This update from Bryn on the Wightlink Islanders Speedway team. Ed
The Wightlink Islanders romped to a magnificent 50-40 victory at the home of the Buxton Hitmen in their away National League match in the Derbyshire Dales this afternoon and did so against all odds.
They were placed under pressure before the match had even begun when they learnt that in-form reserve Gary Cottham’s van had broken down en route and that he and his dad hoped though, to limp home in it, change vehicles and then head north again.
Wet conditions
That the duo did, but they hadn’t arrived when the meeting got underway and some of Gary’s team mates had difficulty in adjusting to track conditions in the early stages, with the surface seemingly having been over watered and that meant that, despite skipper Danny Warwick recording wins in his first two rides, the home side led 31-23 after nine of the fifteen heats had been completed.
But what a transformation in fortunes transpired for the two sides battling for victory from that point onwards with Cottham’s arrival seemingly acting as the catalyst for the Wightlink Islanders producing what can only be described as a quite brilliant comeback.
Three out of three
Warwick made it three wins out of three in heat 10 and with Aaron Baseby third, the home side’s lead was down to six and that was quickly reduced to just two points at 34-32 with Ben Hopwood and Kyle Hughes finishing first and second in the next race.
Making light of his traumatic journey and taking his first of two rides in the match, Cottham followed Warwick home ahead of homester Luke Priest and, from being eight points behind earlier, the rampant Islanders now led by two points at 37-35 and it was a lead they were determined to retain to take the match victory.
In fact they did even better than just remain ahead until then end for they took all four league points available to them by extending their winning margin to ten points and fittingly skipper Danny Warwick ensured that happened by following home Kyle Hughes for the Wightlink Islanders’ fourth maximum score of the match completing his own well deserved paid maximum in the process.
What a comeback”
Speaking afterwards joint team manager Chris Hunt said, “it seemed that everything was going against us and we were about to slide to another defeat but what a comeback the lads produced to come from those eight points behind with just six races to go to ultimately win by ten points.
“It was a brilliant effort from them given all the circumstances and both Kevin Shepherd and I are very proud of the fact that they repaid the faith we have showed in them by not making changes after last Tuesday’s home defeat.
“Hopefully this win will give them the confidence they need to believe in themselves and I’m confident that we’ll build on this by defeating Stoke in our next National League match at home on Tuesday.”
Scorers from Sunday
Buxton Hitmen 40: Robert Branford 8, Richard Andrews 1, Luke Priest 6+1, Dean Felton 10+1, Adam McKinna 6+1, Michael Neale 1+1, Ryan Blacklock 8.
Wightlink Islanders 50: Kyle Hughes 8+3, Ben Hopwood 9, Danny Warwick 14+1, Aaron Baseby 3+1, Paul Starke 7, Danny Stoneman 5, Gary Cottham 4+1.
