JULY NEWS 2010

BEKKER STARS IN WILDCATS TUSSLE WITH ISLANDERS
By Weymouth Speedway ~ Saturday 31st July 2010
WEYMOUTH Weyline Wildcats picked up their game after suffering their biggest defeat of the season 60-32 last Tuesday on the Isle of Wight with a solid 49-40 win against the Islanders last night [Friday] at the Wessex Stadium. Never more than five points separated the two south coast rivals until heat 14, where the Wildcats pairing of Chessell and Cottham combined for a 5-1 to win the meeting and three league points.

Adam McKinna combined with Byron Bekker for an opening heat 5-1 over Islander Nick Simmons before Richard Andrews took the flag from Tom Hill after Luke Chessell fell on the third bend third lap, with Dean Felton’s subsequent retirement this put the Cats 8-3 up. Three shared heats followed, the Islanders taking the flag on each occasion, ex-Cat Lee Smethills took heat 3 from Gary Cottham and Tom Brown, Ben Hopwood got the better of James Cockle with Chessell third in heat 4. The most experienced racer in the National league Dean Felton took the re-run heat 5 from a hard pressing Cottham and Brown following Simmons first lap third turn fall.

The Islanders battled back in heats 6 and 7, a heat advantage for Hopwood who kept Bekker in second, the only time a visitor defeated him all evening and Hill in third in the re-run heat 6 after McKinna was handed a fifteen metre handicap for breaking the tapes. Warwick pegged back Cockle with Smethills in third in heat 7 to close the scores to 21-20. Two more shared heats followed, Mckinna headed Simmons and Felton in heat 8 after passing both Islanders round the outside for the win. Hopwood took his third win of the night ahead of Brown and Cottham in heat 9.

Wildcats stepped up a gear with two more heat advantages, Bekker and McKinna had Smethills pegged between them in heat 10 after Bekker took the inside line past Smethills on the third turn third lap. Simmons split Cockle and Andrews in heat 11 with the Wildcats moving into a five point lead 35-30. Two more shared heats Brown taking his only win of the night ahead of Smethills and Felton while Bekker took his second win, this time over Simmons and Hopwood with the rain starting to fall in heat 13.

Heat 14 saw the Wildcats pair of Chessell and Cottham bang in a 5-1 and win the second league meeting on the trot on home shale. Bekker finished off in style in heat 15 heading Hopwood after a super inside move on the second turn second lap with Simmons third after McKinna fell on the second lap forcing a re-run heat to give a final meeting result of 49-40.

Wildcats Chairman Phil Bartlett said after the meeting “What a fantastic meeting it was, and to beat the Isle of Wight and turn them over after going to the Island and getting severe defeat earlier in the week. It was good to see Byron back on form and to winning ways, with Adam slotting into the team well and a much improved showing from the whole team. We now have to look forward next Friday’s visitors King’s Lynn Young Stars and on Saturday at Newport for the National League Best Pairs where Byron and James will represent the Wildcats.”

Full meeting details HERE
 

ADAM HAILS 'HERO' CHESSELL
By Ky Capel, Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 31st July 2010
WEYMOUTH WILDCATS 49 ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS 40
WEYMOUTH new boy Adam McKinna labelled reserve rider Luke Chessell a “hero” following last night’s National League victory over the Isle of Wight. Chessell had picked up just a solitary point from his opening three races but found another level to take the chequered flag in heat 14 and set up a maximum-points win for the home side, who are now level with second-from-bottom Scunthorpe. McKinna, who chalked up seven points for the third straight meeting, said: “Luke was the hero if you ask me. The team manager Phil Bartlett kept telling me, Byron Bekker and James Cockle ‘you need to win this race’ and ‘you need to win that race’. None of us really did but then Luke went out in heat 14 and left everyone for dead so he’s the one who turned it around at the very end. And in heat 15, Byron going from second to first was just outstanding. The whole team rode well and I’m glad we got another win. I was told when I got here that the team hadn’t won many home meetings. I’ve won every one since I’ve been here, so I’m happy with that. Hopefully we’ll start climbing that table now.”

Reflecting on his own display, which included two race victories, the 23-year-old added: “My gating is not happening for me at the moment. I managed to get one right at the start of the meeting but missed the rest, while falling on my second ride was a bit of impatience from myself after going off 15 metres. I’ve been out for 10 weeks with a broken neck though so it will take a bit of time. If I can get my gating back then I should be able to win almost every race here.”

A commanding ride from McKinna got the Wildcats off to a perfect start as he spearheaded a home maximum, with Byron Bekker in second. The hosts went on to open up a five-point lead, courtesy of Richard Andrews’ victory in heat two, but the Islanders recovered. And after three successive 3-3s, the visitors notched their first victories of the night with 4-2s in races six and seven. McKinna produced a fantastic ride in heat eight to pass ex-Cat Lee Smethills on the final lap and prevent the Isle of Wight taking the lead for the first time.

The Wildcats stepped up a gear and back-to-back wins in heats 10 and 11 restored their five-point cushion. Tom Brown then picked up his first chequered flag before Bekker clinched race 13. Both of those tussles ended all-square but the penultimate contest saw the Cats collect their second 5-1 of the night – courtesy of Chessell and Gary Cottham – to stretch the deficit to nine. Captain Brown took a heavy fall in the final showdown, which had to be re-run as a result, but after a few minutes of treatment he was back on his feet. The Welshman’s subsequent exclusion put immense pressure on the shoulders of Bekker. However, the Cats’ number one rider held his nerve in spectacular fashion, finding a way past Ben Hopwood to secure a 49-40 triumph.
 

CATS LOOK FOR ISLAND REVENGE
By Rob Meech, Dorset Echo ~ Friday 30th July 2010
WEYMOUTH Weyline Wildcats will aim to banish memories of Tuesday’s nightmare on the Isle of Wight when they entertain the Islanders this evening (7.15pm). The Cats were crushed 60-32 at the Smallbrook Stadium earlier this week after mechanical problems prior to the parade lap prompted a poor start from which they could not recover. However, at their Wessex Raceway headquarters and backed by the support of the Weymouth faithful, the Wildcats should be a different proposition.

Chairman and caretaker-manager Phil Bartlett is tipping his charges to prove that Tuesday’s performance was a blip as they attempt to record back-to-back home victories. He told Echosport: “I’m hoping we can produce a much better display than we did at the Isle of Wight. A lot of things went wrong over there with mechanical gremlins, and it was one of those nights. We should be okay on our home track. Home advantage is massive in speedway and I’m confident we can get the result we need. The guys know how to ride round our track. It’s quite clear that we need to be pushing on and this meeting against the Isle of Wight is a golden opportunity to get another win. There was a good turnout last weekend and all the promotion we are doing seems to be paying off. But the more successful we are on the track, the more people will watch us.”

Basement boys Weymouth currently trail the second-bottom Scunthorpe Saints by three points, while the Isle of Wight are one place and two points further ahead in the National League table. Adam McKinna, a temporary replacement for Terry Day, has notched 7+1 for the Cats in each of his two outings since joining from the Newcastle Diamonds. And Bartlett expects his new acquisition, who is on the comeback trail after sustaining a broken neck while riding for the Premier League outfit, to continue to thrill spectators. He added: “Adam has come in and done what he’s been asked to do. I don’t know how long he will be here but anything can happen in speedway. “I’m sure he’ll continue to be an important rider for us.”
 

WILDCATS FACE ISLANDERS
By Weymouth Speedway ~ Friday 30th July 2010
WEYMOUTH Weyline Wildcats suffered their biggest defeat of the season 60-32 at the hands of the Isle of Wight Islanders on Tuesday evening this week at the Smallbrook Stadium leaving them rooted to the foot of the league table. Tonight they have to pick themselves up on home shale at the Wessex Stadium 7.15pm start time in the return fixture.

The Islanders have moved up a place in the league table to 9th with Scunthorpe slipping to 10th position, three points clear of the Wildcats in 11th. Scunthorpe take on Buxton at home tonight and the Wildcats will be hoping that the Hitmen can do them a favour and win away from home, if so the Wildcats would need to win by 12 or more to move off the foot of the table with both clubs having raced the same amount of fixtures.

The Wildcats didn’t manage a heat advantage all evening in contrast to the Islanders five 5-1’s and four 4-2’s. The Islanders are without the services of Poole youngster and former Wildcat Brendan Johnson who raced to 11+1 on Tuesday as he takes his place in the British Under 18 final at Somerset. Latest signing for the Islanders another former Wildcat Lee Smethills joins Danny Warwick also a former Cat in the middle order, the experienced Dean Felton and Tom Hill fill the reserve berths and completing the Islanders are Ben Hopwood and Nick Simmons.

