Hughes replaces Candy at Weymouth.

Danny Hughes could prove the missing piece in the Wildcats jigsaw. That's the verdict of boss Brian White following the former Newcastle Gems rider's Weymouth debut at Boston, yesterday.

Hughes scored three paid five as the visitors collected a Conference Trophy aggregate bonus point with a 48-42 victory. The win secured a top place finish for the Wildcats in the South Qualifying Group and they now face either Armadale or Scunthorpe in a two-legged semi- final.

White said: "Getting Danny is a big boost for the club and I think at last we've found the missing piece in the jigsaw. He's an outstanding rider who averaged almost seven for Newcastle last year and he's just the sort of squad member we need.

"He's only ridden once at Scunthorpe since last season and so was a bit rusty yesterday, but once he's got a couple of meetings under his belt, he'll be banging in the points.

"We've got a big couple of months ahead of us as we chase all three Conference prizes and Danny will play an important part during the second half of the season."

Hughes, 22, who has had Elite League experience with Belle Vue, rode at number two yesterday, in place of out-of-form Paul Candy.

White added: "It's hard on Paul, but he's just not been scoring enough points over the past couple of months. He's a cracking lad with loads of talent, but maybe a rest will do him good. Hopefully he'll go away, recharge the batteries and come back fighting for his place in the team."