It was a night of disappointment for the Wightlink Warriors as they came up short against Plymouth Devils in the first leg of the National League Knock Out Cup last night (Thursday).
Looking to build up a lead to take to Devon tonight, injury again hampered the home side – an unfortunate reoccurring issue for the Island’s speedway team. This time guest reserve Alex Spooner was the rider in the wars. After missing the time allowance in Heat 2 and having to start from a 15m handicap, he battled into third place and looked to have made a good start in his second ride in Heat 4, however he came to grief on the run to the first turn and was forced to sit out the remainder of the meeting after sustaining a leg injury.
With the Warriors already operating Rider Replacement for Tyler Govier, it meant another busy night for the inexperienced Jamie Sealy and rookie number 8 Rob Watts. Whilst giving it their best, the crucial points needed from the reserve berths in these aggregate ties were just not there and this in turn put pressure on the top order Warriors to perform.
Warrior’s number 1 Ben Wilson carried the fight to the Devils with 13 points and had 3 tremendous battles with visiting number 1 Steve Boxall, losing 2 to 1. Skipper James Cockle weighed in with 10 and Nathan Greaves 9 plus 1, but a balanced showing from the visitors – with young Henry Atkins impressing – saw them home in the end.
With the imminent return in mind, team manager Jackie Vatcher will have been burning the midnight oil putting together a team that can deliver a positive response to the home set back.
Skipper Cockle said:
“That was not the result we wanted and losing young Alex so early in the meeting really put us on the back foot, however we have an immediate chance to put things right. We’ve been there once already this season so we should know the set-ups and we’ll do our best to turn things around”.
Final result: Wightlink Warriors 43 | Plymouth Devils 47
Wightlink Warriors: Ben Wilson 13, Tyler Govier R/R, James Cockle 10, Chris Widman 7+2, Nathan Greaves 9 +1, Jamie Sealey 3, Alex Spooner 1+1, Rob Watts 0.
Plymouth Devils: Steve Boxall 14, Richard Andrews 4+1, Lee Smart 6, Callum Walker 9+1, Benji Compton 4, Rob Parker 1, Henry Atkins 9+1.