The Wildcats remain unchanged with skipper Tom Brown returning to form in the last two fixtures. Richard Andrews found the going tough on Tuesday after a good 7+1 showing at home against the Devils. Luke Chessell will be hoping for a few more points after scoring 6+2 in the last two fixtures. Gary Cottham will want to forget his nightmare trip to the Isle of Wight in a hurry. Likewise Byron Bekker who has suffered a couple of uncharacteristic performances during the last week will be looking for a bag full of points. Adam McKinna after making his debut last Saturday has weighed in with 14+2 from his first two meetings helping to balance the side. Finally James Cockle completes the Cats line up scoring 20+1 over the last two fixtures and is the only Wildcat to of lifted his starting average slightly.

Wildcats chairman Phil Bartlett said “After being beaten by the better side on Tuesday, we started off with mechanical issues for our top three before the meeting and everyone else was struggled with the track, so the lads have to up their game for tonight’s fixture. After the home track advantage for the Islanders racing such a big track compared to Weymouth this showed where their experience was over ours, we really need to put in a solid performance at home as we did in our last fixture against Plymouth.”
 

BARTLETT: WE WERE WELL BEATEN
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Wednesday 28th July 2010
WEYMOUTH Weyline Wildcats chairman Phil Bartlett conceded his side were beaten by the “better team” following last night’s 60-32 humbling at the hands of the Isle of Wight Islanders at the Smallbrook Stadium. Bartlett had hoped his side would build on last Saturday’s victory over the play-off chasing Plymouth Devils by securing back-to-back wins for the first time this season but it failed to materialise as mechanical gremlins before the parade lap sparked an evening of prolonged disappointment.

The margin of the defeat did not reflect the racing though, according to Bartlett, who will be hoping for a big response from his team in Friday’s return match at the Wessex Raceway. He said: “We had a lot of bike problems before the parade lap with three out of the seven falling apart. We managed to get them sorted but we got off to a poor start and could not catch up. It certainly wasn’t for a lack of effort. There was some cracking racing on show but we just kept coming out on the wrong end of it. Going to the Isle of Wight from our home track is like going from one extreme to another in terms of size. It would be like adding another 120 metres on to the Wessex Raceway, so in terms of set up and strategy, it is very different to what we are used to but that is still no excuse. They were the better team on the night and deserved the win. It was as simple as that.”

The Wildcats remain at the foot of the National League table but Bartlett is not panicking just yet. He added: “We are a different proposition at home and I am sure the lads will go out there on Friday night with a point to prove. They will want to set the record straight in what is now a must-win for us.”

Despite the huge disappointment of such a heavy defeat, there were still a couple of positives that Bartlett could take from the performance with new boy Adam McKinna (7+1) following up his impressive debut against the Devils. James Cockle (8+1) and Tom Brown (11) also showed good form but Gary Cottham and Richard Andrews both scored zero from four races, making their nights one to forget. Byron Bekker (3) and Luke Chessell (3) also struggled.

It was four former Wildcats who ironically did the damage for the Islanders with Nick Simmons (12+1) top scoring ahead of Brendan Johnson (11+1), Lee Smethills (7+3) and Danny Warwick (9+1).
 

WILDCATS SUNK BY ISLANDERS
By Weymouth Speedway ~ Wednesday 28th July 2010
WEYMOUTH Weyline Wildcats suffered their biggest defeat of the season in the battle of the basement with the Isle of Wight Islanders in National league action last night at the Smallbrook Stadium 60-32. The Wildcats didn’t manage a heat advantage all evening in contrast to the Islanders who banged in five 5-1’s and four 4-2’s with the rest of the heats being drawn affairs.

The Islanders thought it was their birthday romping off to a 12 point advantage after four heats. Nick Simmons teamed up with new Islanders recruit Lee Smethills for a 5-1 in heat 1 with Byron Bekker grinding to a halt with mechanical trouble after initially leading the opening lap. Luke Chessell split Tom Hill and Dean Felton in heat 2 but Former Wildcats Danny Warwick and Brendan Johnson roared off for another 5-1 in heat 3. James Cockle managed to split Ben Hopwood and Hill before Wildcats team manager Phil Bartlett introduced Bekker as a tactical ride in heat 5. Bekker fell on the third turn last lap while Johnson and Warwick roared off again for maximum points.

Heats 6 and 7 were shared with Cockle taking the flag from Simmons and Smethills the hard way from third with the riders swapping places at will. This was followed by Brown just holding off Hopwood’s challenge and Felton in third with the Wildcats 16 down 29-13. The second tactical ride of the evening saw McKinna split Smethills and Hill for a share of the points with the riders well spaced out. Johnson in terrific form won heat 9 from Cockle who worked hard to keep Warwick at bay.

Two more shared heats Brown winning from a hard challenging Simmons and Smethills in heat 10 and Felton getting the better of Bekker and McKinna in heat 11 after a lightening start in a cracking race with very little separating the riders for four laps, with the scores now 43-25 and the meeting in the bag for the Islanders.

The Islanders finished off with Warwick taking the win from Brown and Hill for a heat advantage and two 5-1’s Hopwood and Simmons teaming up over Bekker after a great tussle for second place on the line in heat 13. Johnson unbeaten by an opponent at this stage won heat 14 with Felton ahead of Chessell. The final heat was shared with Simmons taking the win over Brown and Cockle to give a final result of 60-32 with Johnson’s paid maximum ruined with a last place.

The Wildcats now have to pick themselves up for the return fixture on Friday evening at the Wessex Stadium 7.15pm start time. Wildcats chairman Phil Bartlett said “Quite clearly we were beaten by the better side tonight. We started off on the back foot with mechanical problems for our top three even before the meeting and the parade. There was no more we could do, the reserves weren’t scoring and everyone else was struggling with the track. Quite clearly though with the home track advantage racing such a big track compared to Weymouth showed where their experience was over ours.”

Full meeting details HERE
 

BARTLETT TIPS CATS FOR VICTORY
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Tuesday 27th July 2010
WEYMOUTH Weyline Wildcats’ boss Phil Bartlett is tipping his side to move off the bottom of the National League tonight with victory at the Smallbrook Stadium (7.30pm). The Wildcats will travel to the Isle of Wight Islanders full of confidence following Saturday’s glittering performance against the Plymouth Devils, which saw new boy Adam McKinna inspire them to a 49-41 success at the Wessex Stadium.

And Bartlett is expecting more of the same against the second-from-bottom Islanders. He said: “There is no doubt that McKinna made the difference in terms of morale within the camp and I am confident we can carry that type of performance on into this evening at the Isle of Wight. If we beat them and get all four points it will take us off the foot of the table and that is a huge incentive for the lads. All of them are now working a lot harder for the team and they know what they have to do. And I am confident they will produce the goods.”

McKinna will remain in an unchanged Wildcats’ line up alongside James Cockle, Tom Brown and Richard Andrews, who also impressed against the Devils. Byron Bekker, Gary Cottham and Luke Chessell will complete Bartlett’s side while the Islanders could include three ex-Wildcats in their team in Nick Simmons, Brendan Johnson and Danny Warwick.
 

WILDCATS SAIL ACROSS THE SOLENT TO TAKE ON THE ISLANDERS
By Weymouth Speedway ~ Monday 26th July 2010
Following the home win against Plymouth Devils on Saturday night the Weymouth Weyline Wildcats travel across the Solent for the third time this season to take on the Isle of Wight Islanders in National league action at the Smallbrook Stadium on Tuesday evening 7.30pm start.

The two previous trips have proved fruitless for the Wildcats losing 56-38 in April in the Pete Redfern Memorial Trophy fixture followed by a loss in the Knock-out Cup in early May 51-39. The Islanders have just recruited ex-Cat Lee Smethills following his release from Plymouth and also include two other former Cats Danny Warwick and Brendan Johnson. They are lead by Nick Simmons with Ben Hopwood in the middle order and reserve pairing of experienced Dean Felton and Tom Hill.

Wildcats team remains unchanged from Saturday night’s victory over Plymouth, new signing Adam McKinna said after Saturday night’s fixture “I’ve always been slightly better suited to the big tracks so hopefully I’ll be able to go there and get out front, a much bigger track is always much easier to pass on but down here at Weymouth the one pass I made on Saturday night was just so close wheel to wheel and it’s not what I’m used to, I’m used to bigger tracks and on the Isle of Wight at least there is a bit of room to manoeuvre.”

Wildcats will be looking for an away win over fellow bottom of the table strugglers to leap frog the Islanders in the league table. The return fixture is at the Wessex Stadium on Friday evening 7.15pm start time.
 

McKINNA PRAISED AS CATS WIN
By Rob Meech, Dorset Echo ~ Monday 26th July 2010
WEYMOUTH WILDCATS 49 PLYMOUTH DEVILS 41
PHIL Bartlett hailed the impact of new recruit Adam McKinna after the Weymouth Weyline Wildcats overturned the Plymouth Devils. McKinna, who has signed from the Newcastle Diamonds as a temporary replacement for the stricken Terry Day, notched 7+1 on his debut as the Cats edged an absorbing meeting. Ever-reliable James Cockle (12) top scored for the hosts at the Wessex Raceway, while Tom Brown (9) and reserve rider Richard Andrews (7+1) both impressed. However, chairman and caretaker-manager Bartlett, who oversaw Weymouth’s second National League victory of the campaign, reserved special praise for McKinna.

