There was Isle of Wight speedway success for the Wightlink Warriors.

They hosted Kent's Rye House Rockets at Smallbrook Stadium.

The visitors arrived without star rider Luke Bowen after the cost of renewing his racing insurance made it uneconomic to compete.

His absence was covered by the rider replacement facility.

Final score: Warriors 51 Rockets 39

Isle of Wight speedway scorers:

Isle of Wight: Ben Morley 11+1, Rhys Naylor 1+1, George Congreve 13, Arran Butcher 9+3, Brayden McGuinness 9+2, Chad Wirtzfeld 8+3.

Rye House: Steve Boxall 17, Sam Woods 1, Like Bowen R/R, Ben Trigger 9, Jack Kingston 9, Chris Watts 3+1.

Wightlink Warriors co-owner Barry Bishop said: "What a super meeting to get 2023 underway.

"We had great racing and commitment from all the riders and the support from the terraces was absolutely first class.

"Good luck to our friends from Rye House as they build their campaign to re-establish their track and we look forward to welcoming them back later in the year.

Thursday, June 30 will see round two of the Nora No Brakes Racing League.