Isle of Wight News- #IW NEWS Isle of Wight Gazette

The Natwest Island Games soccer fixtures are to be re-drawn after it was realised that the rules were broken in the original draw held this morning (Thursday).

Previously published fixtures, which saw Guernsey, Jersey and Alderney in tough groups, have been scrapped. The new draw will be made tomorrow (Friday).

The technical committee for the NatWest Island Games had raised issues on the football draw carried out this morning with the Isle of Wight FA and Games Organising Committee.

Under the rules, the groups for the round-robin stage have to be equal numbers and the first draw saw three groups of four and one group of three. Now there will be three groups of five which means that the winning team face the prospect of playing six games on consecutive days.

Check back tomorrow for the newly drawn fixtures.

The South and West finals of The Lady Taverners Girls’ National Under 13 Indoor Cricket Competition came to an exciting close last week (Monday 21 March) at the University of West England, Bristol, with Ventnor Middle School from the Isle of Wight booking their place in the final at Lord’s, the spiritual home of cricket.

46 schools from across the UK are competing in a series of five U13s regional heats to reach the national finals at Lord’s on 11 May. Ventnor Middle School took overall victory in the South & West heat, facing stiff competition from schools from Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset and Wiltshire before going on to beat Cape Cornwall School from St. Just to claim the U13’s South & West title.

The final was a very closely contested match with Cape Cornwall setting Ventnor a target of 47, which they chased down with only 1 wicket to spare to ensure their progress to the national final at Lord’s in May. This is the first time Ventnor have reached the national indoor Lady Taverners final and the first ever time they have reached a national final as a school.

The Lady Taverners has sponsored the ECB-run girls’ indoor and outdoor cricket competitions since 2003, giving 48,000 girls the opportunity to participate in cricket, many for the first time. The Lady Taverners competitions are the country’s only national girls’ cricket competitions, providing a vital pathway for the development of grassroots girls’ cricket.

Derrin Gill, Director of The Lady Taverners, commented: “The Lady Taverners is all about giving young people a sporting chance. Many girls don’t get the chance to play competitive cricket so we are delighted to be able to provide opportunities for girls all across the country. Year on year we have had an increased number of participants and the standard keeps getting better. Congratulations to all the teams who took part in the South and West under 13 competition and we look forward to seeing Ventnor Middle School at Lord’s!”

The Lady Taverners is part of The Lord’s Taverners, the official charity of recreational cricket and one of the UK’s leading youth sports and disability charities. The Lord’s Taverners will donate over £3 million this year to help give young people a sporting chance.

With just a few weeks to go until the start of the 2011 speedway season, the Isle of Wight Islanders have announced a press and practice day, which has been confirmed as Saturday 16^th March 2011.

Fans will be able to see riders in action during the afternoon,starting at 3.30pm and will be able to meet the riders in a meet and greet session at 7.00pm. Times and admission prices are to be confirmed shortly.

The Islanders still have their last signing to name and the Islander’s co-promoter Chris Hunt explains why: “Unfortunately at this time we are unable to release the name of the last rider for the 2011 side. We know the rider we want in the line up but currently we are still in negotiations with the riders parent club.

“Hopefully we should be able to make a full announcement next week.”

Chris added: “Work is underway at the stadium with extensive track work and stadium improvements in progress.”

Sunday (March 6^th) saw Brendan Johnson and John Resch put their machines through their paces as the two Island squad members took to the Sittingbourne track for an extensive practice session.

Brendan said:”I felt really good and quick. I’m happy to be returning to the Island this season.

“My first challenge is to score big points around my home track, but my main aim is to score consistently away from home.

“I’d like to win some silverware with the Islanders, we haven’t been able to do it the last couple of seasons. I’m sure we can crack on and win some this year with the best squad we have had on the Island, we all know each other so we will have a good team atmosphere.”

Looking ahead to the new season Johnson continued: “I’ve never felt this fit for the start of a season. I’ve been training really hard at the gym and am really looking forward to the start.

“There has been a forced break off the bike because of the weather since I returned from Australia, I think it has done me good to have a break away from the sport and come back ready for a fresh for the start.”