He told Echosport: “We’ve been struggling to cover for rider-replacement but Adam has picked the boys up because they have another man in the team. You always want to have a full complement of riders and Adam was the key man. He made the difference by scoring well. He is just returning from a broken neck and Newcastle were happy to loan him out to us to get some rides under his belt before he moves back into the Premier League.”

Commenting on the victory over the Wildcats’ fierce rivals, Bartlett added: “We have a good record at home to Plymouth and it’s always nice to get one over on them. They changed their team to try to beat us but it didn’t work. This is a step in the right direction for us, but we are still nowhere near where we should be.”

Byron Bekker, who endured an otherwise forgettable evening, scorched round the outside from gate four to win heat one as the Cats opened with a maximum. Luke Chessell nearly repeated the trick in the next, only to fall at the final turn and cost Weymouth back-to-back 5-1s, as Andrews took the chequered flag. A sequence of four successive 3-3s illustrated the competitiveness of the action before Plymouth levelled matters at 18-18 thanks to a victory for skipper Mark Simmonds. Cockle hunted down the Devils’ Seemond Stephens and then overtook him on the line in a thrilling heat seven, which restored the Wildcats’ fragile lead.

McKinna then claimed his first race for his adopted side but was subsequently disqualified from heat 10 for an incident that dismounted three riders from their machines. Stephens claimed the re-run in a photo finish from Bekker, much to the disappointment of Weymouth supporters, to restore parity once more. But just when the Cats needed something magical, Cockle pulled a rabbit out of the hat by outstripping Nikki Glanz on the back straight to grab a crucial first place in race 11. Brown and the resilient Chessell combined to stretch the home side’s advantage to six points, but this was slashed to two by a fourth victory for Simmonds.

A final-heat decider had looked on the cards when Stephens headed the penultimate heat, but he lost momentum and allowed the Cats to pinch a 5-1 and with it overall victory. Cockle added gloss as Weymouth signed off with a 4-2, which handed them three vital points in their bid to climb off the foot of the National League table.
 

WILDCATS WIN DEVILS DERBY THRILLER
By Weymouth Speedway ~ Sunday 25th July 2010
WEYMOUTH Weyline Wildcats beat South West neighbours Plymouth Devils with a much improved team performance in Saturday night’s National league fixture at the Wessex Stadium 49-41. James Cockle led the way for the Wildcats with Tom Brown back to form and a solid debut for Adam McKinna all bode well for the Radipole Lane side.

Bekker and McKinna combined for the perfect start for the Wildcats in heat 1 holding back the Devils returnee to the National league Nicki Glanz. Richard Andrews took heat 2 from Devils pair Jaimie Pickard and Ben Reade after Luke Chessell fell on the last turn. The following three heats were shared affairs with ex-Cat Matt Bates taking heat 3 from Tom Brown and Gary Cottham after a clever cut up the inside of the Wildcats pairing. The experienced Mark Simmonds kept Cockle and Chessell at bay in heat 4 while Glanz won his only race of the night with an inside pass over Brown and Cottham in heat 5 with the scores at 17-13 in favour of the Wildcats.

The Devils hit in with a 5-1 in heat 6 with Simmonds and Pickard combining following a fall from Bekker on the last turn while in second position to level the scores. Cockle and Andrews hit back with a heat advantage in the re-run heat 7 to go two points up after Bates fell, Cockle getting the verdict on the line over Stephens. Shared heat in the next two with McKinna grabbing a debut win over Pickard and Gough followed by Simmonds taking the flag over Brown and Cottham.

The Devils again levelled the scores in the re-run heat 10 with Seemond Stephens taking the honours on the line over Bekker after McKinna took a tumble. Cockle cut up the inside of Glanz to combine with Andrews again for a heat advantage in heat 11 for the Wildcats to go two up. Brown and Chessell took maximum points in heat 12 putting the Cats six up over Bates who missed the start and Pickard, 39-33.

Bekker took another fall while in third place and Cockle a fifteen metre handicap for a tapes offence in heat 13 where Simmonds and Glanz hit back in the re-run to bring the Devils within two points of the Wildcats. Heat fourteen saw the meeting won by Cottham and Andrews, Stephens slowed down while leading on the last lap allowing the Wildcats pair through for maximum points. Cockle and McKinna took the heat advantage in heat 15 for a result of 49-41 and three league points after Glanz demolished the tapes.

After the meeting McKinna said “I’m a bit battered and bruised, I don’t feel too bad, I wish I’d not got excluded in that one ride and got a point or two to put my overall score up a bit. I was hoping to score more but I think I was a bit keen to do better than I should be keen to do when I’ve just come back from a ten week spell on the side lines. Other than my knee hurting a bit I’m quite happy with it all.”

James Cockle said “It’s about time we have done that, everyone rode well tonight, Adam has come in, it’s done us well with seven riders in the team, he’s made his heat 15 in his first match. I’ve ridden with Adam before, he’s showed what he can do and he knows he can do it as well. Tom was a better rider this week, he’s going through a rough time as he’s been out injured, he’s just trying to catch up to race fitness now, I think he is getting there after tonight. The reserves have done well, Richard has picked up and we’ve all got to fire on all cylinders like we did tonight.”

A special thank you to Southern Classic Speedway Bikes for the time and effort put into their display on Weymouth promenade on Saturday helping to promote the Wildcats and Speedway in general.

Full meeting details HERE
 

NEW MAN TO JOIN CATS
By Ky Capel, Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 24th July 2010
WEYMOUTH Weyline Wildcats’ chairman Phil Bartlett will unveil a new signing at tonight’s National League clash with rivals Plymouth (7.15pm). The new addition arrives at the Wessex Raceway as a temporary replacement for the stricken Terry Day, who remains sidelined after suffering severe concussion two months ago. And his first task will be to help the rock-bottom Wildcats engineer a victory over the Devils this evening.

Bartlett is keeping tight-lipped on the identity of his mystery man but did reveal that the rider in question boasts National League and Premier League experience, and has previously raced at the home of the Cats. He said: “Terry’s been signed off for another couple of weeks and I can’t keep using the rider- replacement facility, so I needed to get someone in to fill the gap. Using rider-replacement for as long as we did put pressure on the other riders, and their machines, so it wasn’t an ideal situation. But we’ve now got someone with Premier League experience and it’s a win-win situation. He will be unveiled tonight, he’s just come back from injury but I’m sure he’ll be a hit with the fans as he’s a hugely experienced rider and it’s like bringing in another Byron Bekker.”

Tonight’s opponents have also made changes to their line-up recently with Paul Starke and former Wildcat Lee Smethills biting the dust, and being replaced by Ben Reade and Dane Nicki Glanz, who returns to Speedway after an 18-month lay-off. Previewing tonight’s showdown, Bartlett added: “It’s not going to be easy but we’ll put up a fight and our new rider will make us stronger.”

Meanwhile, the Wildcats have been drawn in Group B of the National League Best Pairs, which takes place at Newport on Saturday, August 7 (2.30pm), alongside Buxton, King’s Lynn, Mildenhall and Scunthorpe.

Wildcats: 1 Bekker, 2 TBC, 3 Brown, 4 Cottham, 5 Cockle, 6 Andrews, 7 Chessell.

Devils: 1 Glanz, 2 Gough, 3 Bates, 4 Stephens, 5 Simmonds, 6 Pickard, 7 Reade. Referee: Mick Bates.

* Prior to tonight’s meeting there will be a Southern Classic Speedway Bikes display by the Jubilee Clock (10am-4pm), with Weymouth riders Tom Brown and Richard Andrews also on show.
 

100 DVD GIVE-AWAY
By Weymouth Speedway ~ Friday 23rd July 2010
DL Sport Production who film all Weymouth Weyline Wildcats fixtures at the Wessex Stadium are celebrating their 10th anniversary in style with a 100 DVD give-away at this Saturday’s National league fixture against derby rivals Plymouth Devils where supporters will also have their first view of new the Wildcats new signing.

To claim a free DVD supporters will receive a special ticket in their programme and the lucky 100 ticket holders will be able to claim a free DVD from the back catalogue which include fixtures filmed at Exeter, Somerset, Trelawny, Plymouth, St. Austell and of course Weymouth.

Prior to the meeting Southern Classic Speedway Bikes have a display on Weymouth promenade by the Jubilee clock from 10.00am till 4.00pm on Saturday, 24th July prior to the Wildcats home fixture at 7.15pm against the Plymouth Devils. Bikes on display range from early JAPS to the modern day laydowns including Jason Crumps 2007 machine.

