Jef

Nathan Stoneman was impressive, as were most of the Mildenhall team. The Islanders however were dissapointing, apart from Danny Warwick and Gary Cottham they all struggled, either with pace or bike problems. Kyle Hughes has not managed to match his maximum in his first match against the USA and has been off the pace in the last 2 home meetings, Ben Hopwood looks good on the bike but just hasn't got the speed at the moment and Paul Stark despite having 2 nice shiny bikes in the pits seemed to struggle to get one running properly. Some good racing last night however and it is always good to see a close match but a draw and a home defeat is not a good start!

From Islanders Website: News Flash - Tonight's meeting IOW v Mildenhall is on! Hopefully a full team tonight with the latest addition of Aaron Baseby replacing Marc Owen. Anyone know the likely Mildenhall line-up?

Islanders Press release: After receiving news that Marc Owen is likely to be ruled out of action for a further six weeks or more thanks to head injuries sustained when he crashed in this year’s British Under 21 Championship Final, the Wightlink Islanders have moved quickly to plug the gap in their side created by his absence. And they’ve done so by signing youngster Aaron Baseby on an indefinite loan from his parent club Mildenhall who readily agreed to the move when approached by the Wightlink Islanders management. “We had initially hoped that Marc would be fit to return to action next week and he hoped the same,” said joint team manager Kevin Shepherd, “but his doctors have told him he mustn’t ride a speedway bike for at least another six weeks. “I discussed the matter with my colleague Chris Hunt and we decided that the best thing for us to do was to try and sign a temporary replacement to cover for him, Mildenhall informed us that they were more than happy for Aaron to come and ride for us, he wanted to come and a deal was quickly done and we wish to place on record our thanks to the Mildenhall promotion for their assistance. “We bid welcome to Aaron who makes his debut for us at Smallbrook this coming Tuesday (May 15th, start time 7.30pm) in our opening league match of the season and, somewhat ironically, it’s the Mildenhall Fen Tigers who are our opponents. “Rest assured Aaron is very keen to do well against them!”

Yes both well ahead, very quick from the gate. In the one race when Richie was behind both Islanders after the first corner he passed them both with ease and I have to say was a pleasure to watch.

Well that was unexpected, well done to the potters for the aggregate win!, A good choice of guest in Steve Worral and the Worral twins were simply in a different class, with good support from Ben Reade. The Islanders all had there moments. Paul Stark was the most consistent with paid 14 from 6 and Garry Cottham had a good meeting with paid 13 from 7, could have been paid 16 but he pulled up while leading heat 10 (rumour was he ran out of fuel ) Our 3 heat leaders though didn't seem to be on the pace and couldn't get close to Steve and Richie Worrall. An enjoyable meeting but shame about the result.

From Islanders Website: **News Flash** Tonight's meeting - IOW v Stoke is on.

Forecast on the BBC Website says OK tomorrow so hopefully match will be on.

Website says broken in two places in a work related accident. So sounds pretty definite. Shame but Kyle Hughes looks like a very able replacement.

broken wrist I think!

So Tuesday 8th May -second attempt at the second leg, I assume Islanders back to full strength with Marc Owen back from injury? anyone know the Stoke line up?

From the stands and the viewing area of the pits you can see car lights from the car park but with the fence and banking on the first bend I'd be amazed if they were visable from the track, particularly the spot where James Sargeant slowed up.

I doubt it but it would have been closer. I think it was lost on the first leg at Rye House. The Islanders were a bit rusty after 3 weeks with no home track time but after their first rides they stepped it up a gear, Mason would have scored more than the 3 gained from R/R but not enough to change the result.

An easy win in the end for the Islanders, Rye House clearly suffered having to use R/R for David Mason, very close for the first few races but once the Islanders had over come having no racing for 3 weeks it was very one sided. Kyle Hughes looks very useful with a paid maximum in his first match! Bryn, what was all the fuss about in heat 11?

Yes I'll be there Bryn, the USA match was my first speedway for 4 years but the last 3 weeks seemed like an eternity, looking forward to it!

Now that we have taken Kyle Howarth as a replacement for Nick, what is the situation when/if Nick returns? Will we need to redeclare a team below the limit or can he just return to the team in place of Kyle?

Islanders website say's meeting going ahead! (at the moment!)

Bugger! another 2 weeks with no speedway

Heavy rain on the Island this morning, just stopped (9am) supposed sunshine and showers forcast for rest of the day,

2nd leg of the challenge and just a few points for the Islanders to claw back for the aggregate win. Hopefully Tim Webster guesting again as cover for Nick?

My first speedway for 4 years, (work commitments) Thoroughly enjoyed it, We were walking it until the rain started, only Danny Warwick and Paul Starkk seemed to cope with a wet track. Looks like a good team this season, hopefully a succesful year? A couple of questions: - Why was Marc Owen nominated for the last ride when he'd already missed 3 through mechanical problems? I thought the Nominated race had to be from the top 4/5 scorers? - Why are speedway bikes so unreliable? always baffled me, you dont seem to get the's problems with road bikes. Finally a big well done to the Islanders management, First time I've been to see National league at Smallbrook, the whole set up looks very profesional and obvioulsy a lot of work and investment in the track and facilities! I'll hopefully be a regular now that work allows!

If Nick is only going to be out for 6 weeks we shouldn't be looking to change too much, he will only miss 6 meetings, 3 challenge 2 KOC and 1 League match, surely R/R or guests would see us through that spell and give the rest of the lads a fair crack.

....and another!

Past his peak? I have a lot of good memories from my time supporting Canterbury in the late 60's, early 70's and a lot of them include Johnnie, even in the twilight of his promoting days he was a fantastic showman and always the centre of attention. Absolutely no doubt in my mind, Johnnie Hoskins No1!!

Don't know what it's called but I can Hum it!