Taking a look back Johnson confirmed that after two years he is completely over the injuries he sustained.

“I had a season last year to get back into racing, it didn’t go as well as I had planned team wise but my individual year was amazing. Under 21′s final qualification winning the British under 18′s, I couldn’t off asked for more.”

Finally, Johnson, who has been spending part of the winter in Australia the last two years, stressed he would be concentrating hard and hoping for an injury free season.

“The whole tour that Marcus Williams has set up is phenomenal. I’ve not seen anything better, the way he runs it is just outstanding. It would be nice to go back but it depends on what plans Marcus has.”

In the UK Johnson added; “I would like to progress and pick up a Premier league team during the season, but the selection of the seeded spots for the British under 21 final has disappointed me, as the current under 18 champion I feel that I should of been seeded. I’ve qualified for the last two years and come in the top three each time, it is so disappointing.”

The six riders signed so far, not in riding order; Nick Simmons (c), Brendan Johnson, Rob Smith, Lee Smethills, Tom Hill, John Resch

The ‘Tornados’, the Island’s under-18 ice hockey team, made the trip to East London to play the high flying Lee Valley Lions last Sunday. With the Coles brothers missing, Kurtis Thompson was an extra player, making his first away trip with the team.

Those who played last season knew what they were going to be up against in this game. The scores last season were around the 28-30 mark to the Lee Valley’s advantage. This season, Lee Valley dominate the statistics tables with most goals scored and top scorer. It was going to be an uphill battle.

The game started out in much the same way that the previous seasons matches had- with a goal after thirteen seconds. It’s fair to say that the Tornados do take a bit of time to get into a game on the road, and Lee Valley took immediate advantage of that. The opening goal was scored by Elliot Greene, the league’s leading scorer by some distance. He would be a constant threat all night, and is a talent to watch for the future.

Read the full story in next week’s eGazette

The Isle of Wight Islanders have announced that popular racer Tom Hill will be back wearing the Islander’s race jacket once more in 2011.

Hill, from Sheffield in Yorkshire, is a rider who has really been taken to heart by the Islander’s fans and his never say die attitude was one of the reasons that the Island management were quick to re-sign him, once they knew the new 2011 National League set up.

Tom said “I always wanted to come back, it’s a great place to race and a great club to race for, I love it and the fans too, they really have made me so welcome. I hope I can repay their faith and add a point or two to my average.

“I know everyone wanted to come back, but the averages as they are were always going to prevent that, but we still have a good team lined up and I think we can surprise a few people.”

Another rider returning to Smallbrook is local lad John Resch. The youngster stepped in to help the Islanders during their hour of need at the tail end of the season and impressed enough to earn himself a contract for 2011.

Kevin Shepherd said “Tom was always in our plans, I think we would have been crucified had we not brought him back, the fans love him and we are sure he has more to offer, if he can continue in the progress he has made over the last two seasons there is no reason why he can’t be pushing for a heat leader spot by the end of the campaign.

“In John we have a great little racer, we haven’t seen the best of him yet, he has a lot of talent and a good run in the team could see him become a big hitter for the team.”

Other signings are due to be announced soon as the Islanders prepare to try and bring home some silverware.

Work meanwhile continues to bring the stadium up to scratch, with new toilet blocks being constructed by the pits and plans are also afoot to upgrade the Premier Bar and kitchen.

Meanwhile Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd are busy planning the fixtures for which the opening one will be on Tuesday 19th April.

Wightlink Islanders has announced the resigning of Nick Simmons on to the team for 2011.

Simmons, who first rode for the Islanders in 1997, is the first rider to put pen to paper after what seems a very long winter.

Simmons is a very popular figure at Smallbrook Club and if he can maintain last season form which featured several breath taking out side swoop passing, the fans will continue to love him said Ken Burnett.

We are in the process of putting together a very strong team for the new season.

We want to start 2011 the way we finished 2010, picking up points and silverware on our travels.

The IW Thunder under-16 ice hockey team took on local rivals Gosport in a much anticipated local derby, and trounced the opposition 11-1.

In recent games the Thunder have come out of the blocks slowly and this game was no different. Gosport were far livelier during the early exchanges and the pressure paid off when they scored after just five minutes.

