EXETER FALCONS 22

WEYMOUTH WILDCATS 9

WEYMOUTH Wildcats endured a difficult evening as Exeter ran out 22-9 winners in their Southern Development League clash at St Boniface Arena in Plymouth.

Wildcats were stricken by the unavailability of Luke Barnes and a leg injury to captain Jordan Bull, meaning the visitors spent the majority of the meet with two riders, gifting 10 points to Exeter.

But Connor Fletcher and on-loan Belle Vue rider Kean Dicken performed admirably to claim nine points despite the situation leading to the Wildcats’ second defeat this season.

Speaking to Echosport, Wildcats’ co-promoter Martin Peters said Fletcher and Dicken had “put their heart and soul” into their efforts.

He said: “We were down to three riders as Luke couldn’t make it. Jordan rode in the main meeting, then rode the SDL and fell off in the first race and had to be attended to by the medics, so we were down to two riders.

“We didn’t get anyone in the fourth race so that was giving them 10 points. Kean and Connor rode to the best of their abilities.

“A few things went against us but the lads put their heart and soul into it, so that’s all we can ask for. Some things happened and we can’t control that.

“Jordan came off and hurt himself – it’s speedway, it’s one of those things. We’ll be a lot better by the time they come to Eastbourne in a couple of months.”

Peters extended his praise of Fletcher and Dicken in particular, the Wildcats’ racers impressing on a tricky night.

He said: “Kean rode really well and he was having troubles with his hand from riding in the main meeting.

“Jordan made a good gate in his first ride and if he was that fraction quicker he would’ve been in front. He was a little bit tired as it was the first time he’s ridden in the National League.

“Connor looked really good out there but doing two (meetings) back-to-back took its toll on the engine and he couldn’t really take part in heat six because it needed a rest.

“They all rode well and it’s a learning experience. Jordan learned so much from riding the National League meeting, which is going to help him for the rest of this year.”

Weymouth’s next Southern Development League fixture comes on Saturday, June 16 against Kent at Eastbourne.

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