Morley and Hume lead Warriors to crucial win
WIGHTLINK WARRIORS gave their National League play-off ambitions a boost with a comprehensive 51-39 win against Belle Vue Colts on Tuesday, writes Rob Dyer.
The visitors were hampered by the absence of Danny Phillips, whose van broke down on the mainland.
Nonetheless, Warriors co-promoter Barry Bishop was delighted with his team’s performance at the Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde.
‘It was another great night for the Warriors against a Colts side who didn’t fully fire,' said Bishop.
'Whether the absence of Danny affected them I don’t know but I was delighted with the way our boys went about their business.
'A 12-point win really exceeded my expectations.
'I thought Ben Morley was magnificent again and Danyon Hume was the perfect replacement for Georgie Wood.
'We desperately want to have a crack at the playoffs and the riders are determined to do everything they can in the last three meetings to get there.’
The Warriors delivered a complete team performance as they shook off a persistent Colts side before securing the points.
The visitors’ efforts to find a replacement for number four Phillips at the 11th-hour proved fruitless.
In front of another appreciative holiday crowd, Danyon Hume signalled his intentions as early as heat one with an impressive tapes to flag victory – one of four wins from his five rides.
He received superb back up from skipper Ben Morley, who rode unbeaten by an opponent all night.
It was Hume and Morley who produced 5-1 wins in heats 13 and 15 to scupper the Colts’ faint hopes of a consolation point.
Also on the Warriors’ side, Scott Campos had a very productive night – making crucial passes as well as a splendid defensive ride to hold the Colts’ Smallbrook Stadium specialist Leon Flint at bay.
Chris Widman, Connor King and Chad Wirtzfeld all contributed crucial points at vital times.
Warriors also welcomed back Danno Verge following his concussion suspension and he grew into the meeting despite an unfortunate fall in heat nine.
The Isle of Wight outfit entertain Leicester Lion Cubs in their next league meeting on Thursday, August 29.
On Sunday, the National League Pairs take place in Sheffield.