BDJ Racing LATEST NEWS 2008 ~ Part 2 :: >>>

SEPTEMBER NEWS 2008 SMART MOVE By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 6th September 2008 LEE Smart will make his return to the Wessex Stadium tonight when the Weymouth Wildcats take on the Isle of Wight Islanders in what is expected to be an intriguing Inter-League Chall-enge meeting. The 20-year-old, who was the Wildcats' leading points scorer in 2007, has been snapped up from Premier League outfit Mildenhall as promoter Phil Bartlett looks to strengthen his side in preparation for the run in to the end of the season and the Conference League play-offs. The Islanders, who are also in the Premier League, have included five of their strong-est riders for this evening's encounter with Jason Bun-yan, Andrew Bargh, Glen Phillips, Richard Sweetman and Nick Simmons all making the trip. The Radipole Lane circuit was initially expecting to host the fourth round of the British Sidecar Champion-ships tonight but the meeting had to be postponed due to safety concerns and Bartlett is delighted with what has replaced it at such short notice. He said: "It should be a cracking meeting. They are bringing five of their top Premier League riders and it is going to be a huge test for our lads but they are all up for it. If they are all aspiring to compete at a higher level then they need to be able go up against riders like Bunyan, Phillips and Sweetman so it will be interesting to see how they fare. With Lee Smart also making his return it should be doubly good and I am looking forward to some good racing." Commenting on his reasons for re-signing Smart, Bartlett added: "With both Andrew Bargh and Jay Herne riding in the Premier League there is the likelihood that they will both miss future meetings for us due to fixture clashes but now with Lee in we have great strength in depth. He was our top points scorer last season and will bring a bit more experience to the team as we head into the fight for the play-offs." The Wildcats, who secured their play-off berth with last Saturday's thrashing of the Buxton Hitmen, were due to race at Redcar this evening but last weekend the meeting was postponed and re-scheduled for September 13. However, Bartlett's men will be in league action tomorrow when they make the long journey to Derbyshire to take on Buxton where they will go top with victory. Wildcats Smart, Wright, Priest, Mason, Herne, Johnson, Newman Islanders Bunyan, Bargh, Phillips, Sweetman, Simmons, Cottham, Barnett   CATS TACKLE ISLANDERS & HITMEN By Weymouth Speedway ~ Friday 5th September 2008 This Saturday 6th September, start time 7.15pm, the Weymouth Doonan Wildcats entertain Premier League side the Isle of Wight Islanders in an Inter League Challenge at the Wessex Stadium. Last year a competitive meeting between the two teams was cut short by rain and the prospects for another night of thrilling racing once again looks in store for Weymouth fans. The Islanders field a strong side with club captain Jason Bunyan lining up at number one. Wildcats Andrew Bargh will ride for the Premier League team alongside teenage Aussie hot shot – Richard Sweetman, whist Lee Smart makes his 2008 debut for the Wildcats. Jem Dicken, Wildcats Team Manager, can’t wait to see how his side goes against the big boys, “Its going to be a test for the lads and I am looking forward to a close meeting. It will be a great experience for some of the younger lads who have aspirations of making it into the Premier League to see how they fare alongside the likes of proven entertainers like Bunyan, Gathercole and Sweetman.” Sunday sees the Wildcats hit the road as they head off to the wilds of Derbyshire to face the Buxton Hitmen in the Conference League. A win would see the Wildcats at the top of the league table with three meetings yet to race, thereby placing themselves in a strong position for the play-offs. Representing the Weymouth Wildcats in the Conference League Riders Championship at Rye House on the Saturday 27th of September will be Aussie sensation – Jay Herne and new kid on the block – Kyle Newman. Phil Bartlett is delighted with the form of both riders and is impressed with the development of sixteen year old Kyle. He commented “Jay has a real chance of landing the Championship and rode exceptionally well there last year and is really flying at the moment. Kyle Newman has been awesome this year after a slow start marred by injury and he has been improving as the season has progresses. He loves riding at Rye House and although it’s his first full season he won’t be there to merely make up the numbers and has earnt his place in the meeting which will be a valuable experience for the lad.” Line up for Saturday 6th September ~ Weymouth Doonan Wildcats v Isle of Wight Islanders Wildcats 1 Lee Smart, 2 Matt Wright, 3 Luke Priest, 4 Karl Mason, 5 Jay Herne, 6 Brendan Johnson, 7 Kyle Newman Islanders 1 Jason Bunyan, 2 Andrew Bargh, 3 Corey Gathercole, 4 Richard Sweetman, 5 Nick Simmons, 6 Gary Cottham, 7 Russel Barnett Sunday 7th September ~ Buxton Hitmen v Weymouth Wildcats Hitmen 1 John Branney, 2 Paul Burnett, 3 Ben Taylor, 4 Lewis Dalloway, 5 r/r, 6 Scott Whittingham, 7 Gareth Isherwood Wildcats 1 Andrew Bargh, 2 Matt Wright, 3 Lee Smart, 4 Karl Mason, 5 Jay Herne, 6 Brendan Johnson, 7 Kyle Newman   SMART RETURNS TO BOOST WILDCATS' TITLE HOPES By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Thursday 4th September 2008 WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats promoter Phil Bartlett has signalled his intentions by pulling off the deal of the season which sees Lee Smart make an unexpected return to the Wessex Stadium. The Wildcats guaranteed a play-off berth in the Conference League last Saturday with a 64-28 success over the Buxton Hitmen and now they are going all out to claim the title. Bartlett said: "Lee was a revelation here last season and the fact he has left Premier League side Mildenhall to see out the rest of the season with us shows just how much he thinks of the club and wants to bring success here. There is no doubt that his addition to the squad makes us even stronger and I am sure the fans are looking forward to seeing him turn out for us again. At this point of the campaign it is vital we have strength and depth, particularly if we want to go on and finish top and win the play-offs which is our aim." The victory over Buxton wrapped up an historic achievement for Bartlett and his team and he now wants to see the good form continue over their last four league meetings which are all on the road. Bartlett added: "The win over Buxton means I am the only promoter to have won every league meeting at home since speedway came to Weymouth in 1953 and it is an incredible achievement for everyone at the club particularly team manager Jem Dicken and all the riders. But we cannot afford to rest up. Like I said we want to go on and finish top and at the moment we are just three points behind leaders Plymouth with four away meetings in-hand. With Lee coming in and the confidence we have at the moment I see no reason why we cannot get the points we need, starting at Buxton on Sunday." There is a strong chance that the Wildcats could come up against local rivals and old foes the Plymouth Devils in the play-offs. The Wildcats have not won at the St Boniface Arena all season and would need to put in a good performance at the Devon track to stand any chance of going on and winning the title. Bartlett said: "If we do end up facing them then there is no doubt the team we would take would be the strongest we have ever gone there with. We have points throughout the line up now whereas they look a little top heavy but it would certainly be a titanic battle." Smart will make his return to the Wessex Stadium track this Saturday when the Wildcats take on the Isle of Wight Islanders in an Inter-League Challenge, which will see the visitors bring along top riders such as Jason Bunyan and Glenn Phillips, and rising Australian star Richard Sweetman.   SMART STRENGTH By Weymouth Speedway ~ Tuesday 2nd September 2008 The Weymouth Doonan Wildcats propelled themselves into second place in the Conference League table this weekend with a resounding victory over a depleted Buxton Hitmen team at the Wessex Stadium. Luke Priest wracked up a fifteen point maximum and Karl Mason was also unbeaten by an opponent. Kyle Newman was well on to his way to a full house but suffered the frustration of a broken primary chain on the start line in heat 12 putting paid to his chances of a second successive maximum points haul. Weymouth Team Manager Jem Dicken was happy with the Wildcats performance, “The opposition was not the strongest we have faced this year, but the lads went out and did a professional job.” He added “It’s great to maintain our winning streak going into the final stages of the season and we will be confident of our chances in the play-offs.” The Wildcats have further strengthened their team by signing former Wildcat – Lee Smart. A firm favourite with the fans and a proven track record at the Wessex Stadium, Phil Bartlett is delighted to have Smart back on board. He said, “Both Andrew Bargh and Jay Herne ride in the Premier League and there is the likelihood that they will both miss future meetings due to fixture clashes when we can least afford to lose them. Lee was our top points scorer last season and will bring a bit more experience to the team as we head into the fight for the play offs.” Lee will make his 2008 debut for the Wildcats this Saturday in the Inter League Challenge with the Isle of Wight Next weekend Weymouth were due to hold the fourth round of the British Sidecar Championships, however the organiser's have now been forced to cancel the event just six days before the planned date leaving the club in a very difficult position with an unexpected race day to fill. Fortunately the scheduled Wildcats meeting at Redcar on Saturday has been postponed, leaving the team free to take on a very hastily arranged Inter League Challenge with the Isle of Wight. Riding for the Islanders will be top stars such as Jason Bunyan, Glenn Phillips along with rising Australian star Richard Sweetman. Sunday see's the Doonan Wildcats make the long journey to Derbyshire for the return match with Buxton. An away