Speedway star and Isle of Wight Warriors captain Ben Hopwood leaves team

New signing, Alfie Bowtell, who has replaced Ben Hopwood.

The Islanders' captain, Manchester-based Ben Hopwood — who said he has a new job that will prevent him travelling to the Island — told the club's management of his decision before last week’s meeting against the Eastbourne Eagies.  

However, the move has opened the door for Essex-based rider, Alfie Bowtell, to join the Wightlink-sponsored Island side, who are rooted to the bottom of the National Trophy South league without a point to their name.

Reacting to the unexpected turn of events, Warriors' co-promoter Barry Bishop said: “Ben’s decision came out of the blue. He was always asking us if his job was safe and if he was doing a good job.

"To be honest, we were disappointed to find out that he had already been in contact with the speedway authorities — and at least one other club —before approaching any of the Warriors' management team.

"Of course, we understand about his new working arrangements and our geographical position.

"We wish him all the best and there is no bad feeling between club and rider, although we have to be disappointed in the way this matter had been handled.

"Ben said he would only ride for the club for a further 14 days, or until we found someone, so we had to act quickly to secure a replacement.

"We are thrilled to be able to announce the arrival of Alfie Bowtell at the club on an attractive 6.55 average.

"Alfie has ridden with Ben Morley at Lakeside for the past two seasons.

"At 21, he is an improving young talent who has always fitted in well and scored solidly on past visits here.

"We welcome him to our club and will support his development in any way we can.

"The move also gives us a little more manoeuvrability within the points limit and we are looking closely at the new opportunities."

Bowtell goes straight into the Warriors team for tomorrow night’s key fixture against the Plymouth Devils, with the line-up expected to be: Ben Morley, Danno Verge, Scott Campos, Chris Widman, Alfie Bowtell, Nick Laurence and Shaun Tedham.

Plymouth have injury and absence concerns over Bradley Andrews and former Warriors skipper, James Cockle, respectively, with the rest of the side comprising Richard Andrews, Henry Atkins, Macauley Leek, Adam Roynon and Ryan Terry-Daley.

Following the Warriors will be the Wightlink Wizards who take on the Exeter Falcons, in their first Southern Development League fixture at Smallbrook Stadium.

In their six heat matches, the Wizards went down narrowly by four points in Devon on Friday night, so it will be a revenge mission for the local side who will track two Island based riders — Morgan Williams and James Luckman — in their quartet.

Birthday boy, Chris Watts, and acting skipper Ben Ilsley make up the side that are determined to put up a good show in their opening home fixture.

Tapes up for the first race of the bumper programme of 21 races, at Smallbrook Stadium, Ryde, tomorrow (Tuesday), is at 7pm, with gates open at 5.30pm.