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ISLANDERS` VICTORY PUTS THEM THIRD

By Bryn Williams - Friday, April 25, 2008
ON a tough track, Wightlink Islanders moved to third place in the league after they defeated Workington Comets 49-44 at Smallbrook on Tuesday night.
The track was made more difficult by the weekend’s rain, plus 20 tonnes of newly-laid shale, and the Islanders’ cause was made more tough thanks to mechanical problems with Pole Kryzsztof Stojanowski’s bike throughout the night.
His points tally was limited to just two overall and it was up to the rest of the side to step up to the plate.
Workington are tipped for success this year, and they certainly provided the most impressive visiting rider to the Island so far in the shape of their Swedish number one, Daniel Nermark, who revelled in the conditions and finished unbeaten.
After he had won the opening heat for the visitors, the Islanders gradually took control and a fine 5-1 maximum heat advantage from those two young Aussies, Cory Gathercole and James Holder, in heat 8 saw them move 12 points clear at that stage, 30-18.
Nermark and Finnish team-mate Kauko Nieminen led a fightback from the visitors in the second half and with two heats remaining the Islanders’ lead was cut to just five points.
Home fans' nerves were settled, though, when Paul Fry and Holder finished first and second respectively in the penultimate heat, which ensured the win.