win for the Wildcats will see them at the top of the league table and in prime position for their assault on the play-offs. The meeting against Redcar now takes place next weekend, the 13th September at 3.00pm   PRIEST LEAVES HITMEN ON WING AND A PRAYER By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Monday 1st September 2008 WILDCATS' comeback king Luke Priest recorded his first full maximum since returning from the brink of retirement, as Weymouth annihilated Buxton 64-28. It is a miracle the former Stoke star can still ride a motorbike, after he was involved in an horrific smash at Loomer Road in July 2006. Priest was sidelined for 18 months with a broken pelvis, elbow and ankle, a ripped rectum and a damaged bladder. But the 23-year-old is making great strides in his recovery and his full house at the Wessex Stadium was his latest milestone on the long road back to Premier League racing. Few would argue that a shambolic Buxton team offered very little resistance to the Weymouth six. Nonetheless, Priest took great heart from getting back to the top of the scorecharts. He said: "This is the first maximum I've had since I came back from my injuries and I have been close a couple of times. Gareth Isherwood had a really good race in the last one and rode me hard. But I would have been disappointed if I didn't get a maximum or get close to one on Saturday night. This is all part of my rebuilding and a step in the right direction - it shows I can still do it." Priest looked a class act, as he went untroubled from the first bend onwards in all of his five rides. His regular race partner Karl Mason also finished the night unbeaten by a Buxton rider, with an impressive 12 paid 15 points. He had to work slightly harder for his maximum, though, and was forced to come from behind in two of his outings. Mason was given a huge fight by Ben Taylor in race three, when the Hitman rounded him on lap two, turn two. But the Wildcats' skipper hit back a lap later to reclaim second spot, before producing the move of the night in heat seven. The 22-year-old made a terrible start off gate two but chased down tactical rider Taylor and Lewis Dallaway hard. He then scorched round the Buxton duo at the end of the second lap to restrict Taylor to just four points from his black and white helmet ride. Kyle Newman also came agonisingly close to his second full house in the space of a week. Having been unbeaten in his opening four outings, disaster struck in race 12, when his bike failed at the tapes. Despite this minor disappointment, Wildcats will be delighted to have finished their home league campaign with a 100 per cent record for the first time in their history. They will now prepare for vital away meetings against Buxton, Redcar, Boston and Rye House in the coming weeks. They were due to face Redcar at the South Tees Motorsport Park this Saturday but it was postponed due to the Bears' financial difficulties, according to Wildcats' boss Phil Bartlett. So next up for Weymouth is a trip to Buxton's Hi-Edge circuit on Sunday, where Priest is confident they can claim all three points. He added: "We definitely fancy our chances at Buxton. It's not a track I ride that regularly anymore but going in on the back of this home result will give us a good boost."   AUGUST NEWS 2008 SIDECARS MEETING CANCELLED ISLANDERS SET TO INVADE SATURDAY By Weymouth Speedway ~ Sunday 31st August 2008 Unfortunately next weeks planned British Sidecar Championship meeting at the Wessex Stadium has had to be cancelled. Following a number of test runs last night it was felt that the tight Wessex circuit was just too tight for the larger more powerful sidecar outfits to negotiate safely under full race conditions. Next weeks meeting Saturday evening will now be an Inter-league Challenge between the Wildcats and the Isle of Wight Islanders.   WILDCATS FACE HITMEN IN PLAY-OFF BATTLE By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 30th August 2008 WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats continue their push for the Conference League play-offs when they entertain the Buxton Hitmen at the Wessex Stadium tonight (7.15pm). The Wildcats had a mixed bag of results last weekend, losing 51-42 at rivals Plymouth before beating Scunthorpe 52-29 at home in a meeting that was brought to a premature end after heat 13 due to heavy rain. Wildcats' team manager Jem Dicken, whose side will be looking to maintain their 100 per cent home record this campaign, said: "I was disappointed with the result at Plymouth, but not the effort put in, which was 100 per cent. Yet again we lost points through mechanical problems and by throwing away race winning positions which cost us dear. But I was delighted once again with the home form of Kyle Newman who recorded his first paid maximum of his Conference League career. I'm looking forward to claiming another two points this week when Buxton are the visitors." Aussie ace Jay Herne is on Premier League duty this evening so the Wildcats will be forced to use the rider replacement facility in his absence. Promoter Phil Bartlett added: "Jay is riding for Birmingham at Rye House tonight but we still have a strong line up that I am sure will keep our impressive home form going." The two teams are yet to meet this season but both have play-off aspirations. The Wildcats currently lie fourth in the table, occupying the final play-off berth, but hold meetings in hand over the rest of the field. Buxton, meanwhile, sit fifth, two points behind Weymouth, having raced two more fixtures. Wildcats Bargh, Wright, Priest, Mason, R/R, Johnson, Newman.   CATS SAFE FOR NOW By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 30th August 2008 MALCOLM Curtis has insisted that the future of the Weymouth Doonan Wildcats is secure until at least 2012. The Weymouth FC chairman unveiled plans to develop a Community Sports Stadium off Monmouth Avenue earlier this week but his proposal did not include the speedway outfit who will be forced to look for a new home if the development gets the go ahead. The new arena hinges on the sale of the Wessex Stadium site where the Wildcats currently race but Curtis believes the club will have plenty of time to find a new location. He said: "I am the chairman of Weymouth Football Club not the chairman of Weymouth Speedway, and I am in charge of safeguarding the football club's future. I spoke with Wildcats' promoter Phil Bartlett when I first came in here and I made my intentions clear about wanting to move the club and the fact that the speedway might not be part of the plans. If the proposals do go ahead as we hope then the speedway will still have at least until 2012 at the current site or even a bit longer because chances are that won't be developed for another year or two afterwards. Phil Bartlett is aware of that and he is an important tenant and we have a good relationship." Bartlett realises the Terras' need to relocate and will soon start looking into possible locations for the Wildcats to do likewise. He said: "I fully understand that Weymouth Football Club need to look at another site and I wish Malcolm Curtis all the best in trying to achieve his proposals. As for Weymouth Speedway, at least we have until 2012 to find something else and the research for that will start soon because it would be a shame for the area to lose such a good amenity." Curtis is happy with the feedback he has received so far concerning the proposed new development. He said: "The response has been fairly positive. Some people have said it shows a lack of ambition, which completely gobsmacks me but you are always going to get ones, who are left of centre. Within the whole thing we are proposing we are trying to please everyone but you cannot do that all the time. However, I do believe we have put forward a strong case and now it is going to take a while to get all the feedback. We will be inviting residents who live in Monmouth Avenue to come along and have a look at the plans as well other people in the community because I think it is important that any concerns they have are discussed face to face." "As I said at the Press conference, if people look at it and decide they do not want it then it will not happen. It is a big development and it has got to have the vast majority for it. If it is closer to 50-50 it will be very difficult to achieve. We will continue to liaise with the council and organisations like the RSPB and we are also hoping to get in front of the Olympic Legacy Committee. But it is more about the local council than anything else. There is a great silence at the moment and I think they are waiting to see which way people will go." "As for me, I am excited about it. I think it works from a planning perspective and a sustainable building development perspective, and it will give the town a cracking facility. It would also support a Football League club without the need for a wealthy benefactor to throw money at it. It is the Holy Grail and I just hope people see the positives in it and get behind it."   