Around 18 bikes are likely to be on display giving the opportunity for supporters to pop along and view these pristine machines before the meeting. Also in attendance helping promote the Wildcats will be Richard Andrews with his bikes on display along with Tom Brown’s machines.
 

WILDCATS DICE WITH THE DEVILS
By Weymouth Speedway ~ Thursday 22nd July 2010
Weymouth Weyline Wildcats change their race night to Saturday [24th July] against the Plymouth Devils this week in National league action. Phil Bartlett Wildcats chairman will unveil a new signing Saturday evening who steps into the team replacing Terry Day.

The new signing is a temporary measure to allow Day the time he needs to fully recover his fitness before he embarks on a track return for the Wildcats. Day who suffered a horrific crash at the Wessex Stadium in May was scoring well above his average; this had put his team mates under increasing pressure covering for his rides whilst the team has been struggling for form. With National league and Premier league experience the new signing who has raced at the Wessex Stadium previously is sure to be a hit with supporters at the Radipole Lane circuit when all is revealed.

The rest of the Wildcats side remains unchanged for the derby fixture against the Devils who have made changes to their line up after a poor start to their season. Out go Paul Starke and Lee Smethills, recently Ben Reade was given a shot at reserve and at number one Dane Nicki Glanz makes a return to the sport after taking over a year and a half away from the sport to recover from a broken collarbone sustained while riding in the Premier league for Reading in August 2008 in a doubling up capacity.

With David Gough now recovered from a collarbone injury the Devils are at full strength featuring stalwarts Seemond Stephens and Mark Simmonds along with former Wildcat Matt Bates with Jaimie Pickard at reserve.

Prior to the meeting Southern Classic Speedway Bikes have a display on Weymouth promenade by the Jubilee clock from 10.00am till 4.00pm on Saturday, 24th July prior to the Wildcats home fixture at 7.15pm against the Plymouth Devils. Bikes on display range from early JAPS to the modern day laydowns including Jason Crumps 2007 machine. Around 18 bikes are likely to be on display giving the opportunity for supporters to pop along and view these pristine machines before the meeting. Also in attendance helping promote the Wildcats will be Richard Andrews with his bikes on display along with Tom Brown’s machines.

LINE UPs:

WEYMOUTH WEYLINE WILDCATS
1. Byron Bekker, 2. TBC, 3. Tom Brown (C), 4. Gary Cottham, 5. James Cockle, 6. Richard Andrews, 7. Luke Chessell, Team manager: Phil Bartlett

PLYMOUTH DEVILS
1. Nicki Glanz, 2. David Gough, 3. Matt Bates, 4. Seemond Stephens, 5. Mark Simmonds ©, 6. Jaimie Pickard, 7. Ben Reade, Team manager: Gary Spiller

REFEREE: Mick Bates
 

WILDCATS DRAMATIC LAST HEAT DECIDER WITH BUCCANEERS
By Weymouth Speedway ~ Saturday 17th July 2010
Weymouth Weyline Wildcats succumbed to the Buccaneers and former Wildcat Jon Armstrong in last night’s dramatic National league derby clash at the Wessex Stadium with the Buccaneers coming out winners by just two points 44-46.

Current Dudley rider Armstrong stole the show for the visitors in his guest capacity with 10+1 and received solid back up to give the Buccaneers only their second away victory this season, both of which have been at Weymouth. Meanwhile several falls and retirements hampered the Wildcats quest for the much need league points on a night when there was very little between the two south coast sides eager for victory which came in the fifteenth heat.

With eleven shared heats, three 4-2’s and only one 5-1 heat advantage the good sized crowd witnessed some cracking racing. It took five heats before the deadlock was broken by Armstrong grabbing the win backed up by Halsey after a good battle with Brown early on to put the Buccaneers 13-17 into the lead.

Three more shared heats followed, heat six produced a great tussle between Gary Cottham and Mark Baseby early on for the lead with Baseby coming out on top. James Cockle stormed away to win heat eight and Luke Chessell took the flag in heat eight. The Wildcats gained a heat advantage with Cottham taking the win from Mark Baseby and Tom Brown in third remounting after a fall to narrow the gap to two points 26-28 in heat nine.

Byron Bekker tied up heat ten after another great tussle with Kyle Howarth and Karl Mason but the Buccaneers edged ahead by four points with Armstrong taking the win over Cockle and Daniel Halsey in third. Brown came out after a disappointing evening in heat twelve and took the win from Mason who had the early lead until he slid off on the fourth turn of the third lap bringing the difference back down to two points, 35-37.

That was the last heat advantage with the last three heats shared evenly, Bekker winning heat thirteen, Howarth heat fourteen and Armstrong cutting up the inside of the first turn to head the Wildcats pair of Bekker and Cockle in the last heat to give a meeting result of 44-46 and three league points to Bournemouth leaving the Wildcats firmly at the foot of the table.

Next week the Wildcats change their race night to Saturday [24th July] against the Plymouth Devils. Prior to the meeting Southern Classic Speedway Bikes have a display on Weymouth promenade by the Jubilee clock from 10.00am till 4.00pm next Saturday, 24th July prior to the Wildcats home fixture at 7.15pm against the Plymouth Devils. Bikes on display range from early JAPS to the modern day laydowns including Jason Crumps 2007 machine. Around 18 bikes are likely to be on display giving the opportunity for supporters to pop along and view these pristine machines before the meeting.

Full meeting details HERE
 

CATS DENIED BY MIGHTY MIDGET
By Paul Burbidge, Dorset Echo ~ Friday 16th July 2010
WEYMOUTH WILDCATS 44 BOURNEMOUTH BUCCANEERS 46
BOURNEMOUTH guest Jon Armstrong returned to haunt the Weymouth Wildcats after winning a thrilling battle with Byron Bekker in heat 15 to hand the Buccaneers a dramatic 46-44 victory.Former club asset Armstrong was linked with a return to the Wildcats earlier this year as they searched for a replacement for broken ankle victim Tom Brown. But he refused to walk out on Dudley, where he was covering for the injured Ben Taylor, as he was unable to race on Fridays due to his work commitments. This resulted in him agreeing a transfer to Newport, who allowed him to stay on loan with the Heathens. There is no doubt Weymouth missed him last night, as he led the Buccaneers’ scorechart and won a titanic tussle with Bekker to seal three vital points for Bournemouth.

But Armstrong enjoyed his return to Radipole Lane, and was pleased to lead his adopted side to victory. He said: “They brought me in to do a job and I felt like I did my job. I had an engine failure in heat one. Other than that, it went reasonably well. After clinching the meeting like that at the end, hopefully it will get me the chance to do more guest bookings if they need anyone.”

Asked whether he took satisfaction in denying Wildcats their second National League win of 2010, he said: “Maybe a little bit. But it’s a place I enjoy riding. I enjoy racing here. It’s just a shame that what happened, happened. But who knows what will happen in the future.”

On a night where 11 races finished 3-3, there were never more than four points between the sides. But Buccaneers held a slender advantage from heat five onwards, after Armstrong and Daniel Halsey broke the deadlock for the visitors with a 5-1 over Tom Brown and Gary Cottham. Despite being bottom of the National League table with just four points to their name, Phil Bartlett’s Weyline Wildcats simply refused to give in. And it all came down a tense last-heat decider with Bekker and James Cockle on the Weymouth side facing off against Armstrong and Mark Baseby for the Buccaneers.

It looked like the Wildcats were going to bag a famous win over their Dorset neighbours, when Cockle cut across Armstrong on turn one and Bekker picked up speed out wide. Cockle hit a rut, though, and this allowed Mighty Midget Armstrong to burst through on his inside. Bekker took up the chase around the boards and it was clear neither man would let up. But the South African was gently eased wide by his Mancunian rival and Armstrong motored over the line to a match-winning triumph. He was given the bumps at the pit gate by a grateful Bournemouth team. While some guests have a habit of taking things easy when representing another side, Armstrong had no qualms about standing his ground against Boksburg-born bullet Bekker. He said: “It’s racing – you can’t afford to back off. Points make prizes and they’re your wages, aren’t they? If you back off, you may as well give the guy some money.”
 

WILDCATS CROSS SWORDS WITH BUCCANEERS
By Weymouth Speedway ~ Friday 16th July 2010
Weymouth Weyline Wildcats entertain south coast rivals Bournemouth Buccaneers in a local derby National league fixture this evening 7.15pm start time. The last time the Buccaneers visited the Wessex FM Raceway was back in May when they ran out winners 41-49 with a select side, their only away victory this season.

Recent signing James Brundle who replaced Chris Mills (who has stepped up to the Premier league full time), in the Buccaneers side is unavailable for tonight's clash so the Buccs have booked in Jon Armstrong to cover at number one. Mark Baseby who has recently seen track action in the Premier league for Somerset and brother Aaron will feature heavily for the Buccaneers. Young reserve John Resch showed good form in his last appearance at the Wessex FM Raceway. After returning to Newport’s side last season, former Wildcat Karl Mason has settled well into the Buccs side. Their line up is completed by former Rye House rider Daniel Halsey and former youth grass-track and moto-cross rider Kyle Howarth who only started on shale in 2008.

