(SPEEDWAY 1)
WOLVERHAMPTON got the better of Belle Vue in a tense last-heat decider at Monmore Green on Tuesday.
Home skipper Fredrik Lindgren completed a 15-point maximum and was joined for a Heat 15 5-1 by fellow Swede Jacob Thorssell as Wolves secured a 48-42 victory in the SGB Premiership.
They had led throughout the meeting but the Aces remained in touch and cut the gap to two points with a 5-1 from Kenneth Bjerre (10) and Dan Bewley (9+1) in Heat 12.
But Lindgren and Thorssell (13+1) dominated the closing stages and their success in the decider left the visitors having to be content with one league point.
Lindgren said: “We need to keep winning at home, so it’s a very important result. We’ve had some troubles in the team with getting everyone scoring, but I’m really pleased we got the win.
“Obviously I think my performance was top notch, and I don’t think I’ve been better than that here in a long while.
“It was good to see Nathan (Greaves) really improving tonight as well. He was starting a lot better, riding a lot smoother and he was in the points so I’m happy for him.”
Belle Vue boss Mark Lemon said: “It was such a thrilling meeting. The boys did fantastically well and to come home with a league point over the reigning champions is a brilliant achievement. They did themselves proud.
“From the start, we were putting the pressure on Wolverhampton and though it was a mixed bag of results from the boys individually, collectively as a team it was a great effort; they all did their bit.
“The mood in our camp is of the bigger picture. It was a precious league point that we earned at Monmore Green and we must continue to build on each of our successes, big or small.”
(SPEEDWAY 2)
KING’S LYNN boss Dale Allitt is expecting a ‘top class’ meeting when his side host Belle Vue at the Adrian Flux Arena tonight (Wednesday).
The Stars are looking to make it two league wins out of two on home shale following their 53-37 win over Somerset at the beginning of the month, but know they face a tough test against an Aces side who have started the season in impressive form.
Allitt said: “Belle Vue are going pretty well so far this season – but I’m not interested in them. We just need to focus on ourselves and if we do that and ride to our own capabilities, then we can beat anyone and a win against the Aces would be a fantastic result!
“We were disappointed to come away from Rye House on Saturday empty-handed but this is a chance to get back to winning ways and show we’re a force this year, especially on our own track.”
Belle Vue skipper Craig Cook said: “To be honest, the boys are really buzzing and we’re looking forward to facing King’s Lynn. They’ve got some quality riders but we’ve put in our share of good performances there in recent years.
“It’s still early doors but the team is gelling so well, I see no reason why we can’t go there and put in a good result. We have the talent and the capability to pull off a win and take maximum points.”
(SPEEDWAY 3)
BIRMINGHAM stage their first home National League fixture of the season tonight (Wednesday) when Plymouth visit Perry Barr.
The Brummies will be looking to add to their tally following an impressive 54-36 win at King’s Lynn last week.
However, Plymouth include former Brummies squad members Lee Smart and Robert Parker as well as experienced campaigner Steve Boxall and boss Graham Drury is expecting a tougher challenge against the Devils.
“I don’t think Plymouth are as weak as some people make out if I’m being honest,” Drury said.
“Steve Boxall has been there and done it, especially at this level, and he demonstrated his skill with a 15-point maximum in their opener last week.
“They’ve got other experienced riders who are dangerous on their day and they’ve got a couple of young up-and-coming talents as well so we’ll have to be on our guard.”
(SPEEDWAY 4)
POOLE promoter Matt Ford is backing the bid to keep Coventry alive when the clubs meet in a Challenge match at Wimborne Road tonight (Wednesday).
Ford was quick to utilise the date originally earmarked for an SGB Premiership clash between the rivals prior to the Bees’ withdrawal from the league due to stadium issues.
They have met in recent top-flight Grand Finals in 2010 and 2014, winning one apiece, and links to the past will be provided by Chris Harris stepping in as a guest for Coventry and Alun Rossiter taking the reigns as team manager.
Stefan Nielsen also gets a second outing for the visitors, as Lewis Kerr will be racing for the Pirates in a continuation of his short-term deal with the club.
Ford said: “Coventry are too famous a club to allow the name to disappear from the calendar, and whilst there are hopes for the Bees to rise again I was determined to try and keep their name alive, and that is why I am happy to stage this challenge fixture.
“With many teams having already compiled their sides for the season, some riders were left without top flight-berths and this will provide an opportunity for an extra payday for them.”
(FIXTURES)
WEDNESDAY APRIL 19:
SGB PREMIERSHIP: King’s Lynn v Belle Vue 7.30
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Birmingham v Plymouth 7.30
CHALLENGE: Poole v Coventry 7.30
THURSDAY APRIL 20:
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Redcar v Ipswich 7.30, Sheffield v Peterborough 7.30
BRYN WILLIAMS MEMORIAL TROPHY: Isle of Wight v Weymouth 7pm
FRIDAY APRIL 21:
SGB PREMIERSHIP: Belle Vue v Leicester 7.30, Somerset v Swindon 7.30
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Redcar 7.30
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Plymouth v Eastbourne 7.15
TUNNEL TROPHY 2nd leg: Lakeside v Kent 8pm
Results :Tuesday April 18, 2017;
SGB PREMIERSHIP
Wolverhampton 48 (Freddie Lindgren 15)
Belle Vue 42 (Kenneth Bjerre 10)
SGB Premiership points: Wolverhampton 3 Belle Vue 1
