Speedway: Warriors mauled by Fen Tigers

THE Warriors speedway team came up against top class opposition and were found wanting as Mildenhall Fen Tigers bared their fangs to beat them by 16 points at Smallbrook Stadium.

Mildenhall, defending an 11-match unbeaten run, made the better of the conditions, with Smallbrook's volunteer track staff making the meeting possible after a morning of heavy rain.

It was an uphill struggle for all the Warriors on a night when the visitors provided 13 of the 15 race winners and 11 heat advantages.

But despite the uphill struggle, the Warriors never threw in the towel — living up to their name by battling to the end.

It was clear to see why the Suffolk side are going to take some stopping as the National League nears its climax.

In all,  there were 21 heats of speedway on the night as the Isle of Wight Wightlink Wizards took on the Reading Racers in the Southern Development League, losing out to the visitors 15-21.

After the meeting, Warriors co-promoter Barry Bishop said: "A huge thank you to our brilliant track team for getting the circuit raceable after the heavy morning rain.

"Secondly, an equally big thank you to the supporters of Mildenhall, Reading, the Warriors and the Wizards who turned out in great numbers to attend our meeting.

"And well done to all the riders for serving up some fantastic speedway.

"Congratulations to Mildenhall and Reading on their wins on what was a super evening — showing all that is exciting and good about our sport."

Isle of Wight scorers:

Warriors: Alfie Bowtell 8+1, Danno Verge 3+1, Scott Campos 7, Chris Widman 2, Ben Morley 11, Jamie Bursill 3, Shaun Tedham 3+2.

Wizards: Rob Watts 0, Ben Ilsley 4+1, Jamie Sealey 8, Chris Watts 3+1.