KING KYLE'S MAXIMUM By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Monday 25th August 2008 WILDCATS' shooting star Kyle Newman shook off an early crash to record his first ever paid maximum in Weymouth's 52-29 triumph over Scunthorpe on Saturday. The meeting was curtailed after 13 races, as the rain clouds over the Wessex Stadium refused to relent. But the wet weather could not dampen Newman's celebrations, as one of British speedway's fastest developing rookies recorded another milestone in his mere one year career. He won his opening ride in unstoppable fashion but Wildcats' supporters were anxious, when he fell on the first bend of race four. The 16-year-old was trapped under his bike after being caught in first bend bunching and went down clutching his foot. Newman showed his steel, though, by shaking it off and winning the re-run, before remaining unbeaten in his final rides. Despite his foot giving him grief throughout the contest, the teenager admits prospects of a maiden maximum proved the perfect tonic. He said: "The bike bent my foot around and it really hurt but I really wanted to carry on with the meeting. I really wanted that paid max, so I kept going and the adrenaline really helped me out. It'll probably hurt later but I'll shake it off and be ready for the next match. Getting that maximum feels so good and I'm really happy to have got this in my first full season. I was just expecting to get fours, fives and sixes this year. So to get 11 paid one is just brilliant and I'm really happy." With the rain getting heavier throughout the night and the track becoming slippery, many riders understandably eased off. But Newman does not serve his speedway in half measures and produced the move of the night in heat 12. Despite making a poor start off gate four, he rocketed around the boards on the first turn to round the field and power home through the rain. "I knew I was on a paid max going into that race and it was make or break going into that first corner," Newman added. "So I went very wide, got as much grip as I could and just held on. The best thing to do in these conditions is to attack the track - it gives you a smoother ride then." Wildcats produced a strong team performance all round, with Andrew Bargh and Karl Mason both bagging eight points, while newcomer Matthew Wright continued to impress, scoring eight paid one. There were no shortage of home 5-1s - six in total - and Weymouth started the contest with three on the trot. Saints hit back with a tactical ride win in heat five from Byron Bekker but the South African was lucky to get away with an over-eager jump from the tapes. He was handicapped 15 metres in race one, after making his move too early twice. But incredibly, referee Paul Carrington declined to pull back heat five, despite another blatant rolling start. The tactical outing was nowhere near enough to save the Saints, though, as Weymouth look set to secure a Conference League play-off berth.   CATS OUT OF LUCK By Nigel Walrond, Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 23rd August 2008 Bad luck cost Weymouth Wildcats dear as they slipped to their fourth St Boniface Arena defeat of the season against their arch Westcountry rivals last night. Plymouth’s top-order power eventually proved too much for Weymouth’s greater strength in depth in a very entertaining meeting. However, the Wildcats will point to Brendan Johnson shedding a chain in heat two when set for a 5-1 heat advantage, and a bike problem for Andrew Bargh while leading heat 13, which saw a 3-3 turn into a 5-1 to the Devils, as contributory factors in their downfall. The win lifts Plymouth into top spot in the table, after Boston’s 46-46 home draw with Redcar last night, while Weymouth are in fourth place, five points behind but with three matches in hand. Weymouth made a very encouraging start, drawing the first three heats which produced some superb racing. Captain Karl Mason snatched third place on the line from Kyle Hughes after a thrilling heat one battle, while Kyle Newman and Johnson outgated their opponents in heat two, only for Johnson to grind to a halt. Luke Priest and the hugely impressive Matt Wright also roared away from the tapes in heat three ahead of Plymouth’s Tom Brown, but by the end of lap two the Welshman had passed them both on his way to an excellent 12-point maximum. The excitement continued in heat four, with Plymouth reserve Paul Starke just denying Newman third place after another cracking four-lap tussle to give the Devils a 4-2 and edge them two points in front. A first-bend tumble for the unfortunate Johnson in heat six helped Plymouth stretch their lead to four, and they doubled that advantage in heat eight when Hughes and Starke captured an unexpected 5-1 after Newman fell while being challenged for second place by Starke. The Wildcats tried to stem the tide in heat nine when Bargh was introduced as a tactical substitute, but even though he had passed Starke by the second lap, the Plymouth youngster took a crashing fall close to the starting gate next time around. The referee eventually put the red lights on just after Brown had nipped past Jay Herne on the last lap to take the lead, and the race was awarded, leaving the Wildcats having to settle for a 4-3. Recent signing Wright produced a wonderful ride in heat 10 to lead Plymouth’s veteran number one Mark Simmonds for two laps, before the home favourite dived underneath him at the start of lap three. The Wildcats reduced the deficit to seven points in the next race, when Bargh ruined Seemond Stephens’s maximum hopes, but Bargh’s heat 13 bike trouble, that gifted a 5-1 to the hosts, ended the Wildcats’ victory bid. Wright was given a tactical ride in heat 14 to try and eke out an 8-1 to keep hopes of a draw alive, but with Starke bravely returning to take the chequered flag, the home win was secured.   BARGH RETURNS TO FACE DEVILS By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Friday 22nd August 2008 ANDREW Bargh will return to the Weymouth Doonan Wildcats' line-up for tonight's Conference League clash with the Plymouth Devils. The Isle of Wight star missed last Saturday's home victory over Redcar due to Premier League commitments but he is now back in the saddle and Wildcats' chairman Phil Bartlett fancies his side's chances of giving the Devon side a run for their money. Bartlett said: "The St Boniface Arena is always a difficult place to go but we have our strongest available team out and we are full of confidence after a fine run of results. If the lads go there and give 110 per cent then that is all you can ask for and if that is enough to come away with a win then great. The incentive is certainly there because if we do beat them we will go top of the league but there is a lot of difference between talking about it and doing it. What I will say is that we will be the strongest team that Plymouth will face this season and if we cannot beat them there then I cannot see anybody else doing it either." The Radipole Lane outfit will also be in action tomorrow night at the Wessex Stadium (7.15pm) where they will face the Scunthorpe Saints. Devils Simmonds, Hughes, Brown, TBC, Stephens, Pickard, Starke. Wildcats Bargh, Mason, Priest, Wright, Herne, Johnson, Newman.   WILDCAT WRIGHT HAS HIGH HOPES By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Thursday 21st August 2008 WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats' latest addition Matthew Wright is confident that the club can push the Plymouth Devils all the way in tomorrow night's Conference League meeting at the St Boniface Arena. The former Boston rider made his debut in last Saturday's 56-37 triumph over Redcar and he is enjoying being part of a confident team. The Wildcats have won their last five league meetings and with Andrew Bargh expected to return to the line up this week, hopes are high that the Radipole Lane outfit can finally end their barren run at the Devon circuit. Wright said: "Plymouth is not just a difficult place to go for Weymouth, it is a difficult place to go for everyone. They have not lost at home yet this season but we are full of confidence at the moment and with Andrew probably returning to the team as well, there is no reason why we cannot push them all the way. All we need to do is make sure we get off to a good start." On Saturday the Wildcats will face another stiff test against the Scunthorpe Saints at the Wessex Stadium (7.15pm). Wright added: "They are another good side and they will push us hard but there is nothing to fear. They have some good riders but I do not think they are as strong as last year and with the way we have been performing at home we should be fine." Wright has been impressed with his new team-mates since his arrival. Jay Herne scored a 15-point maximum against Redcar and seems to be flying and there have been other good performances too, most notably from reserve Kyle Newman. Wright said: "Kyle was excellent the other night. The two overtaking manoeuvres he pulled off were pretty good and it is great that we have such strong reserves."   NEWMAN STEALS HERNE'S THUNDER By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Monday 18th August 2008 AUSSIE ace Jay Herne scored a 15-point maximum for the Weymouth Doonan Wildcats at the Wessex Stadium on Saturday night but it was Kyle Newman who stole the show. The 16-year-old reserve produced two incredible passes in heats eight and 12 to underline his potential as one of the Conference League's best up-and-coming riders. With Andrew Bargh on Premier League duty it could have been a tricky night for the hosts but with Herne and Newman being ably assisted by debutant Matt Wright, skipper Karl Mason and Luke Priest the Wildcats comfortably stretched their 100 per cent home record to 15 meetings. Weymouth chairman Phil Bartlett said: "We were as awesome as ever. We controlled the meeting from start to finish and everyone rose to the challenge. We are proving to everyone that we are not just here to make up the numbers. We are here to get in the top four if not win the league. Matt Wright did superbly. I wanted him before the start of the season but he went to Boston and their loss is certainly our gain. In fairness to Tim Webster, who is out injured, we have managed to maintain the same strength by bringing in Matt and we are just so glad he is here. Jay was awesome again and, as for Kyle Newman, he just never fails to amaze me. He is worth the entrance fee alone. For a 16-year-old to go straight around the boards and then hold the right line around the corner like he did on a couple of occasions is just fantastic. It takes years of experience to be able to do that but for Kyle it seems to come naturally. This team is putting Weymouth on the map and we want to keep the momentum going for as long as possible." Redcar also had to make do without one of their star riders due to Premier League duty with top scorer Arron Summers at Workington with Edinburgh. Both sides deployed the rider replacement facility for their high-profile absentees but it did not have a detrimental effect on the meeting, which was another cracker particularly for the rampant home side. The Wildcats kicked off the evening with a maximum courtesy of Herne and Wright. The pair survived a bit of barging in the first bend to forge ahead into a lead they never relinquished with the Aussie looking particularly impressive as he crossed the line first. Newman and Brendan Johnson followed that up with a comfortable 4-2 in heat