This in from Bryn on behalf of the Wightlink Islanders. Ed
That’s very welcome news indeed for, as he returns, Brendan Johnson became the club’s latest injured rider on Tuesday during the thrilling cup match between the sides at Smallbrook when he was brought down heavily from behind by a Mildenhall rider within sight of the chequered flag in heat 8.
Although that move prompted the race to be stopped, his opponent disqualified and Brendan being awarded the race win by referee Dave Watters, his was ruled out of any further racing on the night by the track medics.
And X-rays at his local Poole hospital the following morning confirmed their fears revealing that, whilst no bones had been broken in the crash, he had sustained extensive damage to both muscles and ligaments in his right shoulder and he himself has come to terms with the fact that though his heart is telling him he’d be fit enough to ride, his head knows he won’t!
Just as well then that Ben will be back riding on Sunday after being sidelined himself with shoulder damage sustained in his crash during the team’s home league win over Buxton on August 21, news that has come as a welcome relief to joint team managers Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd.
Hunt said,
“Great news indeed that Ben will be riding in the replay first leg up in Suffolk, especially with Brendan now being out, and his return really has given the club a real boost ahead of it.
“Indeed welcome back from us all Ben, we’ve missed you!”