However, the Thunder replied almost immediately with a power play goal from Luke Bontoft assisted by Archie Bicknell and Aaron Craft. For the remainder of the period the Thunder peppered the Gosport goal but to no avail.

In the second period Thunder took a stranglehold on the game and scored after just eight seconds with a short handed goal by Aidan Doughty assisted by Bontoft.

A further three period goals were added by Doughty with all the assists going to Bontoft and Bicknell. The players ended the period in a far more commanding and comfortable five goals to one lead.

At the start of the third period the game was all but over, but with local bragging rights at stake the Thunder refused to take their feet off the gas. A further six goals were added by Doughty, Bontoft and Bicknell with the pick of the assists going to Ben Thomas-Hart and Bobby Gardner.

What has been most impressive about Thunderr is that this was only the 12th goal conceded this season. The defenceman and netminders of Elliott Powell and Hannah Bowkis have been the best in the league and continue to impress every game. Next weekend’s game at Lee Valley will see second in the league play third in what promises to be a pivotal game of the season.

Man of the match: Aidan Doughty. Spirit of the game: Dylan Ronald

Points: Aidan Doughty 8+1, Luke Bontoft 2+3, Archie Bicknell 1+4, Aaron Craft 0+1, Bobby Gardner 0+1, Ben Thomas-Hart 0+1, Joss Osman 0+1

In their penultimate home game of the season, the IW Lightning under-14 ice hockey team played hosts to local rivals Gosport, and eased home 8-4.

The young islanders could not have got off to a better start by scoring after just two minutes with an unassisted goal by Brandon Wright who continues with his rich vein of scoring.

The rest of the period was very even but Gosport scored the next goal. Their success was very short lived with an immediate reply from Alexander Trendall with assists from Sean Molloy and Harrison Brown. A further quick fire goal was added by Rory Julian to end the first period with a comfortable 3-1 lead.

The second period was somewhat different with Gosport coming out with all guns blazing and scoring three goals in just four minutes to reverse the lead. The Lightning pulled a late period goal back from Alexander Trendall to level the games going into the third and final period.

The team were given a good team talk before the third period and certainly came out the stronger of the two teams. Rory Julian restored the lead with two quick fire goals with well worked assists from both Eden Holton and Jake Bontoft.

This allowed Lightning to take a foot hold on the game and they began to play some nice hockey. Jordan Jacobs scored a rocket of a goal unassisted which was added to with just one minute left with the final goal of the game going to stalwart defence man Dylan Ronald.

Man of match: Rory Julian. Spirit of the game: Oliver Bennett.

Wightlink Raiders defence man Dan Scott had vowed to be back on the ice again for the start of next season after suffering an horrendous ankle injury in a freak accident.

Scott, 22, does not yet know whether he will need further surgery after fracturing and dislocating his right ankle when playing in Raiders’ ice hockey match against Bracknell.

He accepts he could be spending the next six months on crutches, but is determined to be fit and ready for the start of Raiders’ new campaign in September.

Scott told the Gazette about the fateful moments when he realised he had suffered such a bad injury. He said:

“I went into the corner with a Bracknell player chasing the puck, and as he slipped, I went over the top of him.

“But my right skate seemed to catch his leg, so my ankle stopped by my body carried on. The pain was excruciating, and I knew straight away I had picked up a real bad one.”

Scott has already had the dislocation put back in place, but is now anxiously waiting for the welling around the ankle to go down before specialists decide the best course of action to aid his recovery.

He continued:

“If it heals all right, then I will not have to have it pinned. But I shall be having X-rays more or less every week to see how it is settling down. I know the worst case scenario will be having a pin in the ankle, and that means a long spell on crutches.

“Then I will have to start physiotherapy, so I know I could be off the ice for at least six months, although I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will be a bit less than that.”

Scott played for Raiders for four months last season before being released. But he won his place back with the Island outfit at the start of this campaign, and has been a key performer.

He added:

“The season ends in March, so I am heading back up to my home town of Nottingham to begin my rehab. Hopefully, thing will go according to plan, although in the close season I work as a doorman, and I don’t think I shall be doing that this summer.