two where Cub Ben Reade shot out too wide and made contact with the safety fence on the final bend. The unfortunate rider, who was trailing in fourth with no one around him when the incident occurred, ended up leaving the track in an ambulance and later withdrew from the meeting. But fears of serious injury were soon put to rest when reports came through that he had only sustained a damaged wrist. Six points adrift and a man down it was obvious things were not going according to plan for Redcar and the Wildcats were clearly determined to take advantage. And after repairs were made to the fence that is exactly what they did with Mason taking heat three. The Wildcats skipper led from the front but it was Luke Priest's resilience that provided the 4-2 courtesy of a fantastic pass on turn two of the final lap to beat Jade Mudgeway into third place. Herne captured his second win to help stretch the lead to ten in the following race and it was no surprise to see the Cubs react by handing a tactical ride to Scott James in heat five. He did not let his side down, taking victory ahead of team-mate Gary Beaton to record a fine 8-1 to drag his side back into the contest. The Wildcats responded with victories from Wright and the impressive Herne but the Cubs were still hanging on to their coat tails just five points adrift. But that was about to change thanks to a fantastic piece of overtaking by Newman in heat eight. The teenager refused to budge from the back wheel of Beaton as Wright flew off in the distance and on the final lap he stormed up the outside and held his line perfectly on the last turn to ensure the hosts a vital maximum. The manoeuvre was greeted by huge applause and it seemed to deflate the Cubs who were now nine points behind with a mountain to climb. Priest added to Redcar's misery by claiming success in the next race before backing up Wright in another maximum in heat 10 to put the result beyond doubt. It was now just a question of how big the margin of victory would be and there was certainly no letting up with Herne holding off James in the following race to capture his fourth success of the evening. Newman then delighted the fans again by producing another incredible overtake to beat Mudgeway in heat 12 as Weymouth entered the interval 46-29 ahead. Herne completed his five-race maximum in 13 before Mason took 14 to help stretch the lead to 19 points. The Wildcats' three top scorers in the meeting, Herne, Wright and Newman, were all rested for the final race of the night but skipper Mason did not disappoint the home fans, completing a tapes-to-tapes success to wrap up a comprehensive victory.   NEW BOY WRIGHT IS RARING TO GO By Ky Capel, Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 16th August 2008 NEW signing Matthew Wright believes the Weymouth Doonan Wildcats have "one of the strongest, if not the strongest" squad in the Conference League. The 22-year-old is set to make his delayed debut tonight at the Wessex Stadium against the Redcar Cubs (7.15pm), taking the place of the injured Tim Webster. And Wright, whose bow for the Wildcats was put on hold following last weekend's postponement due to heavy rain, is keeping his fingers crossed for better weather. He said: "I've not seen a track as wet as that before. The Weymouth track does take a fair bit of water but hopefully the sun will be shining and the weather will be much better this time." The Cubs' undoubted star of this year, Aaron Summers, is absent from tonight's line-up, something which Wright hopes will work in his side's favour. He added: "I think Redcar are without Aaron Summers so that could prove to be a big plus for us. We're also very strong right now with Brendan Johnson dropping to reserve so hopefully we can pick up some points. If you can win your home meetings then it gives you great confidence to get good results away. Ideally we need to try and get into the top two so that we get home advantage in the play-offs. I believe we've got one of the strongest, if not the strongest, team in the league." Wright is keen to prove his worth while deputising for Webster, who broke his ankle against Boston two weeks ago. He said: "It was unfortunate to see Tim get injured but it has helped me out, and hopefully I'll score well in his absence. I started at Boston and then went on to Mildenhall before coming here. Conference League meetings have helped sharpen me up and I'm just concentrating on riding for Weymouth now. Everyone at Weymouth is in such a great mood and everybody gets on well." Although Redcar are without the services of Aussie Summers, the Wildcats will also be forced to use rider replacement cover as Andrew Bargh is on Premier League duty with the Isle of Wight. Wildcats' chairman Phil Bartlett is confident of his side's chances against the North Yorkshire outfit. He said: "Redcar are possibly the dark horses in the league and have some very promising riders in their squad. However, I am confident of a home win which will set us up nicely for next week's meeting at our nemesis track - the St Boniface Arena. Karl Mason has been in fantastic form of late as has Jay Herne. Luke Priest looked a lot sharper against Boston and Brendan Johnson is relishing dropping back down to reserve. Matt Wright will be making his debut for the Wildcats and Kyle Newman will no doubt be entertaining us with his all-action style in this must win meeting." The rained-off meeting against Boston will be re-staged on Friday, September 12 while the away fixture at Rye House has been re-arranged for October 4. Team manager Jem Dicken said: "We are not happy about the lateness of the proposed Rye House fixture as it is almost a month after our penultimate league meeting. It only leaves three weekends left to fit in the play-off semi-final and final if either club have a top four finish." TONIGHT'S LINE-UPS Wildcats 1 R/R, 2 Matt Wright, 3 Luke Priest, 4 Karl Mason, 5 Jay Herne, 6 Brendan Johnson, 7 Kyle Newman. Cubs 1 Scott James, 2 Gary Beaton, 3 R/R, 4 Jade Mudgway, 5 Benji Compton, 6 Ben Reade, 7 Dan Greenwood.   CATS TO PRACTICE IN THE WINTER By Dee Adcock, Dorset Echo ~ Friday 15th August 2008 Weymouth Wildcats have got the green light for practice speedway sessions during the winter. But the consent for one Saturday afternoon session a month during the closed season left Wildcats bosses only half happy - they had asked West Dorset District Council planners for double that. Members of the council's development control committee voted in favour of a proposal to vary a condition in the permission granted in November 2006 for speedway at the Wessex Stadium off Radipole Lane, Weymouth. Conditions allowed only for race nights on Fridays or Saturdays during the speedway season to minimise noise impact on neighbours. But Weymouth Wildcats Ltd returned to planners to ask to be allowed to hold winter training and practice sessions as well. Planning officer Andrew Martin recommended approval for temporary consent allowing one Saturday afternoon session a month between November 1 and March 14. Agent John Roberts asked the committee to allow two Saturdays a month. He said the sessions would be limited by the weather and by avoiding Saturdays earmarked for home Weymouth Football Club home matches at the stadium. He said: "You have embraced the Olympic challenge - please give support to our speedway riders." The application had sparked objections on grounds of noise nuisance. Angela and Jonathan Bennett of Bennetts Water Gardens - approximately 400 metres from the track - told councillors that the noise would be detrimental to their business as a haven for visitors and a setting for civil weddings. Mr Martin said: "Given that there is permanent permission for speedway racing at the Wessex Stadium it is understandable that the operators want to have practice and training sessions." He said conditions included one that sessions would be supervised by a machine operator licensed by the Speedway Control Board and another that the public address system is used only for safety announcements and not for music or commentary. Mr Martin said noise levels would be monitored and the data used for any future application. After the meeting Wildcats chairman Phil Bartlett said he was pleased to have the consent but was disappointed it was not for twice the number of sessions. He said: "It goes half way. But if we want any more we would have to put in another application."   2nd CHANCE FOR CAT & CUBS By Weymouth Speedway ~ Wednesday 13th August 2008 After last weeks washout, the Weymouth Doonan Wildcats will be hoping the abysmal British weather makes a turn for the better this Saturday, when the Redcar Cubs travel back down to the Wessex Stadium for the crucial Conference League clash. Weymouth will be without the flying Kiwi - Andrew Bargh who is on Premier League duty with the Isle of Wight, and Redcar are without the services of awesome Aussie - Aaron Summers. Wildcats Chairman Phil Bartlett is confident of his sides chances against the North Yorkshire side, “Redcar are possibly the dark horses in the league and have some very promising riders in their squad. However, I am confident of a home win which will set us up nicely for next weeks meeting at our nemesis track - the St Boniface Arena. Karl Mason has been in fantastic form of late as has Jay Herne. Luke Priest looked a lot sharper against Boston and Brendan Johnson is relishing dropping back down to reserve. Matt Wright will be making his debut for the Wildcats and Kyle Newman will no doubt be entertaining us with his all action style in this must win meeting.” The rain-off meeting against Boston will be restaged on Friday 12th September and the away fixture at Rye House has been re-arranged for 4th October. Jem Dicken Wildcats team manager said, “We are not happy about the lateness of the proposed Rye House fixture as it is almost a month after our penultimate league meeting. It only leaves three weekends left to fit in the play-off semi-final and final if either club have a top four finish.” Line-up for Weymouth v Redcar at the Wessex Stadium on Saturday 16th August 7.15pm start Weymouth Wildcats 1 r/r, 2 Matt Wright, 3 Luke Priest, 4 Karl Mason, 5 Jay Herne, 6 Brendan Johnson, 7 Kyle Newman Redcar Cubs 1 Scott James, 2 Gary Beaton, 3 r/r, 4 Jade Mudgway, 5 Benji Compton, 6 Ben Reade, 7 Dan Greenwood   CATS MEETING IS VICTIM OF RAIN By Ky Capel, Dorset Echo ~ Monday 11th August 2008 WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats' Conference League meeting with the Redcar Cubs was postponed because of heavy rain. The Wildcats were due to take on the Cubs at the Wessex Stadium on Saturday night. Despite bad weather throughout the day, the meeting was set to go ahead. But a heavy downpour just an hour before the start washed away any hopes of staging the event, which was called off at around 6.30pm. Wildcats' team manager Jem Dicken said: "It was going to go ahead but then we had a really bad shower and that killed it really, we were totally flooded out. We've rearranged the fixture for this Saturday coming so we will see the Cubs back here then. There was nobody outside waiting to come in at the time we called it off either." Dicken's men currently sit fourth in the table, occupying the final play-off spot, with eight meetings still to complete.   