Speedway: Warriors rider Morley wins second national riders' title

In the most important individual speedway meeting of the season for National League riders, the Isle of Wight Warriors' Morley won the title — beating team-mate Bowtell in a first place showdown in Leicester yesterday (Sunday). 

Ben Morley in action.

In a line up jam-packed with the best available riders in the league, choosing a likely winner was no easy task.

Many had Mildenhall whizz-kid Drew Kemp down as the rider to beat, but his afternoon turned sour after only two races blighted by mechanical issues and a crashing fall that saw him withdraw from the meeting.

Another pre-meeting favourite was home number one Connor Mountain,, representing Coventry, and that view looked to be well founded as he raced unbeaten to four quick wins before facing up to Bowtell in a crucial 20th heat.

Warriors rider Alfie Bowtell came second in the National League Riders Championship.

With Morley looking on from the pits having racked up 14 impressive points from his five rides, Bowtell on 11 points did his team-mate a huge favour with a rapid start that put him clear of the pack and, vitally in front of Mountain who, tried as he might, could not improve on third place.

So with Morley and Bowtell both ending on 14, the Warriors were assured of having the winner, with Mountain finishing in third place overall.

In a fantastic final race between the two talented Islanders, Morley led off the gate, only to be hustled and harried by Bowtell.

Alfie Bowtell, left, came second in the National League Riders Championship.

Both riders were definitely on full gas looking for the win as Bowtell sneaked in front on the third lap, but he ran wide on the first two bends of the last lap and snagged the fence at high speed, crashing out but fortunately without suffering injury or any serious damage.

This was not the first time Morley has tasted success in this meeting, having taken the title in 2015.

Immediately afterwards, Morley said: “I’m made up with that. We’d been set up well all afternoon and I was happy with the inside gate for the run off.

"Going up against Alfie was really tough. He’s been on fire this weekend and, to be fair, he might have won it if he hadn’t run in too hot on the fourth lap. 

"I’m also really pleased we gained a one-two for the Warriors.

"Barry Bishop and everyone on the Island have been great to ride for and it’s nice to do this for them."

                                                                 SCORES

Ben Morley (Isle of Wight) 14, Alfie Bowtell (Isle of Wight) 14, Connor Mountain (Coventry) 13, Jack Thomas (Kent) 10, Mark Baseby (Eastbourne) 8, Max Clegg (Stoke) 8, Tom Perry (Belle Vue) 8, Georgie Wood (Eastbourne) 8, Ryan Kinsley (Mildenhall) 7, Jon Armstrong (Coventry) 6, Nathan Stoneman (Kent) 6, Tom Woolley (Buxton) 5, Henry Atkins (Plymouth) 4, Kyle Bickley (Belle Vue) 4, Sheldon Davies (Birmingham) 1, Drew Kemp (Mildenhall) 0.