Over the weekend the Wightlink Warriors speedway management, riders and fans were still trying to fully accept that they had suffered a 20 point defeat in their first home meeting of the National Trophy season.
Last Thursday’s defeat came at the hands of the Kent Slyde Kings who are still unbeaten at this early stage of the season and now look set to top the 3 team Southern group to go through to the final to meet the winners of the Northern Group.
The main reason for those in the Isle of Wight camp feeling stunned at the margin of defeat was that in no way did it do justice to the amount of effort put in by the 7 Warriors, in what was a match thoroughly enjoyed by all watching. The Wightlink Warriors’ efforts were not at all reflected in the final scoreline of 35-55 in favour of the Kent opponents, their contribution to proceedings being aided by the fact that each of the last three races produced maximum 5-1 advantages to them.
With no home match this week – and fully accepting they were beaten by opponents who rode better on the night – co-promoters Barry Bishop and Martin Widman, team manager Neil Vatcher and the Wightlink Warriors riders will welcome some breathing space to reflect upon what has happened so far and the way forward from this point onwards. Many lessons were learnt by all last Thursday both on and off the track and steps will be taken to rectify any problems that arose.
As the team prepare for their first visit to Kent’s circuit at the Sittingbourne Greyhound stadium this coming Monday (2nd May), team manager Neil Vatcher will no doubt will be telling the riders to put last week fully behind them and travel to ride in Monday’s match with the intention of winning.
Barry Bishop and Martin Widman were quick to apologise to spectators for the dusty conditions at last Thursday’s meeting, that was caused by the track that was watered pre-meeting drying out far quicker than anticipated. The duo have pledged that steps will be taken to try to ensure that such problems won’t arise again.
The next home meeting is to be held on Thursday 5th May, the first home match in the National League. Tapes up at 19:00.
FINAL SCORE: Wightlink Islanders 35 Kent Slyde Kings 55 (National Trophy)
Lee Smart 7, Liam Carr (replacing the injured Benji Compton) 6+1, Kelsey Dugard 6+1, James Cockle 6, Mark Baseby 5+2, Matt Saul 3+1, Tyler Govier 2+2.
Photographs by Ian Groves
