The Wightlink Warriors, despite losing 2 of their 7 riders through injury during the first 5 heats, pulled off stunning last gasp 46-43 victory in last night’s (Thursday) home National Trophy clash with Mildenhall.
The Island side went into the final race trailing by a point at 41-42 but, roared on by the watching fans, new signing Joe Jacobs made a dream start as the tapes rose and skipper James Cockle joined him at the front on the second lap to secure a maximum 5-1 advantage to clinch a 46-43 victory.
The drama began to unfurl in the second race of the match, the first having seen Jacobs win his debut ride in the Warriors colours, when Tyler Govier crashed heavily on the first bend of the second lap. Paramedics raced to his aid and there was a lengthy delay before, much to everyone’s relief, he was able to rise to his feet and be assisted to walk away from a very nasty looking fall.
It was no surprise though, especially when it was announced that he was complaining that he was suffering pain in his lower back, that he was ruled out of the match and opted to allow his pit crew to take him to hospital for further treatment that revealed muscle damage in that area.
Undeterred, the Warriors had eased into a 7 point lead at 21-14 after the completion of 6 of the 15 heats. However, in the fifth race Lee Smart was leading when the main drive chain on his machine appeared to snap, causing a hefty blow in the groin area from the rogue chain. That injury meant that he joined team mate Govier as being ruled out of the action.
With the sport’s regulations only permitting Govier’s fellow reserve Matt Saul to replace both riders in their programme outings for the rest of the match – and Matt being restricted to a maximum rides forcing the Warriors to track just 1 rider in 2 of the heats – it perhaps was no real surprise that the visitors clawed their way back in heats 7, 8 and 9 putting 1 point ahead with 6 heats remaining. After a shared heat 10, the lead in what had developed into an enthralling encounter changed hands after completion of the next 4 races, resulting in that last heat decider and ultimately the Wightlink Warriors’ stunning victory.
It was a victory that had stand-in team manager Barry Bishop, deputising for Neil Vatcher who is abroad on World Under 21 duty, enthusing:
“What a fantastic evening of speedway, absolutely superb with great racing from start to finish. Losing two riders so quickly was a big blow but we dug deep and pulled off a great win and we must also thank Mildenhall too who really did put on a show tonight and wish both Tyler and Lee quick recoveries from their respective injuries.
Article continues below this advertisement “I am so proud of the team and of our fans too for all the support they gave on a night that was a truly great advert for our sport.”
MATCH DETAILS:
ISLE OF WIGHT 46 MILDENHALL 43
(National Trophy)
Featured photo: Neil Ferguson