THE WRIGHT CHOICE By Ky Capel, Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 9th August 2008 WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats' chairman Phil Bartlett believes he has got the best out of a bad situation as Matt Wright replaces the injured Tim Webster in tonight's Conference League meeting with the Redcar Cubs (7.15pm). Wright, a former Boston Barracuda, makes his debut for the Wildcats at the Wessex Stadium tonight against "a very strong" Redcar line-up. Bartlett, who has lost Webster for possibly the remainder of the season following an ankle break in last Saturday's 54-39 win over Boston, said: "Matt is a very good rider. He was actually on my shopping list before the season started but he went and signed for Boston instead. They have now released him and we are looking forward to seeing how he goes against Redcar. He has been riding for Mildenhall in the Premier League and has been going pretty quick so the omens look good. It also means Brendan Johnson can go down to reserve and strengthen that up." "What happened to Tim last Saturday was a big blow and a huge shame because he has been showing a lot of promise and going really well. But league meetings are coming thick and fast now and we have to carry on and with Matt coming in it is the best situation to come out of a bad one. Redcar will be bringing a very strong side down and we will have to all be fired up and at our best to beat them. In fact I would say their line-up is as strong as Plymouth's so it promises to be a fantastic meeting and hopefully one that we will come out on top in." The Radipole Lane outfit enter tonight's encounter unbeaten in their last six league fixtures and undefeated at home. Team manager Jem Dicken is pleased with how his riders are progressing. He said: "Karl Mason continued his return to form with a magnificent maximum last week and Jay Herne also put on a spirited performance. I was delighted that Luke Priest had a good meeting and seems to have turned a corner after an up-and-down season, which all bodes well for our assault on a top four finish." The Wildcats currently occupy the last of four play-off spots, but hold meetings in hand over the teams above them. The Cubs, possibly the dark horses in this year's Conference League, field flying Aussies Aaron Summers and Jade Mudgway who have both put on some cracking performances this season, most notably Summers' unbeaten score in the Conference League Pairs at Weymouth. There are no weak links in the North Yorkshire side in a meeting that promises to be a lively encounter. Spectators will be treated to an extra attraction tonight, after the main event, when some of the country's best young talent take to the circuit for a second half meeting. The event will include two classes - the Auto Cadets and the Juniors. The Auto Cadets' line-up will include Weymouth mascot Anders Rowe, Somerset Rebels' mascot Henry Atkins, Cornish rider Edward Tait and Jake Armstrong, the son of injured Wildcats' star Jon Armstrong. The Juniors' races will be fought out between Tyler Govier, Ashton Webb, James Shanes and David Abraham. TONIGHT'S LINE-UPS Wildcats 1 Andrew Bargh, 2 Matt Wright, 3 Luke Priest, 4 Karl Mason, 5 Jay Herne, 6 Brendan Johnson, 7 Kyle Newman. Cubs 1 Scott James, 2 Steven Jones, 3 Benji Compton, 4 Jade Mudgway, 5 Aaron Summers, 6 Michael Mitchell, 7 Gary Beaton, Team manager: Jason Pipe   INJURED ARMSTRONG PINS HOPES ON NEW SPECIALIST By Ky Capel, Dorset Echo ~ Thursday 7th August 2008 WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats' Jon Armstrong is desperate to get back riding before the season ends but admits he could face another three months on the sidelines. The injured star, who broke his right leg in the Conference League Pairs almost ten weeks ago, is hoping that a new specialist could help quicken his recovery. He said: "The recovery is going slowly, I expected it to be much quicker. When I put weight on the leg it feels okay and I can put my foot down and lift myself up. But I'm not quite able to stand up on it yet. The surgeons and the physios at the hospital are targeting three months which was a bit of a bombshell when they told me. I'm going to see a specialist who works with the England rugby team and I'm hoping that he might be able to do something, maybe shave some time off. But I also need to consider whether it's really worth pushing myself. I'm itching to get back on a bike and I don't want to let the side down." The Wildcats, who finished fifth in the Conference League last year, currently occupy the last of the four play-off spots and take on the Redcar Cubs this Saturday at the Wessex Stadium (7.15pm). Armstrong has been joined on the injury list by Tim Webster who broke his ankle last week in a crash against the Boston Barracudas. But the Mighty Midget believes Weymouth will make the end of season showpiece - something he is eager to be a part of. He added: "The lads are scoring well and they're in quite a good position, but they didn't need the blow of Tim Webster getting injured. I don't doubt they'll make the play-offs, it's just a shame we didn't win at Scunthorpe earlier in the season because we would have been one away win up on the others. I think our season will be extended by the play-offs and I do want to be a part of it. Saturday will be a tough meeting though, as Redcar have a strong side."   SEASON OVER FOR WEBSTER AFTER HORROR SMASH By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Tuesday 5th August 2008 TIM Webster's season "is basically over" according to Weymouth Doonan Wildcats' manager Jem Dicken. The former Newport Maverick sustained a broken ankle in a collision during heat 11 of Saturday's 54-39 Conference League victory over the Boston Barracudas at the Wessex Stadium and he has since been told he faces around two months on the sidelines. Dicken said: "It was a horrible collision and it is such a shame for Tim and the team because he has been in really good form. They were initially going to operate over the weekend but in the end they decided not to and now he will go to a fracture clinic to see what can be done. The plaster that has been put on goes right up to his knee and it looks like his season is basically over now. He has been told he will not be back for six to nine weeks and it is a big blow." Fortunately, the Wildcats signed Matt Wright as cover last week and he will now take the vacant reserve berth. The ex-Boston rider was due to face his former club in the return leg at Saddlebow Road on Sunday but a waterlogged track caused the meeting to be postponed much to the disappointment of Dicken. He added: "Matt has been riding for Mildenhall in the Premier League and recently he asked if he could come down here. We had a space in the squad so we signed him last week and with what has happened to Tim, I am glad we did. He fits in just right in terms of grading and he was due to ride at Boston on Sunday but the meeting had to be called off due to the weather. I had just reached Cambridge when I got the call saying it could not go ahead but some of the lads were already there. It was a bit disappointing to say the least. Apparently there was thunder and lightning there during the afternoon but they did not postpone it until two-and-a-half hours before. As most of the riders were there they might as well have left it a bit later to see if it eased off. It was particularly frustrating because we felt quite confident of going up there and getting something even though they thumped Plymouth the other night." The meeting has not yet been rescheduled so the Wildcats will now turn their attentions to this coming Saturday when they take on the Redcar Cubs at the Wessex Stadium. The Cubs have only featured in five league meetings so far this season but they still remain just two spots below Weymouth who currently occupy the last play-off berth having only raced in six fixtures themselves.   