“The lads will be back on the ice in August to prepare for the next season, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that I shall be there with them.”

Newport suffered a 3-1 defeat they will quickly want to forget when they visited Wimborne Town in the Sydenhams Wessex League, Premier Division.

The Island side has Gary Streeter sent off for violent conduct, and were undine by two goals from former player Lee Chudy.

The Port were behind inside four minutes Steve Gilbert headed home, but they were back in the game 15 minutes later Tom McInnes netted with a near post header.

Despite pressure to take the lead, The Port slipped to defeat as Wimborne grabbed two more goals in a four-minute spell before the break. Their hopes of a comeback all but ended when they were reduced to 10 men on 65 minutes as Streeter was shown a straight red, and now faces a three-match suspension.

Cowes Sports battled bravely in their home game with Christchurch, before losing by the odd goal in seven.
Sports found themselves two goals adrift inside 15 minutes but hit back to level before the break through Mark Augustus and Craig Thomas.

Augustus then had a penalty saved, but managed to turn in the rebound to give Sports the lead, only for Christchurch to hit back with the equaliser before grabbing the winner just before the final whistle.

Brading Town’s home clash with Hayling Utd was postponed, while in Division One East Cowes Vics lost 3-0 at home to Hamble ASSC.

The Isle of Wight Wildcats under-18 ice hockey were well beaten by Solent & Gosport in the south coast derby despite a hat-trick by Danny Welch.

Although it was a friendly, the rivalry was intense, with both teams looking for the win. Within the first minute the Patriots pressed their advantage and scored. Although the Wildcats hit the post several times the first period ended with a 3-0 advantage to the hosts.

The Wildcats opened their scoring in the second period with a single handed shot from Welch, Solent came back and once again pressed their number advantage. The Wildcats had trouble getting shots past the Solent keeper, and the second period ended 6-1 to Solent Patriots.

The interval talk seemed to help the Wildcats who came out fighting, and Welch went on to complete his hat trick. He was assisted by Matt Wilks for the first and Aaron Edwards for the second.

But as the period drew to a close the Wildcats were tiring and Solent went on to clinch victory 9-3. Man of the Match went to defence man James McClellan.

The Wildcats are recruiting new members only to train ready for the next season, and anyone interested should contact Ryde Arena (Ice Rink).

Ryde Rowing Club competed in their first pre-season head race, travelling to the 2012 Olympic Regatta venue at Dorney Lake, Eton to race in the Marlow Rowing Clubs Trial Head.

A time trial, over the full 2000m course, was for crews in three divisions with races for all categories. With over 500 crews and scullers competing this was one of the largest events of this type held in the country and racing was of a very high standard.

Ryde, sponsored by Wightlink, entered a coxless quad of Mick Jenner, Russell Page, Tom Clark and Nick Pike who raced in the intermediate category in division two and their time of 6 mins, 44 secs gave them victory over what was admittedly fairly limited opposition.

Three of the crew then competed in Division 3 in the Veteran C section and achieved an impressive set of results with Nick Pike finishing first in 7 mins 55 secs, just half a second ahead of Mick Jenner in second place – with the third Ryde sculler – Russell Page finishing third. Allan Evans also competed in this division in a single, in the Veteran F category and also won his event.

Nine club juniors also competed – a J14 Boys development crew of Harvey Kirkby, Andreas Hicks, Harry Batchelor and Max Reeve, with Dale Buckett coxing raced in a coxed quad in Division 2, a first race at this level for most of them. They finished in 11th place in a very competitive section. The more established Boys’ J14 crew of Max Reeve, Sam Corney, Dave Buckett and Christian Lacey with Bryony Reeve coxing raced in Division three – but in the same event, finishing sixth.

Holly Evans and Bryony Reeve completed the Ryde team – racing in division two in the Girls J16 double scull where they finished in ninth place.

Cowes Sports grabbed a vital point in their battle to avoid relegation from the Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division when they visited fellow strugglers Alton Town.

A rugged scrap ended all square a 2-2 after Cowes had Martin McDonough sent off, but the home side were cut to nine men with two dismissals.

