ISLE of Wight speedway sensation Alfie Bowtell has been voted Wightlink Warriors Rider Of The Year after a superb season on the track.

The Warriors and Wizards teams staged their end-of-season awards evening at The Premier Lounge, at Ryde's Smallbrook Stadium, with a full house of fans, riders and sponsors there top celebrate the teams' positives this season.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Alfie Bowtell in action for the Warriors at Smallbrook Stadium, Ryde.

With the majority of Warriors and Wizards riders in attendance, each received a beautifully engraved trophy to mark their dedication and support of the club and what it is trying to achieve on the Isle of Wight.

In addition, a number of other special awards — some serious and some hilarious — were presented by Graham Hewitt, a stalwart of the club.

The final presentation wasd the season's top award, Rider of the Season, as voted for by Warriors supporters, which went to Essex charger, Alfie Bowtell.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Alfie Bowtell in action for the Warriors at Smallbrook Stadium, Ryde.

Alfie, who joined about a third of the way into the season, collected the highest number of votes from fans after a string of outstanding individual performances on the speedway circuit — particularly at Smallbrook.

Alfie said: “I really wasn’t expecting any of this. I knew from my first meeting that coming to race on the Island was the right thing to do if I wanted to get better.

"I have had so much support from my team-mates, management and fans. It’s just incredible.

"Normally after getting an award like this, it means plenty of drinks and a thick head in the morning, but that will have to wait as I’m back racing in an important meeting and I don’t think those at Lakeside would be too pleased if I turned up in a state.

"Thanks to all the supporters who voted for me. I’ve loved racing for the Warriors and can’t wait to carry on the progress I’ve made this season into 2019."

Isle of Wight County Press:

Alfie Bowtell in action for the Warriors at Smallbrook Stadium, Ryde.

Other special awards went to: Morgan Williams (supporters' Wizard of the season); Shaun Tedham (riders' rider award); Alfie Bowtell (best turned-out rider); Danno Verge (bonus point king); Alfie Bowtell (fastest Warrior); Ben Morley (highest points scorer); Danno Verge (most coffee consumed); Shaun Tedham (upside-down rider of the season).

Speedway matters are not totally concluded for 2018, with the Wizards still trying to fit in their final meeting at Eastbourne against Reading.

Discussions continue on finding a suitable date before the season finishes at the end of this month.