DARCY Ward delivered a poignant message to a packed Wimborne Road on what was an emotionally-charged night at his own benefit meeting.

Ward, who was on loan at Swindon when he had his horror crash in Poland, attended tonight’s meeting in a wheelchair and had to fight back the tears as he thanked those who have supported him since the accident.

The chant of Darcy Ward rang out around the Poole Pirates stadium when the Aussie was brought out into the middle of the track after heat 10.

Ward told presenter Nigel Leahy: "Honestly, it's really overwhelming. I'm stoked that people have shown so much support.

"I'd like to say thanks to my family whose support has been the most important thing so far.

"I see all the videos on Twitter of everyone chanting (my name), which is pretty cool, so big thanks for that.

"That's been a big part of keeping me going and trying to get through it.

"(The injuries) are only slightly better. It's been six weeks so it's early days.

"The back injury is pretty severe but I've got to keep pushing and we will see what we can do."

The Aussie was presented with a Book of Friendship, which held messages of support from fans, before being handed a cheque of around £26,000 raised by his Swedish club Piraterna Motala from their benefit meeting.

A host of speedway’s top riders turned out to ride in the meeting, including Swindon skipper Troy Batchelor and Nick Morris, with teams led by Maciej Janowski (Team Magic) and Chris Holder (Team Monster).

Janowski’s side won the meeting, which was brought to a close after 15 heats due to the riders being too emotional, by nine points, however the score was the last thing on the minds on everyone inside Wimborne Road.

 

 

FINAL SCORE: Team Magic 49 v Team Monster 40

TEAM MAGIC - 49: P. Dudek 12+0 (3,3,3,3), M. Janowski 9+0 (FD,3,3,3), P. Pawlicki 8+1 (3,0,3,2'), B. Kurtz 6+0 (3,0,0,3,0), A. Jonsson 6+0 (0,1,1,1,3), D. North 4+0 (F,1,2,1), D. Watt 4+0 (1,3,R,R)

TEAM MONSTER - 40: J. Holder 7+0 (2,2,1,2), G. Hancock 7+1 (1',2,2,2), T. Batchelor 7+1 (2,2,1',0,2), N. Morris 6+0 (2,2,2,F), C. Holder 6+1 (3,1',2,0), B. Pedersen 5+1 (1',0,3,1), J. Grajczonek 2+2 (R,0,1',0,1')