20 10 09 WIGHTLINK ISLANDERS END SEASON WITH FIGHTING PERFORMANCE

[Tim]

WIGHTLINK ISLANDERS END SEASON WITH FIGHTING PERFORMANCE
By Isle of Wight Speedway ~ Tuesday 20th October 2009
The Wightlink Islanders travelled to the Derbyshire Dales on Sunday and finally brought the curtain down on their 2009 racing schedule when, despite a spirited performance, they went down to a ten point National Trophy defeat at Buxton. Tracking a somewhat depleted side they contributed fully to a very entertaining match and with the scores level at 36 points apiece with three races to go looked to be in with a great chance of pulling off a win but, quite simply, they ran out of steam after being level with the Hitmen with just three heats to go.

"Epitomises our season really in that we were so near yet so far, " said a somewhat rueful joint team manager Kevin Shepherd as he reflected upon the afternoon's proceedings, "but given our injury problems most people will acknowledge that overall we've done well this year. It's most certainly been very much a year from which we have learned many lessons and we intend to put what we've learnt into practice next season which we're already looking forward to with eager anticipation."

MATCH DETAILS:
Buxton Hitmen 50 Wightlink Islanders 40
National Trophy - Sunday October 18th

WIGHTLINK ISLANDERS SCORERS
Tony Atkin 11+1, rider replacement for Chris Johnson, Matt Wright 8+1, Dean Felton 9+1, Ben Hopwood 4+1, Scott Meakins 4+2, Tom Hill 4+1

VERY MUCH A LEARNING CURVE
The 2009 speedway season that has just ended has certainly been something of a learning curve for all involved in the inaugural season of the reconstituted third tier of racing in this country and no doubt Wightlink Islanders officials would have discussed matters arising from it with representatives of all other clubs at a general meeting meeting on Wednesday of this week. No doubt that will lead to some modifications being made for next year but overall most Wightlink Islanders' fans, especially shareholders who attended their recent AGM, appear to have thoroughly enjoyed the year's action despite the lack of trophies on the shelf as a reward for their team's efforts.

THINKING CAPS NOW NEEDED - FOLLOWED BY THE BIG BANG AND GET YOUR 2010 SEASON TICKETS!
Social events continue at the club during the close season including regular "Fun Quiz Nights," the first of which will take place on Tuesday October 27 in the Premier Bar at the Wave105FM stadium. 2010 season tickets will be available that night or direct from the stadium during office hours at other times until the end of this month at the bargain 'earlybird' price of just £150 although there will be one final chance to purchase them in early November.

That comes at the Grand Firework and Presentation Evening that takes place on Friday November 6th which gets underway with some quad racing action at 7pm, the fireworks will start circa thirty minutes later on what promises to be a great evening will be rounded off by the social event in the Premier Bar. Admission on that night is £10 per car irrespective of number of occupants, rates for coachloads will be more but available upon request, and the advice being given is to get there early!