Islanders' new signing Ricky Scarboro kicks up the dust at the Smallbrook track as he leads Scunthorpe's Steve Worrall. Picture by David Valentine.
SPEEDWAYWightlink Islanders 56, Scunthorpe 36
WIGHTLINK Islanders sped back to winning ways at Smallbrook Stadium on Tuesday night, perhaps inspired by the visit of four-times world champion Barry Briggs.
Briggs, a much-loved former rider in the speedway world, visited the Island as part of his fundraising marathon ride for speedway riders who have suffered spinal injuries.
And with Briggs looking on, the Islanders put on a show he would not forget.
The Islanders were led by Danny Warwick, who scored a faultless 15 points to help his team beat the Northern side by 20 points.
Impressive performances also came from captain, Nick Simmons, who bagged paid 14, and Ben Hopwood, who despite a fall in his first ride, managed to gain three straight wins.
Co-promoters Chris Hunt and Kevin Shepherd were delighted to see the Islanders turn the tide after some very disappointing home performances in recent weeks.
Shepherd said the score did not reflect how tight the battle was, and added: "For the Islanders to bang in three consecutive 5-1’s in the last three races was just what the doctor ordered. Let’s hope this was the confidence booster the boys needed, and that we can keep up performances like this."
Briggs, together with his son, Tony, mingled with the crowd and collected for his good cause. He said: "The crowd have been great tonight, and I want to thank everyone at the Island Speedway for being so generous."
The Islanders are away at Mildenhall Fen Tigers on Sunday, before the visit of the Plymouth Devils on July 13.
Both meetings are National League matches.