A BATTLE of two Ryde teams Division 1 of the Isle of Wight Table Tennis League provided great entertainment for those who came to Smallbrook to watch it last week.
Ryde Ravens and Ryde Goshawks enjoyed a tightly contested match, with the Ravens' Joe Chapman on top form, remaining unbeaten throughout the match, despite being taken to five sets by Keith Baker.
The Ravens' Tom Waddell won a close, but hard-earned victory over junior, Zak Holbrook, with the match finely balanced going into the doubles, which the Goshawk’s took easily to rescue a 5-5 draw.
Shanklin A performed well against Ryde A, with Jim Hall particularly pleased with his five-set victory over Ryde’s Mark Turner.
Going into the doubles, Shanklin were just one game behind, but Ryde took the doubles without difficulty to snatch it 6-4 and stay at the top of the table.
But Ryde Reprobates lie only three points behind after their 8-2 win against Newport Vics B.
Despite the Ryde Allsorts suffering an 8-2 defeat against Ryde Rascals, the Allsorts' young Jye Lock had a great night, beating experienced Alan Burch and Brian Voller in fine style in Division 2.
The Havenstreet Hooters enjoyed a 9-1 win over Ryde Lizards, with Havenstreet’s Alan Hulbert player of the match.
Newport Vics C continue to play strongly, beating Wootton Wanderers easily, with all three of their players winning two each.
Paul Lewis and Paul Harper also took the doubles to win the match 8-2, and Newport head the table with an eight point lead over the Rascals.
In Division 2, Ryde Retailers beat Ryde Frogs 8-2, with the Retailer’s Joseph Millward unbeaten, hoisting them into second in the table.
RESULTS
Division 1: Shanklin A 4, Ryde A 6; Newport Vics B 2, Ryde Reprobates 8; Ryde Ravens 5, Ryde Goshawks 5; Ryde B 4, Ryde C 6.
Division 2: Ryde Lizards 1, Havenstreet Hooters 9; Wootton Wanders 3, Newport Vics C 7; Ryde Rascals 8, Ryde Allsorts 2; Ryde Revellers 5, Ryde Rockets 5.
Division 3: Shorwell Saints 7, Ryde Rustics 3; Ryde Frogs 2, Ryde Retailers 8; Newport Vics D 7, Shorwell Spinners 3.
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