BRITISH SPEEDWAY MARCH 29, 2022
(SPEEDWAY 1)
SHEFFIELD stars Adam Ellis and Jack Holder combined for a match-winning Heat 15 in Monday’s League Cup clash at Belle Vue.
The Tigers had gone into the meeting without winter signings Craig Cook (Covid) and Tobiasz Musielak (injured in Poland), but former Aces man Richie Worrall proved a good guest.
The visitors saw their early eight-point lead cut back by battling Belle Vue, who went into the last race two points up.
But Holder (13+1) and Ellis (13) got the better of home duo Charles Wright (10) and Brady Kurtz (9+1) for a 46-44 victory. Max Fricke had taken a tactical substitute ride and top-scored for the hosts with 10+1.
Sheffield co-promoter Damien Bates said: “The day didn’t get off to the best of starts with the news about Craig and Toby missing out, but the boys have shown fantastic character. “Thankfully it doesn’t look too bad for both boys and they’ll be back soon, but in the meantime credit to the lads who did the business at Belle Vue. It’s a great result to start the season.”
Wright said: “I think this result really came down to gate positions; gates one and three were quite the favourable gates early on and it did play a part in Sheffield gaining such a lead. “But we did well to fight back the way we did. There is a real fighting spirit in this team and we just lost out in Heat 15 which was very disappointing. There’s no reason we can’t go to Owlerton and do the exact same thing to them.”
(SPEEDWAY 2)
SKIPPER Sam Masters says Wolverhampton can put their impressive win over Birmingham to good use next week.
Aussie ace Masters notched 11-points in a comfortable 56-34 win over their neighbours in an opening night Challenge at Monmore.
And he believes his side will benefit from the meeting when Sheffield hit town next Monday in their opening League Cup tie.
He said: “It’s always good to get the first meeting out of the way, it was good that we could race against Birmingham, and the boys have found a good set-up for next week. We’re ready for the season now.
“Sheffield have obviously got a bit of confidence so we’ve got to hit them hard here. We know we’re a good enough team to beat anyone, so we’ll look to start off as we mean to go on.”
New Wolves signing Steve Worrall added 10+1 for the home side, whilst Richard Lawson stepped in at late notice for the Brummies and scored 15 from seven rides, with Ashley Morris adding 10.
(SPEEDWAY 3)
PLYMOUTH and Kent launch the new NDL campaign as the sides meet at the Coliseum tonight (Tuesday).
Former Royals star Dan Gilkes makes his debut for the newly formed Centurions, and will be racing for both Plymouth teams this season.
Meanwhile the visitors are under new promotion after switching their operations to Iwade this year, with Alfie Bowtell lining up at No.1 against his regular Championship club.
(FIXTURES)
TUESDAY MARCH 29:
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE: Plymouth v Kent 7pm
WEDNESDAY MARCH 30:
CHALLENGE: Birmingham v Coventry Select 7.30
BJARNE PEDERSEN FAREWELL: Poole 7.30
THURSDAY MARCH 31:
LEAGUE CUP: Ipswich v King’s Lynn 7.30
STEEL CITY OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP: Sheffield 7.30
NO PRESSURE ON ZMARZLIK AFTER LATVIAN GP WIN