CATS FACE CUBS By Weymouth Speedway ~ Monday 4th August 2008 The Weymouth Doonans Wildcats put on a superb performance to claim victory over title contenders the Boston Barracudas on Saturday in a thrilling meeting which was unfortunately marred by the frustrating and untimely injury to Wildcats star – Tim Webster. Cornish based Tim has improved beyond recognition since he signed for the Wildcats from local rivals Plymouth and his injury comes at a time when the race for the Conference League play-offs hots up. Wildcats team manager Jem Dicken was gutted by the injury to the Wildcats number six, “Overall I was pleased with the team’s performance but am devastated by Tim’s injury which couldn’t have come at a worse time. He has been a revelation this season and what looked like an innocuous looking crash resulted in a broken ankle and 6-8 weeks on the sidelines. Karl Mason continued his return to form with a magnificent maximum and Jay Herne also put on a spirited performance. I was delighted that Luke Priest had a good meeting and seems to have turned a corner after an up and down season which all bodes well for our assault on a top four finish.” Former Boston rider – Matt Wright signed for the Doonans Wildcats on Wednesday replacing the void left by Tim and lines up in the number two berth with Brendan Johnson moving down to reserve. Weymouth’s trip to Boston on Sunday was postponed due to a waterlogged track. This Saturday August 9th, (start time 7.15pm ) the Wildcats entertain a strengthened Redcar TLS/Simpson Racing UK Cubs side in a vital league clash at the Wessex Stadium. Possibly the dark horses in this years Conference League, the Cubs field flying Aussies Aaron Summers and Jade Mudgway who have both put on some cracking performances at the Wessex Stadium this season and must be confident of their chances. There are no weak links in the North Yorkshire side in a meeting which promises to be a lively encounter. Supporters will be treated to an extra attraction at this Saturday after the main meeting when we welcome some of the country’s best young talent to the Wessex Stadium for a second half youth grasstrack meeting. The event will include two classes; the Auto Cadets and the Juniors. The Auto Cadets line up features many recognisable names with our mascot Anders Rowe, the Somerset Rebels mascot Henry Atkins, Jake Armstrong, the son of Weymouth ’s injured number one Jon and Cornish rider Edward Tait completing the line-up. The Juniors races will be fought out by Tyler Govier, Ashton Webb, James Shanes and David Abraham. The Auto Cadet class use automatic 50cc race tuned machines whereas their older counterparts; the Juniors race anything between 100cc two stroke bikes and 200cc four strokes. The format for both classes will race over three legs and over four laps each race. The final thanks go to Delwyn Rowe Motor Services and Andy and June Chapple who have kindly sponsored tonight’s second half. Another thank you should go to John Thorner who is sponsoring the best junior rider of the night. Line Up for Saturday Weymouth Doonans Wildcats 1 Andrew Bargh, 2 Matt Wright, 3 Luke Priest, 4 Karl Mason, 5 Jay Herne, 6 Brendan Johnson, 7 Kyle Newman, Team Manager Jem Dicken Redcar TLS/SimpsonRacing UK Cubs 1 Scott James, 2 Steven Jones, 3 Benji Compton, 4 Jade Mudgway, 5 Aaron Summers, 6 Michael Mitchell, 7 Gary Beaton, Team Manager Jason Pipe   RESERVE STAR WEBSTER SUFFERS ANKLE AGONY By Dorset Echo ~ Monday 4th August 2008 WEYMOUTH Wildcats' title chances have been dealt a massive blow after reserve sensation Tim Webster was carted off in an ambulance on Saturday night. Phil Bartlett's men comfortably defeated the Boston Barracudas 54-39 at the Wessex Stadium to earn two huge Conference League points. But the victory came at a price as Webster suffered a fractured ankle in a heat 11 horror smash and could now face up to six weeks on the sidelines. The Plymouth-based racer was chasing Boston's Darren Mallett hard for third place, when the visiting rider fell on lap two, turn two. Webster had nowhere to go and slammed into the Barracuda legs first, before reeling back in agony. An ambulance was called to the track and the meeting was held up for 25 minutes, while the 19-year-old was treated, before being taken to Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester. Speaking yesterday morning, his father Mark said: "He has fractured his right ankle. They thought they were going to have to plate the bone because it was displaced. But they've put a plaster cast on it and elevated the leg. Fortunately, it seemed to go back into place, without them having to put any screws in." Promoter Bartlett has already drafted Matthew Wright into his squad. But having avoided surgery, Tim is ready to do everything in his power to get back into the Wildcats side fast. And Mark hopes to get some help from revered physiotherapist Brian Simpson in Ipswich to ensure a speedy recovery. He added: "If Tim's in the plaster cast, he could be out for six weeks. But he has broken his ankle before and with Brian's help, Tim came back in three last time. It will depend on the fracture and this one is on the ankle bone itself. Tim will be looking to get back as soon as possible though, because there are some important meetings ahead." On a more positive note for the Wildcats, skipper Karl Mason returned to form in style with an 11 paid one-point maximum from four outings. Mason opened with a thrilling last bend pass on James Cockle in heat three to snatch a stunning win. He then charged around the impressive Darcy Ward at the start of lap three and Luke Priest joined him, when the Aussie lost speed dramatically. Wildcats' pair of the night followed this by hunting down Mallett in race nine. Priest rocketed around the fast-gater from Boston on turn two, before Mason charged hard and flew past him on lap two, bend four. The Newport asset then completed his night by leading Kyle Newman to a 5-1 in race 14, before receiving the bumps from his team-mates. Despite enduring a patchy run of form this season, Mason is now determined to build on this ahead of a vital run of five league matches over the coming month. He said: "It was a lot better than last week, when I struggled with the track. My average is already up on last year by quite a bit and I'm finally riding like I know I can. Now we have all the league matches and it's crunch time, so we have to make sure we're doing the business."   WILDCATS AIM TO SINK BARRACUDAS By Ky Capel, Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 2nd August 2008 WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats' boss Jem Dicken has heralded the return to form of Aussie ace Jay Herne. The Poole Pirates-asset recorded a 12-point maximum in last Saturday's Kingswood Hotel Four-Team Trophy success at the Wessex Stadium and Dicken is keen to see the good scores continue. He said: "Jay seems to have turned his early season below-par performances around and is now scoring heavily. Hopefully he can continue that this weekend against the Boston Barracudas and hopefully we'll be able to further strengthen our position in the Conference League." Dicken does have concerns over the recent form of Luke Priest but believes it is only a matter of time before the former Stoke Spitfire regains his confidence as well. He added: "Luke's form seems to be a bit up and down and it is a concern but he has been making some Premier League guest appearances which should help his confidence as he has been on the pace." Priest suffered a huge setback on Thursday when thieves stole £2,000-worth of equipment out of his van at services on the M62. The 23-year-old will no doubt be hoping to put that disappointment behind him at the Radipole Lane circuit tonight. The Wildcats remain on course for a play-off spot and know that gaining the scalp of the league leaders Boston would be a huge psychological boost. The Radipole Lane outfit will certainly be feeling confident going into the meeting having won their last four fixtures but there will be a significant change in their line-up. Now Lee Herne has returned to Australia it will be Andrew Bargh at number one and Dicken is confident he will do a fine job. He said: "Andrew has been putting in some great performances for us and is a worthy replacement as our number one. Legue meetings are coming thick and fast now and we will go to Boston for the return leg tomorrow hopeful of getting the three points although it will be a very tough encounter." The Barracudas will include Conference Pairs winner James Cockle in their line-up tonight but Simon Lambert, who has not been beaten by an opponent in his last 20 heats, is unavailable. Tonight's line-up’s Wildcats 1 Andrew Bargh, 2 Brendan Johnson, 3 Luke Priest, 4 Karl Mason, 5 Jay Herne, 6 Tim Webster, 7 Kyle Newman Barracudas 1 R/R, 2 Darcy Ward, 3 James Cockle, 4 Darren Rolph, 5 Darren Mallett, 6 Adam Lowe, 7 Chris Widman   BARGH AT NUMBER ONE By Ky Capel, DORSET ECHO ~ Friday 1st August 2008 WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats' Andrew Bargh is determined to help the team reach this year's Conference League play-offs. The Isle of Wight Islander takes over the number one slot following Lee Herne's return to Australia and Jon Armstrong's broken leg. But Bargh is happy with his role at the Wessex Stadium as the Wildcats prepare for a double header with league leaders the Boston Barracudas this weekend, with the home fixture this Saturday (7.15pm) and the away trip on Sunday. He said: "The focus is on the play-offs and we'll be trying hard to get there because it's disappointing if you don't make it. With there not being too many meetings you need to try and get a couple of away wins. We've got as good a chance as anyone but this weekend will be tough as Boston are a good team and we'll need to be riding well against them." Filling in for the absent Armstrong, who was the Wildcats' leading points scorer before a crash in the Conference League Pairs at the end of May, is a daunting task for anyone. Bargh, who notched 13 points for Weymouth in their last league outing, added: "Jon is a really good rider and a great person so I'll be trying hard in his place. I'm not 100 per cent sure where he is in his recovery but I'm happy to fill in. The play-offs is what everyone is going for so I'll be trying my best as I don't want to let anyone down." The New Zealander has been impressed with the Radipole Lane outfit as a whole after initially signing on as a squad member at the end of February. Bargh said: "There's a good atmosphere around the club and the management are really good too. "Brendan Johnson and Tim Webster have impressed me, they've been going pretty good, probably better than expected." JULY NEWS 2008 FOUR-MIDABLE By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Monday 28th July 2008 LEE Herne marked the end of his Weymouth Doonan Wildcats stay with victory in the Kingswood Four-Team Trophy. The Aussie, who is returning to his homeland due to work commitments, scored ten points at the Wessex Stadium in his final outing while brother Jay Herne top scored with an unbeaten 12 from his four rides. Also riding for the hosts were Luke Priest and skipper Karl Mason who helped the Wildcats notch 30 points in total - just two ahead of second-placed Bristol Bulldogs. Third went to the Exeter Falcons with 24, who had current Wildcat Tim Webster and ex-Wildcat Terry Day riding for them, while the Somerset Giants, led by Wildcat teenagers Brendan Johnson and Kyle Newman, placed fourth on just 12 points. Weymouth's