Thanks to Bryn for this update from the Wightlink Islanders. Condolences to the Islanders and a speedy recovery for those with injuries. Ed
It certainly wasn’t a weekend to remember for the Wightlink Islanders – more like a weekend to forget and in a hurry!
The first blow to hit them came with the shock announcement on Saturday from reserve Danny Stoneman that he had decided to retire from the sport.
Despite efforts to persuade him to the contrary, he would not be swayed and that left our promotional duo of Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd desperately trying to find a replacement and a replacement who could ride in the National League match at Mildenhall yesterday (Sunday) afternoon!
Berwick steps forward
Thankfully Dan Berwick, who started the season at Stoke, agreed to deputise but to have to do so at such short notice was hardly ideal for either club or rider.
Undeterred though, the island side took to the Suffolk circuit and it all went wrong from heat four onwards.
Broken collarbone for Cottham
The home side led 14-10 going into the fifth race but at the first attempt to run it, home rider Josh Bates and Wightlink Islander Gary Cottham (who had won heat two impressively) fell at the first bend.
Both got to their feet but, alas, the latter suffered a shoulder injury – suspected broken collarbone – and took no further part in the match.
Nor did Berwick after heat 8 which saw him take his fourth ride in the match by that stage and having scored just one point. With machinery problems and falls for skipper Danny Warwick and top scorer Aaron Baseby too, the Wightlink Islanders will not wish to be reminded of what was a miserable Sunday in Suffolk from their point of view!
Following x-rays at his local hospital in Pembury, Kent, it has been confirmed that Wightlink Islander’s very much in-form reserve Gary Cottham sustained a broken right collarbone as a result of the crash.
Scores
MILDENHALL 63 WIGHTLINK ISLANDERS 30!
ISLANDERS SCORERS: Aaron Baseby 9, Danny Warwick 8, Ben Hopwood 4, Kyle Hughes 3, Gary Cottham 3, Paul Starke 2+1, Dan Berwick 1.
