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Wow... what a fantastic night... 30 races.... completed... loved it.. absolutely loved it.... here is the meeting report by Rob Dyer. Wightlink Warriors Summer Speedway Spectacular Sees Appleton In Tasty Form The first of Wightlink Warriors Summer Spectacular meetings proved to be master class of track skill from former British Grasstrack Masters Champion Andrew Appleton (pictured) as he scorched to five impressive wins in front of an appreciative crowd at the Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde last night. The return of track sport to the Island was headlined by the first of three rounds of the Island Masters series - a grasstrack meeting on shale – and the twelve riders didn’t disappoint a very healthy crowd as they battled hard to reach the winner takes all Grand Final. On a night of nearly 30 races the Masters meeting also included a gripping six heat development meeting between the Wightlink Wizards and Weymouth Wildcats and a further six heats of races looking to the future and giving the youngster track time in front of an audience. Whilst former Reading and Oxford speedway star Appleton produced lightning starts to earn his wins he did have stern competition from Danish rider Jacob Buckhave and the two served up a terrific race in the Grand Final – indeed the three finals (C, B & A) certainly didn’t disappoint as all the riders gave their all right to the end. Also impressing were Tony Atkin and Rob Fortune whilst Wightlink Warrior Chad Wirtzfeld found plenty of speed to clinch the B Final on the night. As to the Wightlink Wizards, their battle to tame the Wildcats went to the final bend of the final heat and for all the world it looked as if the home team were about to secure the 5-1 result that would have seen them take a win, however with Jamie Sealey well clear at the front, Wroxall based Morgan Williams appeared to tire on the final two corners and slide to the ground allowing two relieved Wildcats riders through for a drawn heat that clinched the meeting 17-19 in favour of the visitors. Mention also for the PeeWee and 125 cc riders who opened the evening and especially to Kye Elliott from St. Helens (IOW) who scored an impressive 7 points to take the ’Les and Lesley (Midland Fans)’ Junior Rider Of The Night award. Warriors’ co-owner Barry Bishop wore a big smile after the meeting as he said, “Wow. What a night 30 races, bags of action both on and off track, super crowd, magic finals. The night had almost everything Martin and I could have wanted and we were so close to complete perfection until Morgan’s slip in the Wizards meeting. I’ve got to say we have worked so hard for this night. We’ve had many battles and we have achieved what we set out do. That is provided affordable family entertainment in a safe and pleasant environment. Right now I’m just a bit speechless and completely shattered but tomorrow we’ll be back at it and I can’t for next Thursday when we can do it all again with the Wightlink Warriors”. Island Masters – Round 1 Result: C Final – Eric Pike, Dean Cutler, David Hollingsbee, Barry Coates B Final – Chad Wirtzfeld, Charley Powell, Mitch Godden, Nigel Coates A Final – Andrew Appleton, Jacob Buckhave, Tony Atkin, Rob Fortune Wightlink Wizards 17 (Jamie Sealey 8, Jamie Evans 6+1, Morgan Williams 3, Eli Meadows 0) Weymouth Wildcats 19 (Bailey Fellows 7+1, James Laker 5, Max Pankhurst 4+1, Sam Peters 3)

Back injury for Ully but has full movement thankfully.

Sad way for a meeting to end. Thoughts with Ulrich. has been on fire for Panthers and Tigers this season. Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery

Batch or Love Island contestants?

How is it nonsense? They want people at the track. If it's a fair way to travel then the stream is a good option. The nearer you are the more likely you are to go to the track. It's common sense on Edinburgh's part IMO.

First things first. A massive well done to Lynn and Alex Brady. Alex being a fan of 25 years means he's in his dream job. The enthusiasm he would have brought to the pits last night clearly rubbed off on the riders and he got them all fighting for every point. Racing was the best I've seen there for a while. You was always going to win a home match and unfortunately it was us to give that to you. A very poor heat 14 and a very poor Brady kurtz cost us. Kurtz just cant seem to gate right now. Where in Poland hes doing very good and as improved but for us he's gone backwards. All I can think off is that he cznt get used to the new tyre. There were a few moans and jeers at etheridge when he fell but I think they thought he stayed down on purpose. But obviously in the end thst wasn't the case and they rightly applauded him off the track. Anyway Well done on the win. Belle vue not good enough,

What an appalling site this is! Badly designed and, certainly as far as speedway is concerned, lacking in up to date information. To find out that the Sheffield match is on I had to go outside the site for a search to find what 'British Premiership Round 8' meant - I could so easily have taken this for one of their many repeats. if it had not been mentioned on this forum that match is on then I wouldn't have known anything about it - particularly as it's not in the usual Monday slot. The BSPA were keen to inform us of their tie-in with this organisation now they need to bend their ears to tell them to provide clear information about the sport on the website. It's certainly not doing speedway much in the way of promotion. And if you're reading this Baldyman don't bother to tell me to use the power of Google. It should not be necessary to delve through multiple tv listing sites to get the required information when it should be on the host website.

