SPEEDWAYWightlink Islanders 49, Buxton Hitmen 44
WIGHTLINK Islanders had a double victory on Tuesday but the team’s co-promoter was still not happy.
The team beat Buxton Hitmen and skipper Nick Simmons successfully defended the Bronze Helmet but Chris Hunt said it didn’t feel like a win.
He said: "We should of had three points tonight and nothing less — it’s very, very disappointing." A fall by Simmons in the final heat meant Buxton’s Adam Allott raced clear to gain a league point for the visitors.
Earlier the pair raced for the Bronze Helmet, when Simmons won a re-run.
Buxton took the advantage at the start of the main meeting, when Allott gained revenge over Simmons. The Islanders won heat two after both Buxton riders fell in separate incidents, putting the home side two points in front.
Danny Warwick won heat three with ease and in heat four Luke Chessell was away quickly, before he was taken by Buxton’s Robert Branford and the Islanders’ Paul Starke.
However, the Islanders’ Rob Smith, who suffered a heavy crash at Stoke last week, had to withdraw.
Allott won heat five for Buxton then it was the Islanders’ turn in heat six after Branford took an early lead, only for a determined Simmons to chase him down, before he suffered a puncture after crossing the finish line.
There were six points separating the sides at the halfway stage, before Warwick won his second.
Another heat advantage put the Islanders eight points up, with Simmons chasing down the field after locking up. Starke and Allott shared the points in heat 11, while Buxton’s Luke Priest took heat 12.
The Islanders face Mildenhall at Smallbrook on Tuesday.