Thanks to Bryn for this latest news from the Wightlink Islanders. Ed
The Wightlink Islanders management swooped this week to land a third major signing as they continue to assemble the seven-man side that they and the club’s fans hope will bring the National League title to Smallbrook in 2013.
And that third signing, who now joins crowd favourite Ben Hopwood and hot prospect Adam Ellis as confirmed starters next year, has already tasted league success for it is 18 years old DARRYL RITCHINGS who was an integral member of this years NL champions the Dudley Heathens.
On loan from Swindon
He comes on loan to us for 2013 from SkySports Elite League club Swindon and will race regularly around our 385 metre full throttle circuit, which is in stark contrast to the 264 metre Monmore Green track that was his home base this season. A season that saw him improve week to week so much so, that he started in reserve berth and finished in the NL champions top five.
“We’re delighted to have landed him,” said Wightlink Islanders joint team boss Chris Hunt, “and I’m certain the move will prove to be of huge benefit to both ourselves and Darryl himself whom I’m sure will fit in well here at Smallbrook and prove to be another trump card in our side next year.”
So that’s three down four to go in terms of 2013 team building for the Wightlink Islanders and whilst talks will continue in the background, it’s highly unlikely now that any further signings will be announced until after the annual meeting of National League clubs that will take place very early in the new year.
Crowd favourite Ben working hard off-track
It’s perhaps somewhat hard to believe that although 2013 will prove to be the fourth season crowd favourite Ben Hopwood will pull on his Wightlink Islanders’ racejacket with pride, he’s still only 21 years of age!
Young Ben, who travels to the Island with his dad from their northern home, has made it clear that he’s thrilled to not only be coming back for that fourth season with the club he loves and whose fans love him, but also hopes that by riding well he’ll impress Premier League clubs and perhaps be given more outings at that level.
“I’m well pleased that I’ll be back riding at Smallbrook next year as I love everything about the club from the track itself through to our fans and wouldn’t really want to ride for any other in our league,” he said, “and I think that the way the team is beginning to shape up, we’ll be in with a great chance of lifting the league title.
“On a personal level I’m also hoping that by riding well next year I’ll also get opportunities to ride occasionally for clubs in the Premier and perhaps even the Sky Sports Elite League and that is amongst my targets for 2013 in addition to the main one which is to help the Wightlink Islanders to success.
“I’m working hard during the winter to earn some money which I’ll invest into my bikes and I’d like to thank my existing sponsors Blueline Oils, Mum and Dad, Jamie at the Simeon Arms whilst also hoping that I might be able attract some additional sponsorship although that’s not easy at the moment I know.”
Practising is hard work – even if it is in the South of France
That’s the verdict of teenager Adam Ellis who, having left school this week, immediately got down to getting in countless practice laps at the Marmande circuit near where he lives with his family in the South of France.
Hard work those practice laps may have been but you can guarantee that the weather has been a lot better there than it has been here in the UK!
Don’t miss out on early Christmas dinner
Tickets, priced £25, are selling fast for the gourmet early Christmas Dinner being served up by Ness and staff at Smallbrook Stadium, Ashey Road, Ryde on Saturday 8th December, so the message is to book now or risk missing out.
With the new-look bar and dance floor area operational on the night, it’s an occasion not to be missed so for full details phone the stadium during office hours on 01983 811180.
Image: © Dudley Heathens