The Yachtsmen looked to be heading for a bitter defeat when they trailed 2-0 at half time. And their cause looked hopeless in the opening minutes of the second period when McDonough was shown a second yellow card of the game, and ultimately the red.

But the Island side refused to buckle, and after they found themselves with a one-man advantage, they rallied to take a point thanks to two late goals from Mark Augustus.

Newport also picked up a useful point when they held league leaders Bemerton Heath Harlequins to a goalless draw qt St George’s Park in a game of few chances.

Brading Town’s visit to the mainland proved disappointing as they were beaten 1-0 by Bournemouth Poppies, the only goal coming in the first half.

East Cowes Vics surrendered the lead in their Division One match at home to Warminster Town. A Casey Tyrell free kick gave team the edge, but the game turned following the sending off .Nathan Bett. The visitors were already level at that stage, and then made the extra man count to score again and claim victory.

THERE were 24 brave souls from Ryde Harriers who turned out on a bitterly cold winter evening, to take part in the club’s winter series of a 5km handicap race.

The winner, on corrected handicap time was lady Harrier Mags Moran, with a handicap time of 21mins, 56secs, actual time 50.23, finishing time, 28.27.

In second place was Lisa King, with a handicap time of 21.56, actual time 50.44, finishing time 28.48, and in third was Simon Newman, with a handicap time of 8.18, actual time, 37.13, finishing time, 28.55.

In fourth place was Andy Leal, with a handicap time of 6.55., actual time, 36.02, finishing time 29.07, and fastest overall on the night was Les Cupis who completed the 5km distance in 33.43.

Fastest lady Harrier on the night was Mary Norman in a time of 36.28, and the official timekeeping was conducted by Mrs Ceri Lewis, Mrs Chris Powell, and Paul Charlton-Smith.

The next Ryde Harrier club event, on Tuesday December 7, will be a 10Km nominated time event.

FOUR of Wightlink sponsored, Ryde Rowing Club’s veterans braved the bitterly cold conditions to compete in the 57th Vesta Scullers Head of the River Race on the River Thames.

It was a processional race for single sculls over the 4.25 mile championship course from Mortlake to Putney. First sculled in 1954, this year’s race involved almost 500 scullers and attracted entries from all over the United Kingdom and the world, with standards ranging from internationals to novices.

Ian Hayden, Ryde’s GB champion at Masters (Veteran) B status produced the best performance of the four Ryde scullers finishing second in his status and an impressive 48th overall in a time of 28 mins, 28 secs.

Ryde’s other three scullers were all competing in the Masters (Veterans) “C” status and all started at around the same time and amazingly after 24-four plus minutes of racing finished within three seconds of each other. Nike Pike came home eighth in the status, 198th overall in a time of 24 mins, 8 secs. Mick Jenner came ninth in the status and 200th overall with a time of 24 mins, 9 secs and Russel Page finished with a time of 24 mins, 10 secs to take 10th in his status and 201st overall.

The best performance from an Island oarsman came from Ryde member, Ash Maitland. Competing for his mainland Club – London R. C. – he finished 34th overall in a time of 22 mins, 12 secs. Fellow London R. C. Sculler and Newport member Steve Salter finished 74th with a time of 22 mins, 45 secs.

THE ISLE of Wight Ice Dance and Figure Skating Club will be at the launch of Gunwharf Quays Festive Winterland in Portsmouth today (Dec 4) with the opening of the region’s largest open air ice-rink.

The Isle of Wight Ice Dance & Figure Skating Club brings together local ice skaters, both recreational and competitive, regardless of age or ability. The club have recently been awarded Junior UK display Champions, having already been crowned British Junior Synchronised Skating Champions in February 2010 at the British Ice Figure and Synchronised Skating Championships in Sheffield. They will be performing to shoppers at the launch of the rink.

The launch of the Festive Winterland will include a performance from the Grammy award winning Swingle Singers surrounded by sparkling trees, delicious mulled wine, hot food and drinks. Plus, young shoppers will have the chance to enjoy penguin ice scooters to improve their skills; while more accomplished skaters will have the chance to take part in ice skating lessons, including skating to music.

