Belle Vue Colts 56, Isle of Wight Wightlink Warriors 34

THE Isle of Wight Warriors speedway team became the latest side to come away empty-handed from the National Speedway Stadium after another powerful display by the Belle Vue Colts.

The Warriors arrived without Georgie Wood, still under the weather following a recent illness, with Cradley’s Jack Smith drafted in as a guest rider for the night as his replacement.

It was the former Belle Vue rider who took the battle to the Colts, ending up top scorer with an impressive 15 points from six rides.

The Islanders were level with the Colts after five heats, with hopes alive of springing a surprise.

But a power-packed burst from the home side mid-meeting put them in a commanding position as they eased to record a 22-point victory.

This was the first league meeting away from Smallbrook where the Warriors failed to pick up at least one league point.

Isle of Wight Speedway co-promoter, Barry Bishop, could only look on and admire the potential packed into the Colts side.

He said: “We were very proud of the team. We knew this would be a really tough meeting for us against a strong team who know the track so well.

"Smith stepped in at short notice and gave it 100 per cent, but on the night, although the lads fought as hard as they could, the better team won and we have to accept that, keep our heads high and keep pushing for a play-off place."

Warriors scorers: Jack Smith 15, Chad Wirtzfeld 1, Scott Campos 3, Danno Verge 3+1, Ben Morley 7+2, Chris Widman 2, Connor King 3+1.