Wightlink Warriors at the double

Meanwhile, the club will host a charity event in support of Cancer Research's Relay For Life Isle of Wight at the Andrew Younie Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde.

The Warriors hit the road for the final time in 2018 as they head to Sussex to face the Eagles in the second half of a meeting which also features Stoke Potters.

They will include Max Clegg and Nathan Stoneman as guest riders in the absence of Alfie Bowtell and Ben Morley, who are on Championship duty at Rye House.

The Eagles, who must win both matches if they are to stay in play-off contention, will be without Mark Baseby and Charley Powell.

Back in Ryde, a gallant group of supporters have joined forces to form the Wonder Warriors and will take turns to pound the Smallbrook shale in the name of Cancer Research.

Hundreds are expected to attend the fundraising event which spans a 24-hour duration from midday on Saturday.

There is still time to join in and the Wonder Warriors would be delighted to welcome more team members.

Online pre-registration is recommended '“ simply search Cancer Research Relay For Life Isle Of Wight and follow the links to enrol or donate.

Warriors co-promoter Barry Bishop hopes to attend both events.

He said: '˜Good luck to everyone representing our club on Saturday.

'˜Our match at Eastbourne is going to be another really tough night on their tight track. We will be giving it our very best shot.

'˜And as we do, we will be thinking of the Wonder Warriors back at base doing amazing things for a fantastic cause.'

Meanwhile, there is good news about development league rider Stephen Whitehouse, whose heavy fall forced the abandonment of the Warriors' final home meeting last week.

He was released from hospital on Tuesday and '“ after a night on the Isle of Wight '“ is now back home in the midlands.

Fortunately, the leg injuries he sustained were not as bad as first feared but Stephen did require an operation to repair some hernia damage.

Whitehouse and his relatives have been quick to thank all the medical staff who attended to him and are indebted to the many, many fans who have sent well wishes or visited during his hospital stay.