I was going through all my programmes from the British Final and BLRC from 1965 until 1974 and it was interesting looking back .I personally did not see any of there wins in both events i did see the 1974 British Final where Eric Boocock won it and Briggo did actually beat Ivan in there meeting.Barry generally was pretty poor that evening and Eric was sublime.HEAD TO HEAD in British Finals 1965/ 1974 Briggo won four beating Ivan six race wins to three in all there meetings IVAN also won the event four times in that period.The BLRC i UNFORTUNATELY gutted really saw none of Barry’s six victories he made that event his own from 1965/70 my only query was in 1969 Ivan did have an ef in one ride and had four other race wins beating Briggo in there meeting Barry went on and won the meeting.HEAD TO HEAD in BLRC 1965/1974 Briggo won six titles beating Ivan six times to Ivan’s two Ivan did win the event twice in that period 1971 and 1973. Ivan was arguably the greatest rider ever in my opinion ( was never a fan huge respect for him though ) so was quite proud of Briggs head to head record against Ivan generally i would imagine only Ole / Peter Collins can rival that.A great period that; other memories were Barry missing the 1972/73 BLRC but doing a great job in helping crash Ashby secure second place in 1972 behind Ole.

Bit of a hollow victory after seeing the crash Ulrich has had , best wishes to Ulrich he will be difficult to replace , hope his injury is not as bad as it appears and he is back with us soon.

Says someone who can't spell lol. Was that sarcastic? Thought I'd better ask cos no one else gets your sarcasm but you!

Think there’s more chance of one league than Poole moving back up. Variety is better than seeing the same team every other week. Wouldn’t be Suprised go see a revamp this coming winter with north/south with top 4 meeting in play offs.

So do I, BOBBATH, and I used to attend a lot of meetings actually wearing an anorak back in the day!

I didn't realise Masters was on tea making duty tonight.

Or just download a VPN

Instead of complaining how about you read the full article. It states if you are within the 25 mile radius and can’t attend contact the club as to why and they will do their best to help. so for example if you’re isolating they would probably allow you to have the stream.

Great to hear that the first meeting went well. Now I just hope that Wightlink/SWR play ball and reinstate the late evening boat and train services to enable me to enjoy the racing and get home afterwards. Good luck to all involved with the Warriors.

I enjoyed the Belle Vue meeting and so went again last night. Obviously, the racing was not as good but the scores were close and the balance tilted between the teams until the Panthers pulled away, so I enjoyed my evening out. Owlerton is perfectly capable of producing good racing, as the Belle Vue match showed. I don't know how many tracks I've seen speedway at but the common denominator is that I've seen poor meetings at all of them, including many at the great Hyde Road. My one visit to the NSS produced a turkey. It happens.

See above W9. It was a sarcastic comment aimed at Skids (specifically) due to the content of another thread, that's all.

Track prepared to deal with the heat and not to balloon dust. As commented modern speedway is speed and the guy with the fastest bike normally wins. As most riders have similar equipment the only way you will get passing if someone makes a mistake and on a track like Sheffield where it’s open the throttle full and blast it, then that ain’t going to happen. Batchelor shouldn’t be riding at number 1 but the averages demand he does. I can’t see how averages make any relevance to teams in this league when the standard has fallen so far. Harris at reserve is an example of the system being wrong and allowing 7 rides makes no sense.

You aren't the only one who has said this... Cant understand why Ben wasn't picked up at the start of the season... would have been moot anyway because of his hand injury at the Newcastle P&P however he's back firing on all cylinders now (well one good one anyway) and its nuts that someone hasn't give him a go... there are a few Prem clubs that seem to be weak at the bottom end and Ben slots in on a very reasonable average (5.42)... Like I said "Nuts" as he could do a job that is for sure... and improve any team in the league... Regards THJ

I said that at the start of the season,likes Sheffield and good entertainment value.

That's a very unfair comment, Technik. the opening post talks of three fathers and sons as the topic he wanted discussed. The discussion generally follows in that vein with contributors looking to match the number of three. It is really not just chunky who took that to be the subject of the thread.

