobates respectively and, along with their team-mates, they aim to push hard to stop Ryde A from taking top spot again.

Meanwhile, in Division 2, Newport Vics C continued their good form with a 9-1 win over Ryde Allsorts — although young Jye Lock played particularly well to defeat Newport’s Paul Harper.

Wootton Wanderers met Ryde Revellers — a closely fought match which went on late into the night, with many tight games. 

The Wanderers’ Neil Hedges was player of the match and remains unbeaten, but he was taken to five sets by the Reveller’s Nicky Dando and Gourav Shah.

In Division 3, Newport Vics D continued their early dominance with a 7-3 win over Ryde Rustics, with Newport’s Debbie Yates player of the match.

Bert Paice, 92, proved to be her most difficult opponent.

Ryde Retailer’s 12-year-old, Joseph Renouf, enjoyed a great win over Shorwell Spinner’s Tom Biles — although every set went to deuce, so it was a tough match for both players. 

The Retailers won the match 7-3.

RESULTS
Division 1: Newport Vics A 2, Ryde A 8; Ryde C 9, Shanklin A 1; Ryde Goshawks 2, Ryde Reprobates 8; Ryde Ravens 4, Newport Vics B 6.
Division 2: Ryde Lizards 2, Ryde Rascals 8; Havenstreet Hooters 6, Ryde Rockets 4; Wootton Wanderers 6, Ryde Revellers 4; Newport Vics C 9, Ryde Allsorts 1.
Division 3: Ryde Rustics 3, Newport Vics D 7; Ryde Retailers 7, Shorwell Spinners 3.