After the postponement of the Wightlink Warriors’ away meeting at Eastbourne last weekend, attention now turns to this Thursday (3rd August) when the Warriors speedway team will want to take out a contract on the visiting Buxton Hitmen in revenge for the massive 66-24 defeat suffered in the Derbyshire Dales at the end of May.
That totally unexpected mauling – which was missed by Warriors skipper James Cockle who was caught up in traffic as the result of a serious accident – delivered by a previously toothless home side came following the Hitmen’s introduction of deposed Premier League reserve Max Clegg and his influence galvanised the home side for whom their lesser lights suddenly came good on the day.
However, in the subsequent 2 months, the Warriors have regrouped, recruited new riders and come into the meeting on the front foot following last week’s comprehensive win over Stoke Potters. Like the Potters, the Hitmen have yet to secure a league point on the road despite boasting 2 of the league’s big hitters in Clegg and Island specialist Matt Williamson.
Warrior’s team manager Jackie Vatcher is taking a measured approach to the fixture:
“Realistically this is a meeting we should be looking to win and win well. After last week’s victory the boys are showing levels of confidence that we haven’t seen so far this season and this bodes well as we face the challenge of the Hitmen who have a strong spearhead in Matt Williamson and Max Clegg.
“It should be another action packed meeting for our holiday crowd to enjoy”.
Warriors: Ben Wilson, Chris Widman, James Cockle, Scott Campos, Connor Coles, Jamie Sealey and Adam Portwood
Hitmen: Matt Williamson, Lee Geary, Tom Woolley, Jamie Halder, Max Clegg, Ryan Kinsley and Ben Woodhull
Gates open at The Andrew Younie Stadium at 17:30. Tapes up at 19:00.
The next home fixture after this week’s match with Buxton will be on Tuesday 8th August when the Warriors will host Reading Racers in a challenge meeting.
