TIM Allan is determined to “keep the Wildcats’ name alive” after narrowly missing out on the Tony Sanford Memorial Trophy.

The former Wessex Raceway announcer took charge of a Wildcats representative side at Plymouth as the hosts and fellow defunct clubs Exeter and Trelawny did battle.

In a thrilling contest, Wey-mouth, led by Jay Herne (10), finished joint top with Trelawny. But with no run-off, the latter came out on top having provided more race victories.

Reflecting on the night as a whole, Allan said: “It was good fun. I was just disappointed that we didn’t win because I felt we should have done. I was also disappointed that the referee didn’t allow us to do a run-off – even the Trelawny guys wanted one.

“It was the fairest way to decide it and would have been good value for money for the customers.

“I felt gutted for the lads as they were really up for it.

“Brendan Johnson had quite a nasty crash the previous weekend and was still very sore. He then jarred himself in his first race and was walking around in agony.

“I thought he would have to pull out of the meeting and I did tell him that his health was more important but he said he wanted to carry on for Weymouth, and that said it all for me.

“The hardcore fans were there – people who have helped the club in the past – but some of the more general fans weren’t and that was a bit disappointing. Perhaps it was because there hasn’t been any speedway for them to watch in such a while.”

And Allan is keen to ensure that last Friday’s appearance is not a one-off.

He added: “We are hoping to do another meeting in October but I can’t say where yet as it’s not been agreed. Hopefully we will know more in the coming weeks.

“I do though want to get some proper race jackets for the next one. I have sorted something out with a company, who will provide them for us, but we do need a few donations to fund a set of race jackets.

“I just want to keep the Wildcats’ name alive.”

Anyone interested in donating can contact Allan via weymouthwildcats.co.uk Result: 1 Trelawny 25pts (six race wins), 2 Weymouth 25pts (three race wins), 3 Exeter 24pts, 4 Plymouth 23pts.

Wildcats’ scores: Jay Herne (3-2-3-2) 10, Brendan Johnson (2-1-0-1) 4, Richard Andrews (1-1-2-2) 6, Danny Stoneman (1-3-0-1) 5.