Thanks to Bryn for the latest from Isle of Wight Speedway. In his own words. Ed
The Wightlink Islanders were denied their first trophy of the 2012 speedway season by the Stoke Potters at Smallbrook last night in what proved to be a thrilling encounter full of top quality racing in the second leg of this challenge clash.
Trailing 46-44 from the first leg raced on the Potters Loomer Road circuit at the end of March, the Islanders led 44-40 on the night and thus 88-86 on aggregate going into heat 15 last night and looked likely to emerge victorious.
But they were denied success with Paul Starke and skipper Danny Warwick being outpaced over those fateful final four laps by Stoke’s talented 20 year old twins Richie and Steve Worrall (deputising for Potters injured No.1 Ashley Birks) who, by taking a maximum 5-1 race win, not only earned their side a 45-45 draw on the night but a two point aggregate victory to wrestle the trophy away from the Island side.
Cracking match
“Yes we’re disappointed not to have won tonight and overall,” said Wightlink Islanders joint team manager Chris Hunt afterwards, “but what a cracking match we’ve all just seen between two evenly matched sides and full credit to our opponents for preventing us taking the honours.
“And I would suggest that we can take a lot of heart from the fact that we rode well enough to show we’ll be right there in the mix when the destiny of this year’s National League title is decided for Stoke are a very good side indeed and many people’s favourites to win the league.
Match details
Wightlink Islanders 45 Stoke Potters 45
(Wightlink Trophy 2nd leg – 8th May 2012)
Stoke win 91-89 on aggregate
Island scorers
Paul Starke 12+2, Gary Cottham 10+3, Kyle Hughes 7+1, Danny Warwick 7+1, Danny Stoneman 5+1, Ben Hopwood 4.
