Veteran rider Dean Felton was top scorer for the Islanders in their shock win over Plymouth last weekend. Picture by Chris Weston.
SPEEDWAYWightlink Islanders 41, Buxton Hitmen 52
WIGHTLINK Islanders were left feeling bruised on Tuesday night, after the Buxton Hitmen’s powerful young squad pulled off a win at Smallbrook Stadium.
Despite a 100 per cent effort from the Islanders and a shrewd tactical move by manager Kevin Shepherd, the Hitmen led for most of the meeting and sealed the victory with a 5-1 win in the penultimate heat.
It was an uphill battle right from the start for Wightlink, as Buxton’s top rider Craig Cook — who also rides in the Sky Sports Elite League — won the opening race and almost equalled the Smallbrook track record.
The only rider to beat Cook all night was in-form Danny Warwick, who also earned a vital six points in heat nine, when manager Shepherd used the tactical ride rule to gain double points.
Warwick was followed home by teammate Brendan Johnson to give the Islanders an 8-1 win.
This was quickly followed by a 5-1 win in heat ten, when Nick Simmons and Dean Felton put the Islanders in front for the first and only time during the meeting. But those 13 points were still not enough to save the Islanders from defeat.
Shepherd said: "I can’t blame any of the lads, they gave it their very best and Buxton just got it right on the night."
"As the season moves forward, our lads are getting quicker and quicker around Smallbrook. Unfortunately, so it seems, are the other teams, who, with regular racing are improving all the time. The next big test is Newport next week, who are another high-flying side in the National League."
Plymouth Devils 43, Wightlink Islanders 47
The Islanders went straight to the top of the National Trophy last weekend, after a shock away win at Plymouth.
Veteran Dean Felton, deputising as skipper for the side, was the star of the meeting with an impressive 12-point tally.
Co-promoter Chris Hunt was elated with the result.
"Now we have to keep it up," he said. "This is the first time the Islanders have been top of a table for a few seasons now, and I give all credit to all the lads on the night. It was a good solid performance."
Opposition for the Islanders next week is in the form of the Newport Hornets on Tuesday night, at 7.30pm.