The Wightlink Islanders cruised into the semi-finals of this year’s National League KO Cup by brushing away the challenge of speedway’s newest club, the Kent Kings, at Smallbrook stadium on Tuesday.
The temperatures were hot both on and off the track as our new-look team made light of the fact that our two new signings Brendan Johnson and Chris Widman, snapped up in the wake of our stream of injuries, were making their first appearances in the side.
Already five points to the good after beating the Men of Kent 49-44 last month on their Sittingbourne circuit in the first leg of the quarter-final clash, skipper Ben Hopwood and his new-look side summarily dismissed any thoughts their opponents might have had of hitting back last night by overwhelming them by 61 points to 32, thus completing an aggregate 110-76 victory.
They all joined in the points-scoring party against their opponents from the Garden of England who struggled from the outset despite what could best be described as the lone resistance put up by their No.1 rider Steve Boxall who was absolutely outstanding for them.
Speaking afterwards co-promoter Chris Hunt said:
“We now have to wait to see who our opponents will be in the semi-finals but we’ve got our sights firmly set on winning the cup so don’t really mind who we get drawn against and meanwhile will concentrate on our league matches ahead.”
WIGHTLINK ISLANDERS 61 – KENT KINGS 32
(KO Cup quarter final, 2nd leg)
Wightlink Islanders win 110-76 on aggregate
Photo: Ian Groves
