MILDENHALL FEN TIGERS 51, ISLE OF WIGHT 39

THE Isle of Wight Wightlink Warriors speedway team had the tables turned on them at Mildenhall as the Fen Tigers gained revenge for their National Trophy defeat at Smallbrook Stadium, Ryde, on Thursday last week.

The Islanders were only four points in arrears after 13 of the 15 heats, but the Tigers bared their teeth to find their gating skills and finish the meeting with two 5-1 advantages to put a flattering complexion on the final score.

There was no lack of effort from the Warriors.

Skipper Ben Morley took four straight heat wins before falling in the last race, chasing down the Fen Tigers pair, while team-mate, Georgie Wood, clocked three wins, before mechanical gremlins caused him to slow down and lose position in the last race.

Isle of Wight County Press: Isle of Wight Wightlink Warriors captain Ben Morley was a shining light for the Islanders against Mildenhall Fen Tigers in the National Trophy second leg. Isle of Wight Wightlink Warriors captain Ben Morley was a shining light for the Islanders against Mildenhall Fen Tigers in the National Trophy second leg.

The Warriors' reserves also worked overtime for points, but with scant reward.

In a reverse of Thursday’s fixture, it was the home side that produced a more rounded display and adapted better to track conditions.

Warrior’s team manager, Kev Shepherd, said: “We were in close touch, until the last two races, but they went against us as the Fen Tigers found their gating skills, and our riders hit trouble.

"That said, that was our best performance at Mildenhall for some time and we look to build on our home win last week when we entertain Plymouth on Thursday.

                                                         SCORERS 

Isle of Wight: Georgie Wood 11, Chris Widman 3, Ryan Terry-Daley 5, Danno Verge 2+1, Ben Morley 12, Chad Wirtzfeld 3+1 and Connor King 3+1.