Islanders pipped in last-heat thriller

By Clare Newman

Friday, May 11, 2012

 

Islanders pipped in last-heat thriller

Paul Starke was the Islanders’ top scorer, with 12 points. Picture by MIKE THOMAS/LIFESTYLEIMAGING.NET

SPEEDWAY Wightlink Islanders 45, Stoke Potters 45
(Stoke win 91-89 on aggregate)
STOKE Potters won maximum points in a dramatic last heat to take aggregate victory over the Wightlink Islanders in the annual Wightlink Cup.

The Potters held a three-point advantage after the first leg but a strong performance from the Islanders at Smallbrook Stadium saw them hold an aggregate two-point lead going into the final heat.
But Potters pulled out all the stops and took a 5-1 heat victory to draw the match on the night, and regain the overall lead at the death.
“Yes, we are disappointed not to have won tonight and overall,” said joint team manager Chris Hunt.
“But what a cracking match it was. Our fans have just witnessed a night full of racing of the highest calibre, and full credit should go to Potters for preventing us from taking the honours.
“We can take a lot of heart from the fact we rode well enough to show our opponents what we are made of, for Stoke are a very good side indeed.”
On the night, Paul Starke led the scoring with 12+2, with Gary Cottham supporting with 10+3. Kyle Hughes and Danny Warwick scored 7+1 respectively, with Danny Stoneman recording 5+1, and Ben Hopwood contributing four points.
Next week, the Islanders host Mildenhall Fen Tigers, favourites for the National League title, on Tuesday.
Fen Tigers will be full of confidence for the match after thumping Scunthorpe by 33 points in their opening home league match of the season.
Tapes go up at Smallbrook at 7.30pm.

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