Wildcats riders will be looking to pick their game up after last Fridays defeat at Newport in the KO Cup which followed on from their first win in eleven meetings the previous Friday against Scunthorpe. Wildcats remain unchanged with Byron Bekker heading the side. Reserves Richard Andrews who put in an impressive 10+1 display at Newport and Luke Chessell 5+2 will be hoping for more of the same. Gary Cottham who had a good couple of tussles with Buccs guest Jon Armstrong three weeks ago against Dudley, especially in heat 9 where they were wheel to wheel for four laps in one of the closest races seen at Weymouth, is getting to grips with the Wildcats track and is looking for some consistent scores after his recent change of machinery. Tom Brown and James Cockle will be hoping their nightmare at Newport is behind them when both riders struggled scoring just five points between them.

Next week the Wildcats change their race night to Saturday [24th July] against the Plymouth Devils. Prior to the meeting Southern Classic Speedway Bikes have a display on Weymouth promenade by the Jubilee clock from 10.00am till 4.00pm next Saturday, 24th July prior to the Wildcats home fixture at 7.15pm against the Plymouth Devils. Bikes on display range from early JAPS to the modern day laydowns including Jason Crumps 2007 machine. Around 18 bikes are likely to be on display giving the opportunity for supporters to pop along and view these pristine machines before the meeting.

If you are able to display an A4 poster to help promote Weymouth Speedway there is a downloadable poster available on the homepage of the clubs website.

TEAM LINE UPS:

WEYMOUTH WEYLINE WILDCATS
1. Byron Bekker, 2. Rider Replacement for Terry Day, 3. Tom Brown (C), 4. Gary Cottham, 5. James Cockle, 6. Richard Andrews, 7. Luke Chessell, Team manager: Phil Bartlett

BOURNEMOUTH BUCCANEERS:
1. Jon Armstrong (guest), 2. Daniel Halsey, 3. Karl Mason, 4. Kyle Howarth, 5. Mark Baseby, 6. Aaron Baseby (C), 7. John Resch, Team manager: Gary May & Neil Vatcher

REFEREE: Mick Posselwhite
 

STRUGGLING CATS TAKE ON BUCCANEERS IN DERBY
By Rob Meech, Dorset Echo ~ Friday 16th July 2010
TWO underachievers will collide when the Weymouth Weyline Wildcats host the Bournemouth Buccaneers at the Wessex Raceway tonight (7.15pm). Like Weymouth, who are anchored to the foot of the National League table, reigning champions Bournemouth have struggled to reproduce the form that saw them lift the title in their inaugural season. The Buccaneers are currently down in sixth position – a far cry from their heroics in 2009 – and are yet sample victory on their travels.

Bournemouth did steamroller the Wildcats 58-38 in the reverse fixture at Wimborne Road back in April, but Weymouth’s recent form does give fans cause for optimism. Following a much-needed win over the Scunthorpe Saints a fortnight ago, the Radipole Lane outfit battled hard before falling to defeat at the Newport Hornets last Friday.

Chairman and caretaker-manager Phil Bartlett is appealing for a sizeable attendance for tonight’s local derby and is anticipating “some cracking races”. Speaking to Echosport, he said: “The forecast is good and it would be nice to see a good turnout down there because we are determined to put on a good show. Every club, be it in football or rugby or speedway, needs all the support it can get and we are no different. It can make a huge difference to the riders and it gives them confidence. I’m expecting there to be some cracking races. The track has been relaid since our last home meeting and it looks excellent. Hopefully that should play into our hands.”

Tonight’s Dorset derby marks the start of the second half of Weymouth’s National League campaign, one that so far has failed to ignite. Injuries have undoubtedly played their part in the Wildcats’ trials and tribulations this term, with five of the riders having had to sit on the sidelines at one time or another. By far the most serious was that sustained by Terry Day, who has been out of action since May because of severe concussion and for whom a date has not yet been earmarked for his comeback.

Bartlett added: “We are still struggling with Terry being out and I’m waiting for him to return. In the meantime we will continue to use rider replacement. It’s as frustrating for Terry as it is for us. He’s given me no date but I’m hoping he will be back in the next couple of weeks or so. We are taking it one step at a time, as it was such a horrific injury. I’m desperate for us to get back to a full compliment of riders because I feel that once we do, our performances and results will improve.”
 

CONFIDENCE IS KEY FOR SKIP TOM
By Ky Capel, Dorset Echo ~ Thursday 15th July 2010
WILDCATS’ skipper Tom Brown believes a lack of confidence has affected his recent performances. The Welsh ace suffered a broken ankle back in April and returned to the saddle at the start of last month. Brown looked to have found top gear immediately when he racked up 33 points in three straight meetings, however, the 26-year-old is currently experiencing a dip in form and managed just two paid four in his last outing. He is now looking to get back on track tomorrow night when Dorset rivals the Bournemouth Buccaneers visit the Wessex Raceway (7.15pm).

Weymouth’s captain said: “I just need to get my confidence back and once I do that I will be okay. One meeting is all it takes, hopefully it will be against Bournemouth. I’ve been struggling to ride recently but we discovered the chain was broken on the back end of my bike so hopefully I’ll have a good meeting tomorrow. We should beat them at home but you never know with the luck we’ve been having of late. They have just signed James Brundle and I think he dropped just two points against King’s Lynn last week. They have a strong top five but so have we, it depends how everyone performs on the day.”
 

HORNETS STING WILDCATS OUT OF KO CUP
By Weymouth Speedway ~ Saturday 10th July 2010
Newport Hornets ended Weymouth Weyline Wildcats KO Cup hopes in last night's quarter-final second leg with a 53-35 win over the south coast club who faced an uphill battle from the first leg defeat 41-49 at the end of May.

The Wildcats started with a second place for Byron Bekker in heat 1, followed by top Cat on the night, Richard Andrews taking the win with Luke Chessell in second after ex-Cat James White-Williams was excluded and Tom Young retired from the race. Gary Gottham and Tom Brown filled the minor places in heat 3 keeping the slender three point lead intact. James Cockle won the only ride he finished in heat 4 while Chessell packed in for second to put the Cats 8-15 up. Bekker won heat 5 with Cottham in third split by Hornets skipper Tony Atkin while ex-Cat Tim Webster took a trip to hospital with a suspected broken collarbone injury.

Hornets Aussie pairing of Todd Kurtz and Mark Jones hit back with maximum points in heat 6 to cut the Cats lead to 15-20. Another ex-Cat Kyle Newman took the flag while Cottham and Brown packed the lower places to keep the five point lead in heat 7. Jones supported by White-Williams brought the Hornets to within a single point of the Cats in heat 8. Tom Young popped in his first of two wins for the Hornets in heat 9 with Andrews in second, just two finishers with Cockle disqualified and Aitkin retiring from the race, scores were now level 26-26.

The Aussies again romped away for another 5-1 in heat 10 giving the Hornets the lead, Newman again took the flag in heat 11 with Bekker and Andrews packing in to share the points. The killer blow came in heat 12 for the Cats, Young and White-Williams combined for a 5-1 over Andrews with Brown again disqualified from the race to lead 39-31. Bekker split Newman and Kurtz in heat 13, Chessell took a fall and the Cats were now ten down 43-33.

Hornets skipper Atkin with White-Williams stomped off to a 5-1 in heat 14 as did Newman and Kurtz in the last races to give victory on the night and overall to the Hornets 102-76 and passage into the semi-final stages.

Full meeting details HERE
 

WILDCATS STUNG BY HORNETS
By Ky Capel, Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 10th July 2010
Knockout Cup Quarter-final second leg - NEWPORT HORNETS 53 WEYMOUTH WILDCATS 35 (Newport win 102-76 on agg)
WEYMOUTH Weyline Wildcats saw their National League Knockout Cup hopes extinguished by the Newport Hornets despite starting with “a bang” in last night’s quarter-final second leg. The Radipole Lane outfit travelled to South Wales as massive underdogs, needing to overturn an eight-point deficit following their 49-41 reversal on home shale at the end of May. However, just five heats into meeting, the Cats had clawed back the arrears and put themselves in the driving seat, albeit by a single point.

The joy was short-lived though, as the Hornets fought back to avoid an upset and ensure their passage into the semi-finals. Commercial manager Sam Knight felt the Wildcats let victory slip through their fingers. She said: “We should have won – we threw it away. Newport dug deep and wanted it more than us in the end. We were still in contention for much of the meeting but after they drew level on the night in heat nine things went downhill. The track was poor to start with but we capitalised on that and I thought we would go on and get a result, but unfortunately it didn’t go our way. Some decisions didn’t go our way either but all in all it was disappointing to start with such a bang and then fizzle out. On the plus side, our reserves did very well, particularly Richard Andrews (10+1), while Byron Bekker (9) was Mr Reliable as always.”

