WEYMOUTH Wildcats suffered a 21-15 defeat to Plymouth Demons in their final Southern Development League meeting of the season at Plymouth’s St Boniface Arena.

The tie had been delicately poised at 16-14 going into the final heat but Plymouth, featuring young talent Henry Atkins, took a 5-1 result in the final rubber to open up a six-point margin of victory.

James Laker (9) was top scorer for the three-man Weymouth squad, with Mick Sutton (5) and Ian Parsons (1) also contributing.

Wildcats’ loss leaves the outfit bottom of the five-team standings, ensuring they pick up the wooden spoon.

However, Cats’ co-promoter Martin Peters told Echosport that track experience was more important than avoiding last place in the league.

He said: “It was 16-14 going into the last heat and they managed to get a 5-1, which guaranteed their win and we’ve got the wooden spoon.

“It doesn’t make a difference, it’s about the lads going on track and riding. I’m not too bothered, it’s about the lads getting on track, especially the younger lads.”

Peters was pleased with the fight his depleted side showed in what he described as a “very close” first five heats.

He said: “It was very close. The first five heats there was one 4-2 which went their way. James rode in the main meeting, so did Mick.

“James won the last two heats, rode well and looked good, like I kind of expect from him, and Mick rode really well. He was his steady self.

“Obviously they had Henry Atkins so it was a guaranteed nine points there. He can beat some of the best riders in the league, in the national league, so the development riders are never going to get close to him.

“His average is just too high to take part in that development league, so he won’t be there next year.”

Having ended up with the wooden spoon, Peters is keen to look to next year, with the Wildcats already making moves in the rider market.

“We’ve had a few teething problems, it’s been a bit of a struggle getting the riders sometimes. We used James (Laker), he’s 16-17, we had James Jessop earlier in the season and he’s 16-17 as well.

“James Jessop’s results have improved massively since then as well. He’s got a bit of experience in riding at that level – that side of it has gone well.

“We have done things the right way and we’re proud of that. Hopefully (Jessop) will ride for us next year,” he said.