Wightlink Islanders End of Season Presentation Night took place at Smallbrooks Premier Lounge last Saturday evening where Islanders skipper Nick Simmons was revealed as the supporters club rider of the year, followed by the riders sealed votes which were cast at the last Islanders home meeting to reveal Simmons also as the ‘Riders Rider of the Year’.
Paul Starke picked up the Michael Richardson & Co Best Supporting Shield, “I’ve had fun this year it’s been good. I enjoyed riding with everybody in the team it was really good fun especially Nick. We should have fun maybe in the future.”
While Rob Smith was presented with the Maud White Memorial Cup, “I love riding here, hopefully I can come back next season. I’ve had so much support here, more than anywhere, it’s so good. I can’t say how much I have enjoyed being here.”
Simmons made no excuses for the Wightlink Islanders disappointing season; “For us as a team we haven’t had a particularly good year and we all know that but it isn’t through lack of effort and I know that Kev and Chris get a bit of stick for things but we do all try our best and help each other. I think we have had quite a good team spirit this year, one of the best that I have been involved with but it just hasn’t worked out.” Simmons continued looking ahead to next season, “But maybe next year if I’m back and a few of the others are back I’m sure we will improve things, we surely can’t be any worse. It’s not through lack of effort and we do appreciate everyone coming and supporting us and we need that support.”
Finishing the season as the holder of the Bronze helmet which he had never ridden for before this season, was one of the personal high points for Simmons, “On a personal level I’ve had a pretty good year so I’m happy with that, it’s been a bit frustrating that I’ve had some real good meetings and we haven’t won as a team and it kind of takes a little bit of that away from me, I’m happy but most of the team is down but that how it goes sometimes unfortunately but we’ll be back next year I’m sure and give it a good go.”
