Thanks to Bryn for this update from the Wightlink Islanders speedway team. Ed
Wightlink Islanders riders, management, supporters, and trackstaff (including announcers and press officer!) soon put last Wednesday’s KO Cup final defeat behind them when they gathered together in the Premier Lounge at the stadium last Friday evening for the Supporters Club Buffet and Disco.
Five riders from their 2013 squad, namely skipper Ben Hopwood, Chris Widman and the injured trio of Darryl Ritchings, Brendan Johnson and Brandon Freemantle were in attendance whilst although they would have loved to be there too Adam Ellis, Dan Stoneman and Tom Perry sent their apologies. No such apology was received from Rider Replacement who has been nigh on a permanent member in our side this year in light of all our injuries!
Multi-award winner
It was Darryl Ritchings, still on crutches as he recovers from his recent operation to repair the serious ankle damage he sustained in an on-track crash, who emerged was the major award winner.
Not only did he win the ‘Big One’ that being the Rider of the Year as voted for by the club’s fans, but he also won awards for being the ‘Best Team Man’ for being the leading bonus point scorer, the Maud White Memorial Trophy presented by Kay Richardson in memory of her late mother for being the club’s ‘best supporting rider of the season’ and was joint winner of Best Pairing award given to the duo of Wightlink Islanders who whilst riding with each other in races secure the most heat advantages for the side over the course of the season.
And that just left Ben Hopwood to receive the ‘Riders rider of the year’ as voted for amongst the riders themselves and all the clubs riders have / will receive medallion mementos in recognition of their efforts throughout 2013.