I always enjoyed the racing at Sheffield and rated the track in the top 3 British tracks. …….used to go 8 or 9 times a season. In recent years the quality of racing has taken a nose dive to the point where I rarely go as I have been so disappointed with the racing. Last night, I watched it on Eurosport and my mother who has watched Speedway since the 60s commented around heat 11 “ there hasn’t been much passing” would love to see Sheffield get back to having a good race track

Learned alot from you BOBBATH , BL , Steve, Norbold ( ect) yesteryear is a passion of mine.My memorabilia collecting scrapbooks pictures autographs keep me occupied and it is very enjoyable.The last few months i have bought alot of DVDS from the Jan Staechmann collection terrific value great to look back at the old footage.

I think you've missed the word 'some' out Henry, every track has them unfortunately. I expect feelings were running high during heat 14 but it's never acceptable to cheer a fallen rider IMO.

A triple team change is needed in my opinion. Batch, Wright & Bates to make way, needs to happen sooner rather than later too.

Oh I don't know! He'll probably have a problem with anyone who steps into Zane's vacant position.

Good luck to IOW tonight. Barry has been on Facebook live throughout the day, promoting the meeting, promoting and giving exposure to the sponsors. I really hope they have a successful season

Good news thanks for the update .

Great atmosphere too..

I think Danyon has been doing very well. His 1st home meet was a 0 but since then he's scored 7+2 & 6, he's also scored well at the away tracks. And Ben has been just superb.

In the European Pairs final in France for GB with Harris and Brennan

Not really Arthur go past there three times a week it looks run down shocking really hurts.BUT we don’t no all could be well ?? but our council in Swindon must be in the bottom ten of the whole country our town centre is shocking.PRAY we open again but my instinct tells me there is a grave doubt fingers crossed eh!,

Cook has been sensational, and Hume is finding his feet

Word I have [from two different sources] is that the attendance was slightly up on usual league meetings

i think most people on here are misreading what you are saying .

Dear oh dear, sarcasm and irony is obviously lost on you. WTF is hardly swearing. It's a common acronym used in circumstances such as the one above, nothing more.

And you did the Panthers a big favour so good night all round

I have a feeling that if Batch can drop on to CL he will be going to Kent

You think tonight was bad, you haven't been to Wolves yet!

I think its a 3TT over 3 legs, Isle of Wight, those pesky Heathens and the hopefully all conquering OXFORD CHEETAHS, I'd just like to confirm that i am in no way biased in who i want to emerge victorious.

Slow burn for Lynn now. Sneak into 4th place then win the play offs.

You dont know me and dont know who bought the ticket and dont know the reasons behind it so might I sugest you keep your opinions inside your tiny little mind... It is up to me what I do with the ticket NOT you...

As I wrote earlier ' British Premiership Round 8' was the text for the listing. Doesn't mention Sheffield. Would a live football match be listed as match eight? It's sloppy. And is it clear what's on this coming Monday? Do I have to look at all club websites to find out? Looking at the speedway section there's no mention of tonight's match even. It doesn't do speedway any favours.

Yes Simon's the man

Well if you can't even work it out then there is no help for you! You seem very annoyed that Bickley outscored him and not giving him any credit, trying to make out he's no good. Others have noticed it too going by their comments, so not just me. And considering you are swearing in your post, I'd say you are annoyed! Unless you just have a potty mouth?

The nightmare that Rob Grant found himself in is extremely unfortunate. What is also unfortunate is the people who think that they can post on his behalf. If Rob has ok’d that then fine, it’s his business to destroy. I would like to think that he would be mortified. slagging on social media officially or by proxy is not the way to go. The past cannot be changed.

Clearly know so little. Chapman & Godfrey tried to implement 100's of changes for the future but you do realise that final votes go through all voting promoters & the SCB. I'm not Chapman's biggest fan but you do realise that it doesn't matter who the Chairman & Vice-Chaiman are they're at a lose already?? The blame lies with all voting promoter's & SCB. Don't be so deluded.

Of course Roger would pay. What’s 20 quid to a man like him. More a principle at stake here. As I understand it that was the reason Mrs Roger stopped going. Not sure if she now attends again or not. Just great to hear a man like Roger still keeps coming. I hope I still have that level of enthusiasm when I’m his age. Where would the Sport be without the likes of him.

Scunthorpe's Programme is one of the best around. For £1 you get all you need the racecard for the meeting you don't need to spend £3 on a interview you read on the internet 3 days beforehand