It has come to my attention that as this week is so close to the festive season, there are likely to be a number of issues with both hall and player availability. Having given the matter some thought, I feel the best course of action is to rule as follows:-

All league matches that are scheduled to take place during week 8 (14th to 18th December inclusive) should be re-arranged to mutually suitable dates towards the end of the season – unless both teams agree to continue with the original fixture date. Any matches re-arranged under this ruling must be completed by Friday 2nd April 2010.
Could Club Secretaries please inform me of the new dates of any re-arranged matches in order that we may update the fixture list on the web-site where appropriate.

Ian Parker (League Secretary)

By Tony Isaacs, County Chairman

The money raised to send the Island team to the International Island Games in Aland, Finland was well spent.  Not only was the trip enjoyed by all, but it was also a good investment for the future.  The journey there & back was an adventure – Ferry, coach, plane, coach, ferry!  Total time 16 hours each way!  The accommodation for the IW contingent was “fit for purpose”, and was sited at the waterside and with its own swimming pool, which was welcome as the weather was extremely hot at times.  Another big plus was being only 20 minutes’ walk from “Games Street”, the entertainment area. 

In the actual competition, the younger girls struggled at first to find form against the strong opposition, but as the week progressed, a sharp improvement was noted, and by the end they were moving well and hitting the shuttle hard, not at all looking out of place.  The men competed well and were not overawed by the high standard of the opposition. 

Finishing 8^th in the team event was a real achievement.  All players performed well in the individual events, which took place over three long, hard days, with the finals taking place on the last Saturday.  Watching the top players in action was a real education, especially for the younger players.  The whole squad has returned fired with enthusiasm and looking forward to the games on the Island in 2011.

A fundraiser will be held at Node Hill Middle School on Friday 5th June at 6pm.  This is being organised by Vicky Law.   £2 on door.  Live music, light refreshments available, sport quiz at 7pm - £2 a team, sports raffle £1 – draw at 8pm and Nintendo wii sports available to play on.  Please do your best to support the Island Games Team by attending and taking part in the activities.

The Annual Presentation evening will be held at Camp Hill Prison Officers’ Club in Quarry View Newport on Friday 15th May, starting at 7:30 pm.   Come along and support your club’s players and league teams as they pick up their awards – League Winners, Mallett Cup and Plate winners, Levels winners, Veterans’ tournaments winners, as well as the W&D Thomas, John Asher and Peggy Doherty Tournament winners.   There will be a buffet, a raffle, and a DJ – so drop in and let off some steam after the rigours of the season!   Tickets are available from your club secretary.