For the second consecutive week the Wightlink Warriors’ number one Ben Wilson failed to complete a single lap as lightning struck twice for the Yorkshire man as he suffered a fall, a disqualification and the need to withdraw from the action at Swindon.
This week Wilson was duelling with home number 1 Zach Wajtknect when the Warrior clipped the rider’s machine and was sent careering into the air barrier at high speed. Whilst able to walk back to the pits it was clear that he was shaken and it came as no surprise to hear that he had withdrawn from the meeting on medical advice. Ben’s machinery also sustained significant damage in the incident. Both the rider and his support team now face a frantic race to be ready for the Warriors next scheduled action at Buxton on Sunday.
So with Wilson missing and also having to cover the rides of the injured Tyler Govier, to their enduring credit the Warriors did not buckle and did a great deal to contribute to an entertaining evening. Tenacious Nathan Greaves was welcomed back in to the team and together with skipper James Cockle they took the fight to the Swindon Sprockets. They received impressive support from Ben Woodhull at reserve – the younger of the twin racing brothers showed excellent first bend technique to surprise more experienced riders.
If only Wilson had been available for the entire meeting, a surprise might well have been on the cards.
Swindon Sprockets 49 | Wightlink Warriors 41
Swindon: Z.Wajtknect 14, L.Cupitt 5+1, D.Greenwood 6+1, T.Woolley 8+3, D.Ritchings 4, D.Wallinger 11+1, L.Whitmore 1+1
Warriors: Ben Wilson 0, Rider Replacement for Tyler Govier, James Cockle 10, Chris Widman 2+1, Nathan Greaves 13, Jamie Sealey 3+1, Ben Woodhull 13
The Warrior Wagon now rolls on to league matches at Buxton on Sunday and Birmingham on Monday with fingers crossed for the availability of Ben Wilson.
