Speedway: Frustrated Weymouth Wildcats fall to Exeter Falcons

The Falcons were strengthened when Mick Sutton withdrew due to van troubles but was replaced by the experienced Nick Lawrence who has a lot of miles in the National League.

“That was a massive difference between the standard of Mick and Nick and once they did that there was no way we were going to win. Not a hope in hell’s chance.”

The Falcons also had National League experience in the shape of Adam Shepherd who has ridden in a National League meeting for Plymouth.

The Wildcats named their line-up of Bailey Fellows, Connor Fletcher, James Jessop and last minute addition Dan Gilkes.

Gilkes had a superb performance for the Wildcats, picking up nine points, while Fellows picked up two points and Jessop picked up a single point to round off Weymouth’s scoring.

“All of their team got beat by Dan (Gilkes) but he is 16 and he has not ridden in the National League so he is more than entitled to be in the league whereas Nick Lawrence has done many years throughout the past 10 or so years I think and he has got far too much experience to be in this league and I do not think he should be in it.

“It is hard, but I guess some teams are after winning the league and some teams are focusing on developing riders.”

Speaking of the Wildcats’ performance, Peters said: “I can’t fault them. Dan Gilkes was Dan Gilkes, he is going to be an amazing rider.

“I was thankful for him being able to ride for us, to step in for us last minute.

“He was superb again.”

James Jessop picked up his first point despite his bike not quite being fully optimised for the track.

Peters said: “Connor Fletcher was disappointed in himself. He touched the tapes in one and he slid off in his third race when challenging for second in the first lap.

“Bailey (Fellows) was good again, he is showing a lot of improvement.

“He is getting quicker and he is getting closer and closer to the guys in front of him.

"It is only a matter of time for him.”