The Cats, who entered the second leg clash trailing by eight points, found themselves further adrift after the first heat when Todd Kurtz led the hosts to an opening 4-2. Life got better for the visitors though in the very next race, which was awarded with Rich-ards Andrews leading and fellow Weymouth reserve Luke Chessell right behind him in second. And they remained three points ahead on the night when Gary Cottham and Tom Brown secured a 3-3 in race three. The Wildcats continued to close in on their opponents and the aggregate gap stood at just one point after James Cockle and Chessell bagged a second maximum of the night.

Former Cat Tim Webster was escorted to hospital soon after with a suspected broken collarbone before the away side took the overall lead to heap further misery on the bewildered hosts. However, the Hornets were stung into action after falling behind and saw leading lights Kurtz and Mark Jones spearhead a home maximum. The momentum stayed with Newport and by the end of heat 10 they had moved four points clear on the night and 12 ahead on aggregate – thanks in part to the efforts of ex-Weymouth rider Kyle Newman (12).

The tie was now slipping away from the Cats and heading into the final race the Hornets had the meeting sewn up. By the end of the night, the home side secured a 102-76 aggregate victory to book their spot in the last four.
 

DAY IS SET TO STAY WITH CATS
By Rob Meech, Dorset Echo ~ Friday 9th July 2010
PHIL Bartlett insists Terry Day will remain a Weymouth Weyline Wildcat – despite appearing to suggest last week that he could be on the way out. Fans’ favourite Day has been sidelined since his horror crash at the Wessex Raceway on May 28, in which he sustained severe concussion that had left him hospitalised. Weymouth have struggled to compensate for his absence but did record their maiden National League win of the season last Friday, at home to the Scunthorpe Saints. Bartlett, who leads his Wildcats to the Newport Hornets tonight (7.00pm) for a National League Knockout Cup quarter-final second leg tie, admitted after that meeting that he was considering signing a replacement.

However, he is adamant that it would only be a temporary measure and that Day would return to the line-up once he has fully recovered. Speaking to Echosport, Bartlett said: “Terry had a terrible injury and it is taking a long time for him to come back, but I can guarantee that his place in the team is secure. The averages have changed and that has given me more points to play with, so technically I could now bring in a replacement of Byron Bekker’s quality. But if I did that it would only be a temporary signing. The rider-replacement facility expires after 28 days but the league has been good because there are so few riders available. We will just have to do our best and continue to cover Terry as well as we can until he returns, but it’s tough to cover someone of his quality. I have spoken with Terry and there is no problem between us. But I don’t know when he’ll be back. Some days he feels okay but others he can’t walk straight.”

Interim-manager Bartlett concedes the Wildcats are confronted with a mountainous task as they aim to overturn an eight-point deficit at National League table-toppers Newport tonight. The Hornets eased a 49-41 victory in the first leg six weeks ago – the night that Day suffered what many had believed to be life-threatening injuries. Bartlett, whose side will face ex-Cats Tim Webster, Kyle Newman and James White-Williams, said: “It’s going to be an uphill battle at Newport and it’s not one I’m confident we are going to win.

“They have been strong both at home and away this season and have a full compliment of riders to choose from, whereas we are without Terry. “We will fight and give it 100 per cent. Speedway is unpredictable and the riders and I will do everything we can to try to get a victory, but it’s fair to say that it’s more for Newport to lose than for us to win.”

The Wildcats are still without a permanent successor to Jem Dicken but Bartlett claims installing a new manager is not currently a priority of his. He added: “The person I was going to bring in had holidays booked and other engagements and felt that he couldn’t quite give the commitment the job needed. I haven’t really given it much thought recently. We have got a bit of a break, so the pressure isn’t really on to bring someone in straight away. I want the right person for the job. There have been a few applicants for it but I’m happy being in charge at the moment. I have done it before and the riders have said they like my style of management.”

Wildcats: Byron Bekker, R/R Terry Day, Tom Brown, Gary Cottham, James Cockle, Richard Andrews, Luke Chessell.

Hornets: Todd Kurtz, Mark Jones, Tim Webster, Tony Atkin, Kyle Newman, Tom Young, James White-Williams.
 

WILDCATS FACE WELSH PRESSURE
By Weymouth Speedway ~ Friday 9th July 2010
Weymouth Weyline Wildcats face Newport Hornets in the second leg of the second round of the National League Knock Out Cup on tonight at Queensway Meadows start time 7.00pm. Top of the table Hornets are eight points ahead going into this tie having won by 49-41 at the Wessex FM Raceway in the first leg at the end of May.

The Hornets change riding order with new averages, Aussie Todd Kurtz takes over the number one race jacket in his debut year from Tony Aitken who moves to number four while ex-Cat Tim Webster takes over the number three position. Kyle Newman at five is now also doubling up with Birmingham Brummies gaining valuable experience in the Premier league. Another ex-Cat James White-Williams shares the reserve berths with Welsh teenager Tom Young. Completing the Hornets is another Aussie who has been a regular figure at the south coast track in recent weeks undertaking guest booking Mark Jones.

Following last Friday night’s home win the Weyline Wildcats will be hoping to put up a much better performance in South Wales. Tom Brown and Richard Andrews as ex-Newport riders will be looking for good returns at their old stomping ground. Wildcats number one Byron Bekker after scorching to his first paid maximum for the south coast club said, “It’s going to be very hard, we’ve just got to knuckle down. We’ve lost ten meetings and won tonight which proves the fighting spirit is there and the wins should come now.”

With the rider replacement facility for Terry Day in operation solid returns from Gary Cottham and Luke Chessell will be a must for the Wildcats to be able to claw back the eight point deficit they face. Day is currently planning his comeback with a daily training routine of swimming and mountain biking to regain fitness with ex-Bournemouth Buccaneer and Wildcat Jay Herne, who is recovering from a broken back.

On the eve of the British Grand Prix at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium a large crowd is expected for tonights on track clash. In form James Cockle reflected, “I like Newport, now I’ve probably just jinxed myself! It’s going to be hard to go and win but I like the place myself, Tom [Brown] has done a fair few laps round there. The last time we went there it was smooth and very slick so we should all have engines set up for that sort of place as the weather has got hotter this year it’s been like that at Weymouth. It could be a meeting we could win; it’s a similar sort of circuit but a bit bigger and the same sort of preparation for the track. Touch wood it will be good and everyone will be hyped up for Cardiff so we should have a good day out.”

The next home meeting for the Weyline Wildcats is on Friday 16th July in a local National league derby clash against Bournemouth Buccaneers at 7.15pm.

TEAM LINE UP’S:

NEWPORT WESSEX BUS HORNETS
1. Todd Kurtz, 2. Mark Jones, 3. Tim Webster, 4. Tony Atkin (C), 5. Kyle Newman, 6. Tom Young, 7. James White-Williams, Team manager: Kevin Brown

WEYMOUTH WEYLINE WILDCATS
1. Byron Bekker, 2. Rider Replacement for Terry Day, 3. Tom Brown (C), 4. Gary Cottham, 5. James Cockle, 6. Richard Andrews, 7. Luke Chessell, Team manager: Phil Bartlett

REFEREE: W Dishington
 

DAY'S DAD ASSURES CATS' FANS
By Derek Bish, Dorset Echo ~ Wednesday 7th July 2010
TONY Day thought he had lost his son the night Terry Day laid stricken on the Wessex Raceway track after one of the most sickening collisions seen at Weymouth in recent years. The 2009 Echo Rider of the Year was attempting the sort of overtaking manoeuvre that has made him such a favourite with the Weymouth fans as he was gunning for the lead on the final corner. However, things went wrong when Day flipped off his machine and was smashed into by Danny Stoneman, a collision that left the Verwood-based rider needing life-saving attention from paramedics on the circuit.

“I thought he was a goner,” said dad Tony, speaking publicly about his son’s crash for the first time. “They were all so good in the ambulance. I saw Chris the paramedic the following week and he told me that they thought he was a goner too. Terry’s helmet saved him. If he had a cheap one on I think he would be dead now, but his helmet did what it was meant to do. I just couldn’t believe he didn’t break anything. When the doctors cut everything off him and put him in the X-ray machine and he then came out with no broken bones, that was just unbelievable.”

Doctors said that the serious concussion – Day’s only injury in the crash other than cuts and bruises – will take between six and eight weeks to recover from. It is five-and-a-half weeks since the smash and Day is already eyeing a comeback. He and ex-Bournemouth Buccaneer Jay Herne, who had a broken back, have agreed to help each other out by swimming and mountain biking each day to regain their fitness. But Day’s future as a Wildcat looks uncertain after Weymouth chairman Phil Bartlett told Echosport this week that he may have to consider replacing the injured rider.

