Debut rider Bowtell stars for Isle of Wight Warriors in last-gasp win over Plymouth

THE Isle of Wight Warriors speedway team halted a run of seven straight defeats with victory in the final race against the Plymouth Devils — new signing Alfie Bowtell, the hero on his debut.

Debut rider for the Isle of Wight Warriors, Alfie Bowtell, celebrating one of his five race wins against the Plymouth Devils.

Bowtell, brought in to replace want-away skipper, Ben Hopwood, could not have wished for a better debut last night (Tuesday).

Always sharp out of the starts, the Essex-based charger showed he was no slouch from the back either, with a stunning opening ride — the first of five winning rides on the way to a magnificent 17-point haul, the Warriors' best individual tally of the season.

Pre-match, the Warriors were hit with the news that Scott Campos could not get time off work and would miss the meeting and, given the Devils's very impressive recent winning record on the Island, things were looking tricky for the Wightlink-sponsored team, who were propping up the National Trophy South division.

New Warriors star, Alfie Bowtell.

Once racing got under way, it was nip and tuck with riders on both sides, with some much-needed lady luck with the Warriors.

In heat 11, the turning point of the meeting, with the visitors two points in front, Bowtell had made another sharp start and opposition rider, Adam Roynon, in hot pursuit, brushed Bowtell’s rear tyre and ploughed into the first bend air fence with alarming force.

Bowtell also came down, but was quickly up.

The incident opened the door for a Warriors comeback, and with work still to be done, it was Bowtell again who led the way with three wins in the closing five heats — well supported by Ben Morley and Chris Widman, who helped see the Warriors claw themselves over the line.

Alfie Bowtell celebrates one of his five wins against the Plymouth Devils.

Warriors’ co-promoter Barry Bishop was in reflective mood after the meeting.

He said: "First and foremost, our thoughts and best wishes are with Adam, who dislocated his shoulder.

"The incident undeniably turned the match in our favour and I am pleased we were able to step up, thanks to Alfie Bowtell’.

"It’s not the best way to take the spoils. Adam would have played a major role determining the outcome over the closing heats."

Scores:

Isle of Wight Warriors: Ben Morley 11+1, Danno Verge 5+2, Chris Widman 8, Alfie Bowtell 17, Nick Laurence 3, Shaun Tedham 2+1.

Plymouth Devils: Adam Roynon 6, Ryan Terry-Daley 6+1, Henry Atkins 12, Nathan Stoneman 11, Macauley Leek 1+1, Richard Andrews 7+1, Jamie Bursill (No.8) 1+1.