team manger Jem Dicken was delighted with the night's proceedings yet sad to see Lee return to Oz. He said: "It was a good night and a good result. Lee won the last race he was in so that was good. Jay has sort of found some form in recent weeks while the other two were at sorts. Luke fell off but did manage to pick up some points and after starting a bit slowly Karl picked up. The trophies from the sponsors were impressive and the boys were all happy. It was sad to see Lee go, we had a chat and a drink afterwards. He said he was sorry to be going and that he didn't really want to but his job commitments meant that he had to go back. Jay I'm sure is also disappointed to see him go as they've got a good relationship." Although not part of the Wildcats' quartet on Saturday night, the performance of youngster Newman pleased Dicken. He added: "Kyle was on form. He had a couple of crashes but he's getting better all the time." Of Webster and Johnson's displays Dicken said: "Brendan and Tim both had off nights but it was a night where they could afford to do that as opposed to a league meeting. Hopefully they will have got it out of their systems. Overall the win maintains the winning streak which is good for us. However, we didn't win it until near the end as we were trailing Bristol almost all the way." After the first round of racing it was the Falcons out in front. Although not recording any heat victories, the Exeter outfit's quartet had all notched second places, giving their side a four-point lead over the Wildcats. The Bulldogs upped the ante after the next round of heats as Matthew Wright and Jade Midgway claimed successes and Ryan and Justin Sedgman had picked up runners-up spots. Weymouth were going nicely with the Herne brothers both scoring well. But mixed scores from Priest and Mason allowed the Bulldogs to pull ahead after round three. Somerset were never in the contest while Exeter began to fade as the competition progressed. In the final round of racing Lee Herne, Jay Herne and Mason all recorded victories while Bristol fell at the final hurdle as Mudgway, with a second-place finish, provided their best score. And that meant that the Kingswood Trophy went the way of the hosts - their first piece of silverware of the 2008 campaign. SCORES WEYMOUTH WILDCATS ~ 30 1. Lee Herne 3, 1, 3, 3, = 10, 2. Jay Herne 3, 3, 3, 3, = 12, 3. Luke Priest 0, 2, 0, fx, = 2, 4. Karl Mason 0, 2, 1, 3, = 6 BRISTOL BULLDOGS ~ 28 1. Matthew Wright 3, 3, 2, 1, = 9, 2. Jade Mudgway 1, 3, 2, 2, = 8, 3. Ryan Sedgman 1, 2, 3, 0, = 6, 4. Justin Sedgman 0, 2, 3, fx, = 5 EXETER FALCONS ~ 24 1. Kyle Hughes 2, fx, 2, 2, = 6, 2. Tim Webster 2, 1, 0, 1, = 4, 3. Terry Day 2, 3, 1, 2, = 8, 4. Gary Cottham 2, 1, 0, 3, = 6 SOMERSET GIANTS ~ 12 1. Kyle Newman 3, 0, 2, 0, = 5, 2. Brendan Johnson 1, 0, 1, 0, = 2, 3. David Gough 1, 0, 1, 1, = 3, 4. Andrew Braithwaite 0, 0, 0, 2, = 2   AUSSIE LEE TO SIGN OFF AND HEAD HOME By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 26th July 2008 AUSTRALIAN Lee Herne will take part in his last meeting for the Weymouth Doonan Wildcats tonight but he is not moving to the Birmingham Brummies as was expected. Instead the talented rider will return Down Under tomorrow after work commitments curtailed any hopes he had of seeing out the rest of the season in Britain. Herne's final outing at the Wessex Stadium will see him line up alongside Luke Priest, Karl Mason and his brother Jay in the Kingswood South West Four-Team Tournament, where the hosts will look to beat select sides from Bristol, Exeter and Somerset. Wildcats' chairman Phil Bartlett said: "Lee is not signing for Birmingham now and is instead returning to Australia tomorrow. I had a call from the manager at Birmingham and he said that Lee was no longer in his plans and that we could carry on using him but due to work commitments he has to return home now anyway. I think he wanted to see the season through to the end of the year but in-order to keep his job he has been told he has to go back. What that means for us is that Andrew Bargh will now come in for both the home and away matches against Boston next weekend and he is a more than adequate replacement. We are currently discussing the clashes that may occur with his Isle of Wight commitments and it is important we get that sorted soon as we are now approaching a vital stage of the season with six league meetings scheduled for August." Jon Armstrong is still making steady progress with his recovery from a broken leg but Bartlett suspects he will not be back in action for a while. He added: "Jon is currently abroad but I did speak to him on Thursday night and he is back next Tuesday. He remains determined to get back as soon as possible but I do not think he will return as quick as we hope. We will just have to wait and see." Last Saturday saw Tom Brown land the NatWest Bronze helmet at the Wessex where a horrific crash in heat two saw Sittingbourne's Jerran Hart and Scunthorpe's Byron Bekker suffer horrific injuries. Hart sustained a fractured pubic ramus while Bekker broke a collarbone. Bartlett said: "It was a horrendous crash and all at Weymouth Speedway wish the two riders a speedy and full recovery." Weymouth Wildcats Lee Herne, Jay Herne, Luke Priest, Karl Mason. Bristol Jay Mudgway, Ryan Sweetman, Nathan Sweetman, Matthew Wright. Exeter Matt Bates, Tim Webster, Kyle Hughes, Terry Day. Somerset Kyle Newman, Brendan Johnson, Andy Braithwaite, David Gough.   SOUTH WEST FOURS By Weymouth Speedway ~ Thursday 24th July 2008 Conference Leagues Mister Entertainment and Welsh Wizard, Tom Brown, landed the spoils in the Nat West Bronze helmet last weekend in a thrilling meeting that had plenty of thrills and spills. No-one who was there to witness the prestigious meeting could deny that every rider was out there to win – something that the breathtaking racing showed in spades. However, the meeting was marred by the horrific heat 2 crash between two of the top contenders Sittingbourne's Jerran Hart and Scunthorpe's Byron Bekker. Both riders took no further part in the meeting with Jerran Hart suffering a fractured pubic ramus and Byron Bekker sustaining a broken collar bone. Phil Bartlett Weymouth Chairman said, “It was a horrendous crash and all at Weymouth Speedway wish the two riders a speedy and full recovery. Both Byron and Jerran have provided us with some fantastic entertainment at the Wessex Stadium and I hope to see them both racing again soon.” Jem Dicken Wildcats Team Manager was disappointed that there was no home winner and commented, “Tom Brown was a deserved winner in the end. He always gives his all and although he has had some bad meetings here this season, it all came together on Saturday night. I felt for Jay Herne who was the overall top scorer and was a little unlucky in the final“. It was a return to League action on Sunday when the Wildcats travelled to Sittingbourne to face the Crusaders. In an emphatic win the Wildcats climbed the Conference League table with a 31-60 victory over the Kent side. The Wildcats have a week off from league action this weekend when Weymouth host the South West Fours event with teams representing Weymouth, Exeter, Somerset and Bristol. The following weekend the Wildcats have a busy time when they entertain the Boston Barracudas at home on Saturday 2nd August then travel to Norfolk for the return leg the following day.   CRUSADERS CRUSHED By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Monday 21st July 2008 ANDREW Bargh is a more than adequate replacement for the departing Lee Herne according to Weymouth Doonan Wildcats' manager Jem Dicken. The Premier League rider, who turns out for the Isle of Wight Islanders, stepped in for the Australian at Sittingbourne yesterday and top scored with 13 points as the Wildcats moved to third in the Conference table with a comprehensive 60-31 victory. Dicken said: "Lee is in Denmark with the Australian World Cup side. As for his proposed move to Birmingham, I am not entirely sure what is happening at the moment. If he does indeed end up going then Andrew will step in until Jon Armstrong returns. Jon is hoping to be back in the middle of August but I do not see it myself. Andrew is more than adequate in the meantime and I am very happy to put him in the side. He was one we were after in the winter but he ended up deciding that he only wanted to do Premier League. However, he did also say that he would help us out and that he is exactly what he is doing now." The Wildcats absolutely blitzed the Crusaders in Kent. Jay Herne (11+1) grabbed a paid maximum from his four races while Karl Mason (10+1), Luke Priest (9+2), Tim Webster (7+1), Brendan Johnson (6+2) and Kyle Newman (5+1) all chipped in with superb scores of their own. Dicken added: "We started off slowly and it just built up in was a great performance by all the boys. They all scored well and we dominated the meeting pretty much throughout. That result has now taken us up to third in the table with three or four meetings still in hand so it is looking good. We are definitely on course for a play-off place and we will just have to see what happens after that." Jerran Hart was absent for Sittingbourne due to injuries he sustained in a horrific coming together with Scunthorpe's Byron Bekker in the NatWest Bronze Individual Meeting at Weymouth the previous night. Both men were catapulted into the fence and had to leave the Wessex Stadium in ambulances. Dicken said: "Byron has broken his collarbone while Jerran has suffered muscle damage in his legs. Apparently his muscle has come away from the bone but other than that both riders are fine which is good news because it could have been a lot worse."   