Dad Tony admitted he was surprised at Bartlett’s comments and added: “I just couldn’t believe it when I read it and the first thing I said to Terry was, ‘have you had a call from Phil?’ He said no. I understand where Phil is coming from and needs someone in until Terry is fit, but he hasn’t said that and it looks like that is it for Terry. He’s a local boy and is probably the closest rider they have got. The fans are great and it’s nice they are so concerned about him. I can’t walk round the stadium without people stopping me to ask how Terry is getting on.”

Day, 25, has been supporting his team-mates at most home meetings since his crash and dad Tony remains confident his son will be back in the saddle before long. However, the Cats’ current number two is still feeling the effects of the crash and will not be part of the squad that travels to the Newport Hornets on Friday. He said: “Some days he is all right, but he can’t concentrate very well on things. He’s even useless at the Playstation at the moment because he can’t concentrate. “We just have to keep seeing how he is. He’s going to try to get fit and ready to ride again for when he has recovered. He is going to ride again this season and his bike is all ready to go when he is.”
 

BEKKER: NOTHING STOPPING CATS NOW
By Derek Bish, Dorset Echo ~ Tuesday 6th July 2010
MAXIMUM man Byron Bekker is targeting back-to-back wins for the Weymouth Weyline Wildcats, a feat that could see them win through to the semi-finals of the National League Knockout Cup. The South African speedster celebrated his 23rd birthday on Friday, the same day the Cats secured their first National League victory of the season, at home to the Scunthorpe Saints. Bekker led the seasiders to glory against his parent club with a paid maximum and he believes the confidence gained from their first win in all competitions since May 14 could spur the Cats on in their Knockout Cup quarter-final second leg away at the Newport Hornets this week.

Weymouth’s number one said: “It’s terrible going into meetings with losses all the time but we’ll go into this one with a win and you never know what could happen. They are a strong team but we are fighters and plenty of teams would have dropped their heads after losing as many as we did in a row. But our guys kept theirs up and carried on. We’ve shown we can win meetings and there is nothing stopping us now.”

The Hornets will offer up a vastly different test to the one presented by the Saints last week after storming to the top of the division with nine wins from 11 meetings. However, Weymouth kept them in check for much of the first leg before conceding an eight-point deficit that Newport will aim to extend in South Wales. But that deficit could have been an advantage had Terry Day not been seriously injured after a collision with Danny Stoneman on the night, one that has kept the Verwood-based rider sidelined ever since. And Bekker believes last Friday’s change of fortune on the injury front could have aided them in their pursuit of that elusive first victory.

“I think for once we finished the meeting with the riders we started, which was good,” he said. “But the track was a bit bumpy and not what we’re used to but we got into it. Perhaps Scunthorpe didn’t like it, I don’t know, but the guys all rode well and did excellently. The whole team is relieved and I think everybody around the place is as well that it has finally come.”

The Johannesburg-born racer was also delighted with his paid maximum that led Weymouth to victory. “It took a while, I was waiting for it, but I knew it would come if I just persisted,” he said.
 

WILL IT BE THE END OF THE DAY?
By Rob Meech, Dorset Echo ~ Monday 5th July 2010
TERRY Day’s future as a Weymouth Weyline Wildcat looks uncertain after chairman Phil Bartlett revealed he was considering signing a replacement. Day sustained severe concussion and had been left hospitalised following a sickening crash in a National League Knockout Cup tie against the Newport Hornets on May 28. He has not featured for the Wildcats since and his return to the saddle has been postponed several times as his painstaking recovery continues. And Bartlett, who oversaw Weymouth’s first National League victory of the season on Friday night, admits he could be forced to make the difficult decision to axe Day.

He said: “I want to stick with Terry if I can because he’s been good for the club and is a well-liked rider. But the averages have changed and it’s time to re-evaluate and see what we can or can’t fit in. There’s no indication of when Terry will be back. He thought he was getting better at the end of last week but now he’s not so sure. I’m sure the league will be flexible about the rider replacement ruling because there aren’t enough riders around at the moment, so we’ll see what happens. Replacing him would be because it’s a necessity. I can’t sit here waiting forever for him to come back. I need to do something because overall we haven’t really covered for him too well. Now we’ve got a win under our belt we need to keep it going. It’s time to have a look round and see where we can strengthen up.”
 

SAINTS SUCCUMB TO WILDCATS PERSISTENCE
By Weymouth Speedway ~ Sunday 4th July 2010
Friday night the Weymouth Weyline Wildcats produced a strong performance to beat Scunthorpe Saints 52-41 their first win after a losing run of ten meetings. “The guys are so relieved and I’m so relieved and it proves that we finished the meeting with the riders we started the meeting with we’re gonna be there or there about,” commented Bekker after the meeting.

Scunthorpe assets Luke Chessell and Byron Bekker roared off for a 5-1 in the opening heat much to the delight of the Wildcats supporters. Saints hit back to level the scores in heat 2 and then took the advantage with Scott Richardson pegging Gary Cottham back in heat 3 with Tom Brown’s fall on the last turn first lap.

James Cockle combined with Chessell for another 5-1 keeping ex-Cat Benji Compton back in third for the Wildcats to take the lead. Richardson took his second win in the next heat sharing the points after a great battle between Brown and Jones who overcooked it into the fence allowing Cottham through. Bekker and Cottham stuck in another 5-1 to give the Wildcats a six point lead. Cockle kept the lead intact winning heat 7, again another fine battle for the minor places in the first staging of the race before Andrews and Irving fell.

Birks split Brown and Chessell in the re-run heat 8 giving the Wildcats and 8 point advantage after a nasty looking crash with Steve Worrall and Birks. Two shared heats followed with Compton taking heat 9 and Bekker heat 10 after Chessell slipped from 2nd to 4th. Saints guest Mark Jones split the home pair in heat 11 but couldn’t stop Cockle taking the win to put the Wildcats ten up. Richardson emerged from the pits in the black and white helmet for a double points tactical ride in heat 12 which was awarded in his favour following Brown falling on the second bend of the last lap. With an 8-1 for the Saints the score line was narrowed to a Wildcats 3 point lead.

The Wildcats lead was extended in heat 13 with a great display of team riding from Bekker and Cockle keeping Jones back in third. Cottham finished his evenings work off winning an eventful heat 14 and the meeting for the south coast club by cutting inside Steve Worrall after team mate Andrews fell 2nd bend 2nd lap and remounted only to see Irving fall on the next bend giving the Wildcats a 4-2. Bekker and Cockle were split by Richardson in the re-run of the final heat after Richardson took Compton wide to give a meeting score of 52-41.

Bekker received the bumps from his team mates after completing a well overdue paid maximum on his 23rd birthday. Bekker said “A few people said to me if it’s gonna happen, it’s gonna happen on your birthday. I was actually more nervous going into this meeting than any.”

No meeting at the Wessex FM Raceway this Friday with the Weyline Wildcats in South Wales in the 2nd leg of the KO Cup at Newport Friday evening 7.00pm start time. Bekker added, “It’s going to be very hard, we’ve just got to knuckle down. We’ve lost ten meetings and won tonight which proves the fighting spirit is there and the wins should come now.”

The next home meeting is on Friday 16th July in a local National league derby meeting against Bournemouth Buccaneers. Bekker concluded “We can beat teams at home now, we just have to knuckle down, we weren’t far away against the Select side earlier in the year and that was without James [Cockle] so we have a good chance.”

Full meeting details HERE
 

FINALLY! CATS CLAIM FIRST NATIONAL LEAGUE WIN OF 2010
By Rob Meech, Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 3rd July 2010
PHIL Bartlett paid tribute to Byron Bekker and James Cockle after the dazzling duo spearheaded the Weymouth Weyline Wildcats’ victory over the Scunthorpe Saints last night. Bekker, celebrating his 23rd birthday, notched a paid maximum at the Wessex Raceway while Cockle bagged 13 in the Wildcats’ first National League win of 2010. Chairman and caretaker-manager Bartlett was delighted with the result and praised his virtuoso pair, who scored exactly half their side’s points in the 52-41 triumph.

He told Echosport: “It was a much-needed win and it breaks the run of bad luck we have been having. That will lift the boys’ spirits. James is a fantastic rider and has ridden in the Premier League, so he’s more than capable of performing at this level, it’s just his machine that has been letting him down. Clearly he needs sponsorship and he’s still waiting for that to happen, but I’m hoping someone will step forward and help him out. Byron is always Byron. He was riding well out in South Africa and was the right man to bring in. He’s been excellent since he’s come to the club.”

Bartlett hopes that last night’s victory could be the catalyst for an upturn in fortune, as the Wildcats bid to turn around their horror start to the campaign which sees them rooted to the foot of the National League. He added: “We’ve had a bit of a kicking recently but I’m sure that other teams would be in the same boat we are in if they’d had the same problems we’ve had. I’m pleased with the team and we’ve got a week off before we take on Newport next Friday. Hopefully we’ve had all our bad luck now and we’ll come strong towards the end of the season.”
 

