DEPLETED HEROES FINAL FLOURISH

Sky high temperatures greeted riders and spectators at last night's Speedway action at the Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde and those scorching conditions were repeated on track as Charlie Southwick and assorted ‘friends’ came together to form the ‘West Wight Heroes’ and they triumphed in unusual circumstances in the annual best pairs meeting generously sponsored by Mark Cooper IFA, whilst Yorkshire lass Rachel Hellowell retained her NORA British Women’s Championship in an event sponsored by Thermohome Limited and powered by Jason Waring.

To explain, Southwick’s original programmed partner James Shanes became unavailable to ride, and a replacement could not be found at short notice, however through the co-operation of the other four pairs in the event, a rider from each was ‘lent’ to the West Wight Heroes in rotation to ensure that the Heroes were not terminally disadvantaged by the unusual 4 3 2 0 scoring system.

As expected, the more experienced speedsters Ritchings, Cluff and Coles bagged the big points for their respective teams, but the real cut and thrust took place for the minor places as riders realised how important it was not to be fourth finisher and score zero points.

Heat 2 proved a case in point as Henning Loof (Surrey Sliders) and James Laker (Golden Duo) battling hard with Loof making the pass for a vital third place. Heat 4 followed a similar pattern with the same two racers repeating the action (Loof this time making a ‘guest’ appearance for the Heroes) whilst the Heroes hopes were dented in race 7 when Southwick took a fall after a battle with Loof although the damage was restricted as the youngster’s race partner did win the race. Then to the final qualifying heat and another fall, this time for Charlie Wood (Surrey Sliders) whilst well positioned ultimately costing the Sliders a semi-final place.

And so, to the semi-finals where the Sliders were eliminated on count back having no race winners. Semi-final 1saw Southwick and Loof make the gate for the Heroes ahead of Connor Coles (Rob’s Raiders) but sadly his determined challenge ended with a fall. He claimed Loof, immediately in front of him, had ‘locked up’ but that was not the referee’s interpretation and the inevitable exclusion effectively put paid to his pairs challenge as the rerun went the way of the Heroes by 6-3.

Semi-final 2 pitted Ritchings (Chesil Radio Wildcats) against Cluff (Golden Duo). Cluff had earlier delivered Ritchings first defeat of the season at Smallbrook and it was clear revenge was in the air as Ritchings made a bold sweep around bends 1 and 2 to gain an early advantage at which point all eyes turned to the battle for the crucial third spot between Laker and Williams. This was going Laker’s way until he inexplicably slid off allowing Williams by. In a flash Laker had re- mounted his machine and set off after Williams gradually reeling the Wildcat in and passing his opponent on the final bend with Williams clearly showing signs of physical fatigue at the end of the race.

Having remarkably reached the Final with just one ‘true’ rider and plenty of help from others, the Heroes Team Manager Jerry Lake called on his only remaining option Nathan Hargrave from Rob’s Raiders to step in and partner Southwick as they took on the Golden Duo of Cluff and Laker. As expected Cluff bolted from the tapes with Southwick in pursuit, but it was guest Hargrave who slotted into third place and stayed there to ensure the Heroes secured a 5-4 heat win and with-it top spot in the meeting.

Qualifying scores: West Wight Heroes 20, Golden Duo 19, Chesil Radio Wildcats 17, Surrey Sliders 17, Rob’s Raiders 17.

Semi-final 1 result: West Wight Heroes 6 (Southwick 4, Loof 2), Rob’s Raiders 3 (Hargrave 3, Coles 0 -fell excluded).

Semi-final 2 result: Golden Duo 5 (Cluff 3, Laker 2), Chesil Radio Wildcats 4 (Ritchings 4, Williams 0).

Grand Final result: West Wight Heroes 5 (Southwick 3, Hargrave 2), Golden Duo 4 (Cluff 4, Laker 0).

In the Women’s event defending champion Rachel Hellowell again showed why she is the most consistent lady racer in the UK with three controlled race wins and a second place behind home favourite and eventual runner-up Tia Brant with Plymouth’s Charlotte Brooks third and Islander Anastasia Williams completing the line-up.

Next up at the stadium on Tuesday 19th August is the second leg of the Vince Mapley Memorial Trophy with the Wightlink Warriors facing plenty of work to do if they are to recover the first leg deficit against the visiting Cradley Heathens.

Image shows action from last nights Best Pairs meeting courtesy of Ian Groves / Sportography.