Ryde Mead Men's Second Team played their penultimate fixture of the winter 2025-2026 season by facing Rowlands Castle on home turf (well, concrete!) here in Ryde. Bathed in sunshine, the match was played in good spirits and finished with a 2-2 draw, although Ryde Mead won overall on sets and claim the bonus point.

          Andy Clarke and Carl Everett managed to start the afternoon off with a close fought match, winning their first rubber 7-5 7-5. Michael Jenner and Brian Richardson were slightly less fortunate, with their first rubber ending in defeat in a championship tie-break (after being a set apiece).

          Unfortunately for Andy and Carl, their second rubber ended in a straight sets defeat. With Michael and Brian's second rubber heading towards another Championship tie-break, the opponents had to concede the remaining game in order to catch their ferry home. This tied the fixture at 2-2, and the countback meant that Ryde Mead won overall, 5-4 on Sets.

          A large home crowd watched on whilst bathed in sunshine, and their support was greatly appreciated by the team. A win in their final match means that the team could finish runners up in the league.

Photographed above: Michael Jenner, Carl Everett and Brian Richardson.