Rafał Okoniewski: In such moments, there is extra motivation

FOGO UNIA Leszno defeated BETARD SPARTA Wrocław on their home turf, recording their fourth victory in the ongoing PGE Ekstraliga season. Rafał Okoniewski admitted that despite the weakened lineup of the visitors, he expected a tough challenge.

Leszno defeated BETARD SPARTA Wrocław 47:43. The visitors arrived at the Alfred Smoczyk Stadium weakened by the absence of Daniel Bewley and Tai Woffinden, but despite this, they managed to fight for the match points until the last race.

– We knew it wouldn’t be easy even though BETARD SPARTA Wrocław came to Leszno weakened. We know what the situation is, and in such moments, the team gets extra motivation to show that it will be good – said Rafał Okoniewski after the match.

The white-and-blue team thus extended their hopes of staying in the world’s best speedway league. The situation remains difficult, but after the victory over Wrocław, FOGO UNIA Leszno still has a chance to maintain their place in the elite.

– The visitors really set the bar high – emphasized Rafał Okoniewski. – Let’s enjoy this victory, and there will be time to analyze all the on-track situations later – he added shortly after the match in an interview with journalists at the Ekstraliga Media Center.

Damian Ratajczak returned to the Leszno lineup. The junior world vice-champion saved a draw in the junior race by overtaking the visitors’ duo on the track. He added another point in the next race, finishing his return from injury with 4 points.

– Damian had a long break from riding a motorcycle, and as you know, training cannot replace matches and racing for points. I am satisfied with his performance after such a long break. In challenging conditions, he might have lacked some stamina – noted the coach of FOGO UNIA Leszno.

Now the white-and-blue team faces a very tough trip to Lublin, and to conclude the season, they will host EBUT.PL STAL Gorzów on their home turf. At least one victory in these two matches is essential to think about staying in the PGE Ekstraliga.

Joachim Piwek