Hammers run Warriors close for a point

Lakeside suffered last-gasp heartache as they were beaten 49-41 at the Isle of Wight on Thursday night.

The Vortex Hammers were denied a consolation point in a heat 15 decider as Ben Morley fell whilst looking to split Warriors’ duo Liam Carr and James Cockle.

It meant the visitors left Smallbrook empty handed – and team boss Kelvin Tatum admitted they were frustrated not to earn any Travel Plus National League points to show for their efforts.

Said Tatum: “To go down to the last race four points down and end up not getting anything is quite frustrating.

Unfortunately there was a big advantage on gates one and three because of the track being slippery, and as hard as our two boys tried in the last race it was very hard to overtake. It was always going to be about the start and their two riders made it out of the gate.

We put up a brave fight and there were plenty of positives, but it’s a shame we couldn’t come away with at least a point.”

Zach Wajtknecht top scored for the Hammers with a 14-point haul, whilst Alfie Bowtell also impressed to notch double figures.

No.2 George Hunter put in a strong showing, whilst Morley and reserve duo Nick Laurence and Jamie Couzins fought hard to contribute useful points.

But they eventually fell just short of a point in the absence of David Mason, who was ruled out once again with a head injury suffered last month.

The Vortex Hammers will be back in action on home shale when they welcome Mildenhall to the Arena-Essex Raceway next Friday, May 19 (8pm).

ISLE OF WIGHT 49:

Liam Carr 14, James Cockle 13+1, Ben Wilson 9, Jamie Sealey 6+2, Chris Widman 6+1, Alex Spooner 1, Tyler Govier r/r.

LAKESIDE 41:

Zach Wajtkencht 14, Alfie Bowtell 10+1, George Hunter 7+2, Ben Morley 5+1, Jamie Couzins 3+1, Nick Laurence 2, David Mason r/r.

National League points: Isle of Wight 3 Lakeside 0

Image: Alfie Bowtell. Credit Rob Newell.