BIRTHDAY BOY'S MAXIMUM ENDS CATS' WINLESS STREAK
By Rob Meech, Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 3rd July 2010
WEYMOUTH WILDCATS 52 SCUNTHORPE SAINTS 41
BYRON Bekker came to the party on his 23rd birthday and inspired the Weymouth Weyline Wildcats to their first National League victory of the season. The South African speedster (13+2) and James Cockle (13) were in blistering form at the Wessex Raceway as the rock-bottom Wildcats finally broke their duck at the 10th attempt last night. Scunthorpe Saints fought manfully and ensured it was not always plain sailing for Weymouth, but relief among home fans was evident once the result was confirmed.

Luke Chessell and Bekker – both ironically Saints’ assets – vied for the lead in the opening heat, with the former taking the chequered flag as Steve Worrall and Mark Jones, who guested for the Wildcats against Rye House earlier this season, lagged behind. However, Scunthorpe responded immediately courtesy of Ashley Birks and Worrall, who combined to draw their side back on level terms. Scott Richardson controlled heat three from start to finish and the retirement of dad-to-be Tom Brown, who crashed out at turn four, meant that the visitors seized the lead for the first time.

As the steady drizzle that accompanied the start of the meeting subsided, the arrival of Cockle, whose mechanical maladies have been well documented, brightened Weymouth’s outlook as he romped to a commanding victory. Jones’ untimely fall on the final bend in heat five enabled Gary Cottham to steal a valuable point in the first 3-3 of the night before birthday boy Bekker led the hosts to their third 5-1, with Cottham bagging second place ahead of Worrall and ex-Cat Benji Compton. Richard Andrews was excluded in heat seven but, thankfully for the Wildcats, Cockle – on his only bike – continued his fine form by notching his second successive heat win.

Heat eight was overshadowed by a horrific collision between Birks and Worrall, who clipped his team-mate’s back wheel, sending both riders hurtling through the air and into the fence at turn three. Each man walked off the track unaided but Worrall’s enforced absence was to Weymouth’s benefit as Brown took full advantage in a 4-2 to the Wildcats. Back-to-back 3-3s followed before Cockle maintained his 100 per cent record courtesy of his third win of the night, as the Wildcats soared into a 10-point advantage.

Richardson donned the back-and-white helmet in heat 12 and answered his manager’s call by capturing six points in an 8-1 victory that vindicated their decision to use a tactical ride. But any suspicion that the Wildcats would relinquish their advantage was dispelled in the next as the dream team of Cockle, with his fourth win, and Bekker joined forces to give the hosts breathing space.

Weymouth rubberstamped the victory and ended a 10-match losing streak in all competitions in an eventful penultimate heat, where a likely 5-1 deficit was transformed into a 4-2 triumph. And fittingly, Bekker – undefeated by an opponent on the night – capped off a memorable meeting by clinching the chequered flag and receiving the adulation of the crowd in the finale.
 

I THOUGHT IT WAS OVER - COCKLE
By Derek Bish, Dorset Echo ~ Friday 2nd July 2010
JAMES Cockle admits he is hanging on to his speedway career by the skin of his teeth after fearing it had come to an end last Friday. The 24-year-old Weymouth Weyline Wildcat struggled throughout with mechanical problems to his sole remaining bike but proved he could still match the best by winning in the saddles of both Byron Bekker and Tom Brown’s machines. But as his mechanical maladies continue to hit him in the pocket, Cockle remains unsure as to how much longer he can keep going.

“I’ve been scoring double figures every week and to do that when I’m riding on one bit of equipment is pretty good to be honest,” he said. “It’s just a case of how long I can keep doing that for and at the moment I really don’t know. I’m holding on by the skin of my teeth.”

Cockle is in desperate need of new sponsors to aid his continued involvement with the Cats and is only riding in tonight’s clash with the Scunthorpe Saints because his engine tuner allowed him to defer his payment. “I can’t keep turning up everywhere with one bike and when you can’t score it makes things worse because you don’t get paid as much,” said the Cats’ number five. I know I can do it on the track, I just need help to keep doing it. If my speedway career comes to an end, it comes to an end. I thought it was over last Friday but my engine tuner has let me off paying it until I can afford it.”

Lee Smart and Jon Armstrong made all the difference for the Dudley Heathens at the Wessex Raceway last week and two more ex-Cats in Mark Burrows and Benji Compton could line up against Weymouth tonight. Richard Andrews has recovered from his wrist injury so Terry Day (concussion) and Danny Stoneman (broken finger) remain the Cats’ only two absentees.

Weymouth have lost their last 10 meetings in all competitions and are yet to record a National League success, but chairman Phil Bartlett be-lieves their fortunes could change this week. He said: “I’m not counting my chickens before they hatch because anything can happen in speedway, as we’ve seen this season with five of our seven riders getting injured. There should be a good crowd tonight, hopefully watching the Wildcats getting their first win. Even though we lost last week, it was only in the last couple of heats. I’m positive the tide will turn.”

Cats: Bekker, Day R/R, Brown, Cottham, Cockle, Andrews, Chessell.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Cockle should contact the Wildcats at the Wessex Raceway.
 

WILDCATS TACKLE THE SAINTS
By Weymouth Speedway ~ Friday 2nd July 2010
Friday night at the Wessex FM Raceway will see the visit of Scunthorpe Saints in National league action against the Weymouth Weyline Wildcats. Following his heat two crash last week Richard Andrews returns to the Wildcats side who are seeking a win following a string of recent defeats.

The Saints travel to the south coast venue without the services of injured Adam Wrathall and ex-Cat Mark ‘Buzz’ Burrows who’s currently on holiday which was booked prior to his signing for the club. Rider replacement is operated for Wrathall and Newport’s Mark Jones covers for the absent Burrows.

Another ex-Cat Benji Compton returns to the Saints side after recovering from an infected wound which kept him out of the clubs visit to the Isle of Wight on Tuesday this week. The remaining Saints are made up of Gary Irving who has had recent Premier league experience with Redcar and is now doubling up with the Saints Premier league side. Scott Richardson completes the middle order with Ashley Birks and Steve Worrall who is also in the doubling up position for the Saints Premier league side at reserve. Steve’s twin brother rapidly drafted into the side at number 8 takes over the captains duties as he did on Tuesday at the Isle of Wight when making his league debut!

The Wildcats will be looking for strong performances from Byron Bekker on his birthday and Tom Brown and also hoping that James Cockle will have put his mechanical problems behind him. After one of the races of the season with Dudley’s Jon Armstrong in heat 9, Gary Cottham's 10+1 return last Friday showed a remarked improvement from the Eastbourne based rider.

Luke Chessell took a full house of seven rides last Friday on his home debut producing 6+1 and with Richard Andrews recovered from his heat 2 spill the Wildcats are looking much healthier. Luke Wiltshire is once again named as the clubs number 8 able to take any of the rider replacement rides for Terry Day.

Day is working hard on the road to fitness and is due to be starting a regime of swimming and mountain biking to regain full fitness before being in a position to make a track return.

TEAM LINE UPS:

WEYMOUTH WEYLINE WILDCATS
1. Byron Bekker, 2. Rider Replacement for Terry Day, 3. Tom Brown, 4. Gary Cottham, 5. James Cockle, 6. Richard Andrews, 7. Luke Chessell, 8. Luke Wiltshire, Team manager: Phil Bartlett

SCUNTHORPE JOTUN SAINTS
1. Mark Jones (guest), 2. Rider Replacement for Adam Wrathall, 3. Scott Richardson, 4. Gary Irving, 5. Benji Compton, 6. Steve Worrall, 7. Ashley Birks, 8. Richie Worrall, Team manager: Stuart Parnaby

REFEREE: Ronnie Allan
 

ANDREWS FIT TO FACE THE SAINTS
By Derek Bish, Dorset Echo ~ Thursday 1st July 2010
RICHARD Andrews will race for the Weymouth Weyline Wildcats in tomorrow night’s National League encounter with the Scunthorpe Saints (7.15pm). The Cats’ number six left the Wessex Raceway in an ambulance last week after landing heavily on his right wrist. But X-rays revealed that there was no break and Andrews is now determined to start increasing his points average. “I’m fine now, just a bit bruised,” he told Echosport. “I’m getting better and will be ready for Friday. “I want to get back on the bike and score some points this week. I’ve had some ups and downs this season but mostly ups and I really want to be pushing on.”

Andrews’ recovery is good news for chairman and caretaker-team manager Phil Bartlett, who could not believe his eyes when he thought the teenager had broken his wrist. Bartlett has already had to deal with injuries to skipper Tom Brown (broken ankle) and number one Byron Bekker (back) this season while Terry Day (concussion) remains absent. And a fully fit Andrews is confident that Weymouth can end their 10-match losing streak against Scunthorpe tomorrow night. “There’s definitely a good chance for us to win,” he said. “I need to gate well and get out in front because I doubt they will be going round the outside.”