WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats chairman Phil Bartlett believes coming out on top in Friday night's last-heat decider against Rye House could prove to be a turning point in his team's season.

The Radipole Lane outfit followed up that thrilling Conference League victory over the Raiders with their first win on the road this season at Buxton to move them into the last four of the Knockout Cup.

The Wildcats recorded a 50-43 success over the Hitmen yesterday with David Mason (8), Sam Hurst (9+4) and Lee Smart (11+1) leading the way.

That landed them a 101-88 aggregate victory.

Bartlett said: "I am absolutely delighted that we are now in the last four and the fact that it was also our first away win of the season just makes it even better.

"I don't think Buxton expected us to beat them on their own track but the lads knew what they had to do and they produced the goods.

"If we are a strong team that is competing towards the top of the league, going up to places like Buxton and making sure we get through is something that is expected.

"I think our win against Rye House gave everyone a huge lift and hopefully now we can be a bit more consistent.

"I did not go to Buxton but apparently Lee Smart was awesome, setting the fastest time at that track this season in heat three (55.1). David Mason and Sam Hurst also rode well again and there is no doubt that as a team we are improving.

"The meeting was all over by the end of heat 12 and in the last three heats we perhaps took our foot off the gas but it was still a very good performance."

The Wildcats will travel to Premier League side Isle of Wight Islanders tomorrow for the first leg of an official Inter-League challenge match and Bartlett is looking forward to the encounter.

He said: "It's going to be an interesting week especially when they come to our place for the second leg on Friday.

"They have some great riders but we are full of confidence and we will certainly be giving both meetings a good go.

"Jason Bunyan and Krystof Stojanowski are both coming down on Friday so that should be a cracking evening. It is going to be tough but hopefully we will get a big crowd and I am sure there will be some great races."

HEAT DETAILS

Ht 1: D Mason, Hurst, Betthel (x-tapes, 15m) Braithwaite 58.5 1-5

Ht 2: Dalloway, Day, Herne (x-tapes, 15m), Summers 57.5 4-8

Ht 3: Smart, Taylor, James, Irwin 55.1 7-11

Ht 4: Roberts, Summers, K Mason, Day (fx) awarded 12-12

Ht 5: James, D Mason, Hurst, Taylor 56.9 15-15

Ht 6: Bethell, K Mason, Herne, Braithwaite 57.0 18-18

Ht 7: Irwin, Smart, Roberts, Dalloway 56.6 19-23

Ht 8: Hurst, Day, Dalloway, Summers 58.6 20-28

Ht 9: Herne, K Mason, James, Taylor 57.7 21-33

Ht 10: Smart, Herne, Bethell (fell, retired), Braithwaite 22-38

Ht 11: Roberts (tactical), D Mason, Hurst, Dalloway 56.8 28- 41

Ht 12: Smart, Herne, James, Summers 56.2 29-46

Ht 13: Bethell, Roberts, D Mason, K Mason (fell) 57.0 34-47

Ht 14: Taylor, Day, Dalloway, Irwin 57.9 38-49

Ht 15: Roberts, Taylor, Day, Hurst 58.2 43-50