Peter Emery, Centre Manager said: “It is a pleasure to have the Isle of Wight Ice Dance and Figure Skating Club at Gunwharf Quays. In 2010 they have nurtured some real talent with three successful synchronised skating teams. They are sure to impress the crowds with their stunning moves and I hope they will inspire shoppers to give skating a go this Christmas.”

The open-air ice rink will then be open Monday-Wednesday from Midday until 7pm, Thursdays and Fridays from Midday until 8pm, Saturdays from 11am until 8pm and Sundays from 11am until 5pm until 20 December. Over Christmas from 20 December to 3 January the rink will be open Mondays-Saturdays 11am-8pm and on Sundays, Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Years Eve from 11am- 5 pm. Adult prices are £4, with children, students and concessions for £2.

WIGHTLINK ISLANDERS speedway team have seen changes at Board level this week. Current chairman Mike Bellman has retired, and whilst remaining a director for the time being, he has handed over the chairman’s role to co-director Brian Ginders.

The outgoing Chairman said: “I have served on the Board as a director and as chairman for some six years, and having sold my business earlier this year, I felt it was time to take a back seat.

“My involvement started with sponsoring riders like Scott Swain, Danny Bird and Adam Shields, and went on to Craig Boyce and Chris Holder, to name just a few. I’ve loved every minute of it.

“The involvement with the Islanders that I have had and enjoyed so much cannot be described. We’ve had good and bad times, we’ve won some great meetings and we’ve had our down days, but I have met some fantastic people and it’s all been a great experience, over 10 years as a supporter, sponsor, director and finally, chairman.”

He added: “Brian has worked very hard this year since rejoining the Board and we all feel he is the right man for the job, right now. He is both accomplished and successful in business, and has expertise and time to give to the Club, both of which are important attributes.

THE FIRST home game of the season for the IW Tornados ice hockey team saw Haringey travel from North London to play.

The team were eager to play their first game at home, especially as the newer members of the squad got to make their debuts. Jack Bolton, Kurtis Thompson and Denver Randall were all playing a competitive game for the first time.

Last season, Haringey were dominant in both games between the teams, but The Tornados started strongly and after 1min 16sec the dynamic top line of Kieran Tavener, Keelan Walsh and Blayne Pugh sped down the ice to open the scoring, Kieran confidently putting the puck past Tiger Scott in the Haringey net. Blayne Pugh assisted.

The skill of Haringey soon began to show and they finally opening their goal tally after five minutes. They were spurred on by this and scored another two quick goals, leaving the Tornados a little dejected after the promising start.

But the home side pushed on and were rewarded when Keelan Walsh out skated and out skilled the Haringey squad to score a beautifully placed goal. Haringey then hit back with another goal, and there were some evenly matched battles and a break in scoring for a few minutes until there were another three quick goals by Haringey.

Blayne Pugh scored the third goal of the game for the Tornados from Kieran Tavener and Ben Mcloughlin. Haringey had the last word of the half with a final goal, to make it 3-10 at half time.

While the result was probably not in question after the first half, the second showed just how deep the Tornados can dig, and Keelan Walsh scored a fourth for the Tornados just before the end, assisted by Blayne Pugh and Kieran Tavener. The three new players slotted in well and all gave 100 per cent on the ice.

Man of the Match: Blayne Pugh. Spirit of the Game: Jack Bolton.

MARTIN HENRY braved the icy conditions to win Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club’s Monthly Stableford event.

Martin scored 42 points to finish five clear of the cold chasing pack in the Division One rankings. Simon Letchford took the honours in Division Two, his 38 points leaving him three clear of hisd nearest rivals.

Recent results from Shanklin and Sandown GC:

Monthly Stableford: Division One Winner, Martin Henry 42. 2nd, Alex Messing 37. 3rd, Elliot Jones 37. 4th, Guy Newham 37. Division Two Winner, Simon Letchford 38. 2nd, Mark Trueman 35. 3rd, Steve Young 35. 4th, Clint Bingham 34.

Open Stableford: Winner, Noel Dobbs 34. 2nd, Keith Taylor 34.

