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TOP NAMES IN ISLANDERS SIGHTS AS HOPES HIGH FOR MAJOR TROPHIES

Thursday, March 20, 2008
TOP NAMES IN ISLANDERS SIGHTS AS HOPES HIGH FOR MAJOR TROPHIES
The Wightlink Islanders speedway team 2008. Pictured, from left, James Holder, Glen Phillips, Paul Fry, Cory Gathercole, Andrew Gargh, Jason Bunyan and Krzysztof Stojanowski. Picture by PETER BOAM.
Sport/Speedway
THE hunt for silverware is now on with the Wightlink Islanders geared up to take on the big guns in the 2008 speedway season.
Having come close to glory last time around, the Island speedway team has set its sights on all major honours this year and the riders are ready and raring to go.
The season kicks off on Saturday with a clash against fellow title contenders the Reading Racers in the first leg of the Chalfont Coaches Trophy at Ryde’s Smallbrook Stadium.
The return encounter will take place at the Berkshire track on Sunday evening in a prelude to the 2008 Premier League season.
And the Islanders are confident they will start the season as they mean to go on.
“This weekend’s two challenge matches are the ideal vehicle for riders of both sides to gain some match fitness after the long winter break,” said IW co-promoter Martin Newnham, at the pre-season press day, on Saturday.
“But you can be certain Reading will be just as keen to win on aggregate over the two legs as we are.
“They’ve got a good side but so have we and I think we can exploit one or two of their weaknesses we have identified. Whatever the result though, it’s a cracking match to open the new season with and I hope Island folk will turn out in force to cheer our team on.”
The Island’s new-look Speedway Squad has been enhanced with the arrival of Aussie signing James Holder and Paul Fry, while five of the seven Islanders who impressed last year have returned for the 2008 title challenge, captain Jason Bunyan, Krzysztof Stojanowski, Glen Phillips, Cory Gathercole and Andrew Bargh.
Three former Islanders are in Reading’s star-studded team — Danish star Ulrich Ostergaard, fan favourite Chris Mills and former Czech under-21 champion Tomas Suchanek.
Australian skipper Mark Lemon, Danish international Tom P Madsen and the promising young English riders Jamie Smith and Danny Warwick make up the rest of their squad.
• Meet the team in the Thursday, March 20, County Press.