By Isle of Wight ObserverThe Isle of Wight ‘Wightlink’ Warriors entertained some of best up and coming riders in the under-19 age group in a special team speedway challenge match at the Andrew Younie Smallbrook Stadium.
The home side ran out comfortable 52-37 winners, but the Young Lions suffered two early bouts of misfortune that certainly impacted on the final outcome.
In heat two they hit trouble as their reserves failed to negotiate the first two corners. Lewis Whitmore lost control of his machine following a mechanical issue, inadvertently forcing team mate Alex Spooner in to the safety barrier.
Both riders returned to the pits, but Spooner was unable to come out for the re-run, then Whitmore encountered more engine problems on the way to the start and the second race went ahead with just two Warriors.
Two further heats followed before the track paramedic was needed to look after Spooner.
With the Young Lions’ condition causing some concern, the County Ambulance had to be summoned and racing was suspended for almost an hour whilst the track medics assisted the stricken rider.
When racing resumed, the Warriors big hitters Alfie Bowtell and Ben Morley turned on the style, riding unbeaten by an opponent throughout the evening, despite good riding from the Young Lions.
Warriors : Alfie Bowtell 14+1, Danno Verge 5+1, Scott Campos 8+1, Chris Widman 1, Ben Morley 12, Jamie Bursill 3+2, Shaun Tedham 9+1
Young Lions : Leon Flint 10, Ben Woodhull 5+1, Joe Lawlor 8+2, Jason Edwards 9+1, Taylor Hampshire 5, Alex Spooner 0, Lewis Whitmore 0
Isle of Wight Observer