Ladies Par: Silver Winner, Liz Jolliffe level. 2nd, Lillian Bushby minus 1. 3rd, Deborah Richards minus 2.

Bronze Winner, Ruth Graves plus 3. 2nd, Jane Abbott plus 1. 3rd, Jean Munds minus 1. 4th, Gill Robinson minus 1.

Open Stableford Division 1: Winner, Miles Oldershaw 43. 2nd, Alex Messing 40. Division 2: Winner, Patrick Legg 40. 2nd, Kevin Griffiths 39.

Open Stableford: Winner, Noel Dobbs 34. 2nd, Keith Taylor 34.

Austin Cups: Winners Martin Henry and Richard Pardey 48 points. 2nd, Dave McGee and Vince Eccott 47. 3rd, Steve Taylor and Alan Hughes-Thomas 46.

Paul Hann Trophies: Winners Chris Reed (Snr) and Mike Woodford. Runners Up, Conner Knight and Michael Mitchell.

Osborne Golf Club recent results:

Midweek Stableford Division 1: 1st, Dave Young (10) 43 points. 2nd, John Poingdestre (13) 37. 3rd, Brian Grace (21) 36. 4th, Martin Marshall (28) 35. 5th, John Butler (20) 35. 6th, Ian King (15) 35.

Stableford: Division 1: 1st, Mark West (8) 39 points. 2nd, Andy Partridge (11) 37. 3rd, Brian Wright (9) 35.

Division 2: 1st, Robert Biggs (16) 37 points. 2nd, Nigel Bowden (17) 34. 3rd, Richard Highmore (16) 33.

Division 3: 1st, Michael Spall (20) 35 points. 2nd, Peter Hayden (25) 34. 3rd, John Cooper (19) 34.

THE ISLAND’S under16 Thunder ice hockey team travelled to local rivals Gosport for what was to be a real tense affair before they ran out 4-1 winners.

Going into the game the Thunder had won all of their previous four games and not conceded a goal.

With the Gosport coach being a former Isle of Wight coach he knew all about the Thunder, and the game started at a frantic pace with both teams determined to stamp their authority on the contest as early as possible.

The first goal came after only two minutes when Thunder forward Jordan Jacobs picked up the puck on the blue line and then launched an instant rocket of a slap shot which flew into the top corner.

The lead was however very short lived when just 30 seconds later the Isle of Wight defence was caught napping and the puck was scrambled over the line by Gosport. The rest of the period was a very even affair with neither team taking a grip on the game.

In the second period coach Scovell decided to play two line hockey in order to try and establish a foothold on the game. The Thunder were by far the stronger team, and more urgent about their play than they were in the first period and began to dominate in both possession and in the physical side.

Five minutes into the period Alexander Trendall scored with an assist from Ross Beale. That allowed Thunder to relax slightly and try and put the game to bed. This was done just 30 seconds later when Aidan Doughty broke away from the blue line to deek the goalie after a lovely centre ice pass from Archie Bicknell. This was the final goal of the period.

The final period was littered with penalties and was certainly not of the same standard as the second. Both teams were still giving everything they had but the fast pace of the game was beginning to take its toll on both sets of players.

There was however time for one goal and this was once again scored by Doughty after some lovely close control work by Bicknell who placed an inch perfect cross goal pass which was tapped home from close range.

Overall, this was without doubt the hardest game of the season so far for the Thunder and credit must be given to both teams for their work rate and commitment from start to finish.

The Thunder’s next game is at home to Peterborough on Saturday (Dec 4).

Man of the match: Aaron Craft. Spirit of the game: Sean Skinner.

Shots on goal: Aaron Craft 26. Points: Aidan Doughty 2+0, Jordan Jacobs 1+0, Alexander Trendall 1+0, Archie Bicknell 0+2, Ross Beale 0+1.

Team: Aaron Craft, Dylan Ronald, Ross Beale, Jesse McDonagh, Andrew McCloskey, Sean Molloy, Eden Holton, Jordan Jacobs, Alexander Trendall, Lee Tyers, Aidan Doughty, Ollie Bennett, Alistair Copping, Archie Bicknell, Sean Skinner, Connor Price.