BRITISH SPEEDWAY OCTOBER 8, 2022

(SPEEDWAY 1)

POOLE IN CONTROL

HOLDERS Poole took control of the Championship KO Cup Final with a 48-41 win at Redcar in Friday’s first leg.
The Pirates led throughout the contest after a 5-1 in Heat 1 from Ben Cook and Danny King, and always maintained an advantage despite a number of falls later in the meeting, including for King in Heat 15.

Cook kept up his outstanding form with 13+1 from five rides, and brother Zach took extra rides at reserve to finish with 11+3.
Bears skipper Charles Wright scored 14, only missing out on a maximum to Ben Cook in the final race, and he produced the ride of the night to go from third to first in Heat 9, passing Richard Lawson on the line.

Poole co-promoter Danny Ford said: “That was an outstanding performance. We came here with the intention to win the meeting and the lads did well to deliver on that goal.
“We took a few knocks on the way and whilst we know the Cup hasn’t been won yet, we have put ourselves in a strong position for it to remain in our trophy cabinet for another season. It looks good there, I must say.”

(SPEEDWAY 2)

LEICESTER trail Oxford by two points as the sides meet at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena tonight (Saturday – UK time) in the second leg of their NDL play-off semi-final.

The Lion Cubs defend a 100 per cent home record but expect a tough battle against the Chargers, who remain determined to reach the Grand Final. The visitors have called up Adam Roynon to guest for Sam Hagon, who was injured in Heat 15 of the home leg, and continue to use unattached youngster Ashton Boughen in place of Arran Butcher at reserve.

Lion Cubs boss Dave Howard said: “It’s going to be a tough second leg, but the position we have to start from on our home track puts in a good place. “We’ve still got to be on the ball in every race on Saturday to finish the job.”
Chargers manager Peter Schroeck said: “Ashton is looking forward to riding for us again. He was fantastic for us at Oxford. 

His winning time in Heat 2 wasn’t bettered until Heat 10, while his 5-1 with Jody (Scott) in Heat 14 could be so important in the momentum over the course of the two legs.
“I’ve done a lot of training with Ashton up at Leicester, so he can’t wait to ride for us there on Saturday. I remain quietly confident about our chances.”
 
(SPEEDWAY 3)

BERWICK and Mildenhall contest the first leg of their NDL play-off semi-final at Shielfield Park tonight (Saturday -UK time).
The Fen Tigers had the better of the regular season meetings between the sides as they held the Bullets to a six-point margin when they headed North, and then won 57-33 at West Row.

Berwick name a full-strength side and home talisman Greg Blair is urging the fans to be the eighth man as they look to build a first leg advantage.    Blair said: “Mildenhall are a really good side and we’ll need to be on form to secure the sort of lead we need for the second leg.

“Ever since the Bullets first took to the track we have had great backing and now is the time to cheer even louder with a play-off Final at stake.”  The Fen Tigers continue to operate rider replacement for long-term injury victim James Shanes, and have amended their plans at reserve, where they now bring in British Youth talent Luke Harrison after the originally announced Ashton Boughen accepted a call-up from Oxford.

Mildenhall promoter Greg Palmer said: “I totally understand the position Ashton has taken, opting to ride instead for Oxford at Leicester on Saturday.  “As a club we support a British youngster beginning to make his way in the sport.”

(FIXTURES)
 
MONDAY OCTOBER 10:
PREMIERSHIP GRAND FINAL 1st leg: Belle Vue v Sheffield 7.30

TUESDAY OCTOBER 11:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Plymouth v Glasgow 7pm

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 12:
CHAMPIONSHIP KO CUP FINAL 2nd leg: Poole (48) v Redcar (41) 7.30