Chaos at Loomer Road as Wightlink Warriors Snatch Point in Abandoned Stoke Speedway Match
The Isle of Wight ‘Wightlink’ Warriors clung on for a vital National League point after their intense clash with Stoke was abandoned following a nightmare at Loomer Road. After just ten rocky races riddled with crashes and injuries, the referee called time with Stoke leading 32-27 – but the result stood.
Treacherous Track Turns Speedway Into Slip ‘n’ Slide
The trouble started right from race one when Stoke’s Paul Burnett tumbled on lap one, bend four, sparking multiple restarts. Burnett was disqualified and sidelined by an ankle injury early doors.
Stoke number one Max Clegg then drew a tape touch penalty, handed a 15-metre handicap. Warriors ace Ben Morley looked poised to strike but slammed out hard on the same bend and was also disqualified.
Drama piled up with Warriors’ Danno Verge falling late in a tense match race, bravely pushing home but ultimately withdrawn with dizziness. Scott Campos was next, unable to continue after a nasty back blow in another fall.
Warriors Fight Back Despite the Carnage
Despite multiple blowouts and a track that turned more dangerous with each heat, the Warriors stayed close to the home side, boosted by new signing Alfie Bowtell’s electrifying starts and three commanding wins.
But by heat eleven, multiple riders crashed simultaneously, forcing the referee to inspect the track. With Stoke unable to fix the worsening conditions, the match was abandoned by the official with the scoreboard frozen after heat ten.
Warrior Camp Counts Blessings
Afterwards, Stoke captain Tony Atkin blamed afternoon showers for the soggy, unrideable surface. The Warriors’ co-promoter admitted it was a tough call but insisted it was the right one.
“There had been too many rider incidents and holes were opening up on bends 1 and 4. Riders were free-wheeling, passing was minimal, and both teams had serious doubts about the track. I believe we would have at least drawn or won despite losing two riders,” he said.
Special praise went to Alfie Bowtell and Ben Morley for their blazing starts in the slippy conditions. The Warriors thanked fans from both sides for their support and acknowledged the referee’s difficult decision.
Injuries Cast Long Shadow
The abandonment still marks a milestone – the Warriors’ first away league point since October 2016. Thankfully, Scott Campos reports he is OK, though Danno Verge faces medical checks and looks set to miss 10 days racing.
Final Scores:
- Stoke Potters: Max Clegg 8, Paul Burnett 0, Tony Atkin 7, Adam Extance 7 (4+3), Rob Shuttleworth 5, Joe Alcock 4, Josh Embleton 6 (4+2)
- Wightlink Warriors: Alfie Bowtell 9, Shaun Tedham 6, Chris Widman 4 (3+1), Dale Lamb 4 (3+1), Ben Morley 3, Danno Verge 2, Scott Campos 1
The Warriors will hope for better luck next time out, but Loomer Road’s treacherous track ensured Saturday was a night to forget for both sides.
