The following message has been posted on the Speedway Southern Development League Facebook page today by Laurence Rogers, one of the league’s administrators:
“Despite many attempts to get this fixture completed unfortunately the Reading v IOW clash will not be staged. The result will be recorded as 0-0 and 1 point awarded to each side”.
That decision will keep the Wizards in fourth position in the league with a total of five match points and also allow Reading the runners-up slot behind Kent.
‘Wightlink’ Wizards joint team manager Kevin Shepherd said, “Both teams tried very hard to fulfil the fixture, but rider availability over the past couple of weeks has been difficult as has the Racers ability to use their host track at Eastbourne, nevertheless from a Wizards viewpoint we have enjoyed a great first season. Our squad have worked together seamlessly, they have encouraged each other enthusiastically and it has led to obvious on-track improvement by everyone. All the riders are planning winter work-outs at My First Skid or other training tracks so Sid and I will be keeping in close touch with them all to see what more we can do to help”.