Injuries have forced both Lee Smart and Matt Saul of the Wightlink Warriors speedway team out of the first 2016 National Trophy match away at Mildenhall’s West Row stadium in Suffolk tomorrow afternoon (Sunday).
Lee (featured image) has pulled a muscle in his back whilst Matt (pictured left) is suffering from ankle ligament damage, and whilst it is hoped that they may be fit to ride in this coming Thursday’s home clash with Kent at Smallbrook, neither of them will be making tomorrow’s trip up the A11 and M11.
Wightlink Warriors team manager Neil Vatcher said:
“Obviously this is not an ideal start to our campaign but unfortunately that is the nature of the game, and we believe we have enough strength in dept to claim some reward in Suffolk tomorrow.
“We will use the rider replacement facility detailed in the rule book to cover for Lee. That means that Mark Baseby and Kelsey Dugard can each take one of his programmed rides and our two reserves can take Lee’s other two outings.
“Stepping up into the team to replace Matt, and join Tyler Govier in those two positions, we bring in George Piper. This is a massive opportunity for him to impress the Isle of Wight management and despite our duo being sidelined, we go into tomorrow’s match in confident mood.
“I believe the boys have all had a good start to the season so far, and there’s no reason why we can’t come away with a win, especially as the Mildenhall side themselves have picked up a few knocks so far this season. This meeting is set up for a right cracker and I am really looking forward to it.”
