For the second week running the Wightlink Warriors speedway team were beaten in a nail biting last race decider at The Andrew Younie Smallbrook Stadium last night (Thursday).
The Warriors went into the meeting with a full side, welcoming back Tyler Govier and Rik Mullins from injury and had high hopes of picking up their first win of the season. Those hopes almost instantly evaporated as Govier fell on the first bend of heat 1 and aggravated the shoulder problem that had previously troubled him. He was withdrawn from the meeting on medical advice. The Warriors faced another uphill struggle adding unwanted pressure to their inexperienced reserves.
Yet again the home side’s top 4 could not be faulted and it was the big hitting Ben Wilson and Nathan Greaves who brought the home crowd to their feet when registering a maximum 5-1 heat advantage in heat 13, putting the home side within 4 of their visitors. Chris Widman then pounced to win heat 14 and with the Warriors’ hopes high, Wilson and Greaves were nominated to come to tapes in heat 15. Swindon named the classy Wajtknecht and skipper Ritchings to defend a 4 point lead.
The tension in the stadium was palpable and as the tapes rose it was both home riders who sprang out of the gate. Their lead was to last for 2 laps until young Wajtknect produced an outstanding final 2 laps of speedway to manoeuvre his way to the front and hold on to win.
The Wightlink Warriors now have a week to re-group with the next action at the Andrew Younie Smallbrook Stadium on Thursday 11th May at 19:00 when Lakeside Hammers are the visitors in the first National League fixture of the season.
Wightlink Warriors 43 Swindon Sprockets 47
Warriors scores: Ben Wilson 12+1, Tyler Govier 0 , James Cockle 9, Chris Widman 6+3, Nathan Greaves 13+1, Jamie Sealey 2, Rik Mullins 1
Sprockets Scores: Zach Wajtknecht 12, David Wallinger 5+1, Dan Greenwood 5+1, Alfie Bowtell 7, Darryl Ritchings 7, Layne Cupitt 4+3, Taylor Hampshire 7+3