EX-CAT BROWN DENIES HERNE THE BRONZE HELMET By Adam Summers, orset Echo ~ Monday 21st July 2008 WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcat Jay Herne finished runner-up in the NatWest Bronze Helmet Individual Meeting at the Wessex Stadium. The Aussie won three out of his four races in the heats where he top scored with 11 points to progress straight through to the final. There he came up against Plymouth Devil and former Wildcat Tom Brown who squeezed him out on the second bend before defending his lead for three laps to take victory. The Radipole Lane outfit's chairman Phil Bartlett said: "Jay was a bit unlucky really. He lifted a little going into the first turn and got a bit untidy. That allowed Tom to get in front of him going into the second bend where he was then pushed out wide and way off his line. By the time Jay got it back Tom had opened up quite a big lead that was longer than a 15-metre penalty. However, Jay then started to reel him in and by the third lap he had close the gap right up to the extent where I thought he might get him on the line but unfortunately it was not to be." Heat two saw Sittingbourne's Jerran Hart clip the back wheel of Scunthorpe's Byron Bekker causing both riders to hit the safety fence. Paramedics immediately tended to the two men who ended up withdrawing from the meeting and going straight to hospital Bartlett added: "The crash was horrendous. Jerran was just too over-exuberant and he lifted a bit and went straight into the back of Byron who could do nothing. They both hit the fence very hard and in the end the meeting was held up for an hour while paramedics saw to the riders and track staff made repairs." Herne was impressive throughout the meeting with wins in heats four, eight and 11 but perhaps his loss to Brown in the fifth race of the night was a sign of things to come. The Wildcat looked on course for victory but on the final lap Brown produced a stunning overtaking manoeuvre to strike a psychological blow that clearly stood him in good stead for the rest of the night. As for Weymouth's other representative in the meeting, Karl Mason, he won heat seven, but was beaten to the last semi-final place by Rye House's Gary Cottham. Plymouth's Paul Starke and former Wildcat and Rye House rider Terry Day were the other two men in the race-off to meet Herne in the final but it was Brown that went on to ultimately prevail. Bartlett said: "Karl just missed out to Gary Cottham. Gary tends to blow hot and cold, and when he raced Karl he unfortunately looked like a superstar. Both of them ended up with the same points but Gary went through courtesy of a second place in heat 13 where Karl finished third. Overall I was happy with how both our riders performed, it was just a shame that Jay did not win it but full credit to Tom who was superb."   PRESSURE'S ON FOR MASON & HERNE By Ky Capel, Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 19th July 2008 WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats host the coveted NatWest Bronze Helmet Individual meeting tonight (7.15pm) and chairman Phil Bartlett believes the pressure will be on home riders Jay Herne and Karl Mason. In total, 13 of the Conference league's most exciting riders will battle it out for the prestigious award. And Bartlett is quietly confident his duo can perform well. He said: "I think they will fare well. They've got a point to prove racing on their home track and there will be more pressure on them than the other riders because of that." Herne raced for Weymouth in the Conference League Pairs at the end of May and will surely be keen to erase the memory of a bad night, which saw Wildcat Jon Armstrong suffer a broken leg and Weymouth subsequently bow out of the competition. Bartlett added: "This year the competition has returned to an individual meeting format as opposed to last season's match races. It promises to be an evenly contested encounter on a track which always provides some excellent racing. I hope both Karl and Jay do well but there can only be one winner, I just hope it's one of the Weymouth boys." In a return to an individual meeting format the last running of this meeting was in 2005, which was won by ex-Wildcat Lewis Bridger at just 15-years-old The 13 competitors will each have four rides, with heat 14 being a run-off between the riders finishing second, third, fourth and fifth overall. The winner of that race will then go head to head with the meeting's overall top scorer. Others on the bill tonight are former Wildcats Terry Day, of Rye House, and Plymouth's Tom Brown. Conference League leaders Scunthorpe will be represented by Byron Bekker and Scott Richardson while Conference Pairs winners Boston have just Darren Mallett competing at the Wessex. LINE-UP: 1 Darren Mallett (Boston), 2 Paul Starke (Plymouth), 3 Karl Mason (Weymouth), 4 Terry Day (Rye House), 5 Tom Brown (Plymouth), 6 Jerran Hart (Sittingbourne), 7 Byron Bekker (Scunthorpe), 8 Gareth Isherwood (Buxton), 9 Jade Mudgway (Redcar), 10 Scott Richardson (Scunthorpe), 11 Gary Cottham (Rye House), 12 Dean Felton (Sittingbourne), 13 Jay Herne (Weymouth). * The full Wildcats team will be in Conference League action tomorrow when they visit Sittingbourne Crusaders, hoping to emulate the 61-31 success they recorded at the Wessex Stadium on May 10. The clash is expected to be Lee Herne's final league appearance for the Wildcats before his move to Premier League side Birmingham.   LAPTOPS DONATED IN HANNAH'S MEMORY By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Thursday 17th July 2008 WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats chairman Phil Bartlett and his family is donating four new laptops to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge in memory of his daughter Hannah. The medical staff at Addenbrooke's cared for Hannah while she underwent cancer treatment, and the family is using her savings to help fund the new equipment. Bartlett said: "We used to save some of Hannah's pocket money for the future so we thought we would do something special with it. Instead of just handing a cheque over to the hospital we spoke with them and asked if there was anything they needed. That is when they told us that they did not have any computers for the children there so through Easy PCs on Abbotsbury Road in Weymouth and Dell I have organised four new laptops which myself and my family will be taking up there soon." A collection in Hannah's memory and in aid of children's cancer and leukaemia charity CLIC was also held during both meetings against the Plymouth Devils at the weekend along with a special race off for Hannah's Award at the Wessex Stadium on Saturday. John and Jill Roberts of Cleave Design kindly donated trophies and prize money for the spectacle which was won by Devils' ace Nicki Glanz ahead of Weymouth's Jay and Lee Herne with Tom Brown in fourth. All four riders put their prize money, a total of £170, into the collection and there was also a generous donation of £100 from last Saturday's paramedics. Bartlett said: "The support we have received from people has been great and the way in which they have kindly made donations has been fantastic. I would particularly like to thank the four riders who put their prize money in the fund and the paramedics who kindly gave £100. We raised £750 for CLIC in total and they are very grateful." Skipper Karl Mason and Aussie ace Jay Herne will represent the Wildcats in this Saturday's NatWest Bronze Helmet at the Wessex Stadium. The shared event will see 13 of the Conference League's top riders race off for the prize. Each competitor will take part in four races with the top scorer moving straight into the final. There he will meet the winner of the semi-final, which will be contested between the next four highest point scorers.   SWEET REVENGE By Weymouth Speedway ~ Thursday 17th July 2008 A weekend of mixed fortunes for the Weymouth Doonan Wildcats saw them knocked out of the Conference League Knock Out-Cup at the St Boniface Arena last Friday in a closely fought encounter. However, revenge was sweet on Saturday when the Wildcats battled their way to 49-41 home victory in the Conference League sending them a step closer to the valuable play-off positions. Phil Bartlett Wildcats Chairman watched his team miss out on a semi-final spot in the Knock-Out Cup but was delighted with the performance of the Wildcats home and away. He said “The two meetings were undoubtedly Conference League speedway at its best! In front of big crowds both teams rode their hearts out on well prepared tracks with some of the best racing I have seen both at Plymouth and at home. I would also like to thank all the supporters who generously donated £750.00 for CLIC and for the riders who raced for the Hannah’s Award who all donated their prize money back into the collection.” Jem Dicken Wildcats team manager was disappointed at the Wildcats departure from the Cup but was philosophical about the result, “I think we lost the meeting in the rain affected home tie where all home track advantage was lost. Although I don’t want to single out any riders Andrew Bargh rode exceptionally well and Tim Webster relished visiting his former track. The League meeting at the Wessex was a thriller and although a couple of the lads had an off night I can’t fault their determination and we showed we are a force to be reckoned with and I’m confident of getting into the play-offs. This will probably mean yet another trip to Devon!” Weymouth Speedway host the coveted Nat West Bronze Helmet Individual meeting this Saturday 19th July (7.15pm) boasting a line-up of some of the Conference Leagues most exciting riders who will battle it out for the prestigious award. In a return to an individual meeting format, the last running of this meeting in 2005 was won by Wildcat’s then fifteen year old Lewis Bridger. The thirteen riders will each have four rides, heat 14 will be for riders finishing second, third, fourth and fifth with the winner going head to head with the meetings overall top scorer. Phil Bartlett Wildcats Promoter is looking forward to this prestigious meeting, “This year the competition has returned to an Individual meeting format as opposed to last seasons match races. It promises to be an evenly contested encounter on a track which always provides some excellent racing so come and spend a day at the sea side and a night at the speedway!” Line up as follows; 1) Darren Mallett (Boston), 2) Paul Starke (Plymouth), 3) Karl Mason (Weymouth), 4) Terry Day (Rye House), 5) Tom Brown (Plymouth), 6) Jerran Hart (Sittingbourne), 7) Byron Bekker (Scunthorpe), 8) Gareth Isherwood (Buxton), 9) Jade Mudgway (Redcar), 10) Scott Richardson (Scunthorpe), 11) Gary Cottham (Rye House), 12) Dean Felton (Sittingbourne), 13) Jay Herne (Weymouth)

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