SPEEDWAY News and Fixtures

(SPEEDWAY 1)

EDWARD Kennett has suffered a double arm fracture in a Longtrack crash in the Czech Republic.
The Rye House man, who had just signed for Peterborough in the Championship, is now expecting to have an operation when he returns to the UK.
Panthers promoter Ged Rathbone said: “It’s absolutely devastating news, we were very much looking forward to having Edward in the team, and naturally we wish him all the best.
“With him not having ridden for us yet there would be no facility for him, so we have to revert to our declaration including Emil Grondal and look at our options again.
“The management are already in talks over what to do next, hopefully we’ll be able to pull another rabbit out of the hat, but our thoughts are very much with Edward and the other injured lads.”

(SPEEDWAY 2)

BERWICK kept up their 100 per cent Championship record with a convincing 57-32 win over Newcastle at Shielfield Park.
The Bandits provided eleven race winners with their No.1/2 combination of Aaron Summers and Kevin Doolan proving particularly impressive as they raced to three 5-1s.
Summers top-scored on 12+1 with Doolan on 10+2 and David Howe added 10, whilst Tero Aarnio (11) and guest Nico Covatti (10+1) hit double figures for the Diamonds, with the teams set to meet again at Brough Park today (Sunday).
Berwick boss Scott Courtney said: “One thing is for certain, when we get that bit between our teeth we really take the opposition to town, and Newcastle, who are in no way a bad side, felt that determination in no uncertain terms. 
“Having Theo (Pijper) back in the pits felt like it had completed our 2018 jigsaw as he fitted back in so well and felt right at home, showing some brilliant moments in his races.”
Newcastle manager George English said: “Berwick are in remarkable form at their home at the moment, but we suffered some bad luck too with engine failures, retirements - Ashley's [Morris] fall in Heat 3 didn't help our cause, but also points were generally hard to come by where normally we wouldn't have difficulties.
“So it was a hard night out for us, however on Sunday in the return we have a chance of instant revenge, and we'll be going for it.”

(SPEEDWAY 3)

WORKINGTON raced to their third draw from their five Championship Shield group matches when their home fixture with Glasgow ended 45-45 at a damp Derwent Park. 
The result means that the Comets need to avoid defeat when they visit Edinburgh next Friday in order to progress to the semi-finals as group winners.
The sides traded 5-1s from Heat 10 to Heat 14 with the home side two points up going into the last race, only for Chris Harris and Richie Worrall to produce a match-levelling 4-2 for the visitors.
Harris (13+1) and Worrall (11+1) were the Tigers’ top scorers, whilst Ty Proctor notched 10+1 for the Comets.
Comets team manager Tony Jackson said: “It was one of those nights where we weren’t making the best of starts and in the ever-worsening conditions that proved to be our undoing.
“Glasgow were obviously keen to make amends for our recent victory up at their place and the scores were close throughout; but a share of the spoils in heat 15 would have seen us through. 
“Nevertheless, if we can get a draw up at Edinburgh on Friday we can go through on points difference so that now has to be our aim.”

(SPEEDWAY 4)

GEORGIE Wood and Mark Baseby both scored maximums as Eastbourne made National League KO Cup progress at the expense of Coventry.
The holders went through 54-36 on the night for a 16-point aggregate victory although the position had been tied with seven heats to go.
Wood scored 15 and Baseby 12 as the hosts pulled clear, whilst Tom Brennan added 12+2. Reserve Jamie Halder impressed with 10+2 for the Bees.
Wood said: “You are a heat-leader for a reason. The new averages have come out and people are in their places due to their performances during the year.
“I think team did really well. We can sharpen up a little bit more. We wanted it sewn up by heat 12 – you want any match sewn up by heat 12. It was tight early on and we had a few falls. That happens, that’s part of racing.
“We kept our finger on the button and pressed on throughout the meeting.”
 
(SPEEDWAY 5)

BUXTON boss Joshua Moss admits his side are up against it as they prepare to face Belle Vue in the National League today (Sunday, 5pm).
The Hitmen remain without injury victims Connor Coles and Corban Pavitt, whilst Moss has indicated David Wallinger’s troubled stay with the club could be at an end.
The Colts return to near full-strength after their narrow defeat at Plymouth with James Chattin standing in for the injured Paul Bowen.
Moss said: “It’s been a very difficult week for us trying to find replacements for the side with Connor out injured for a considerable amount of time and David told us he didn’t want to ride for the club. 
“We have Sunday’s meeting covered with Ryan (Terry-Daley) coming in and we will use rider replacement for Connor. 
“It will be difficult against Belle Vue, they are a very good side and we are doing our best to cover the holes in the team that we have through injury.”
Belle Vue boss Graham Goodwin said: “We’ve always had a healthy rivalry with Buxton. It’s one of our derby matches and we always have a thoroughly enjoyable meeting when we travel there.
“We’re not taking anything for granted however. We’ve had one very comprehensive win there this season but the scores start out at nil-nil, and there is no certainty of anything in speedway.”
 
(SPEEDWAY 6)

COVENTRY bid to return to winning ways today (Sunday) when they host Kent in the National League at Leicester.
The Bees lost out to neighbours Birmingham in home and away National Trophy clashes, and were then put out of the KO Cup by Eastbourne on Saturday.
Reserve Ryan MacDonald is expected back from injury for the hosts, whilst Nick Laurence comes in for the Kings with Jacob Clouting still on the sidelines.
Coventry boss Martyn Macdonald said: “Sunday is an important one for us as we have to get back to winning ways at home, and it’s going to be an interesting match.
“I feel ourselves and Kent look to have very well-matched line-ups, and we’ll need a strong all-round performance to beat them.”

(SPEEDWAY 7)

MILDENHALL can all-but secure their place in the National Trophy Final with a home win over the Isle of Wight today (Sunday).
The Fen Tigers have dominated the Southern section and welcome back Sam Bebee after almost a month on the sidelines with a wrist injury.
Victory would put the hosts on to 23 points, a total which could only be matched by Eastbourne should they win their final five matches, and the Eagles would also require a huge points-difference swing in their favour.
Max Clegg replaces the injured Ben Morley at No.1 for the Warriors, with Connor King coming in for Adam Portwood at reserve. Scott Campos expects to be fit to ride.
Mildenhall promoter Kevin Jolly said: “I am no fan of rider replacement and am pleased to see Sam back in our line up, he was unfortunate to sustain a wrist injury at Birmingham in the KO Cup and hopefully he can get a clear run now and really realise his potential. 
“These are a big few weeks for us. The lads have shown so far to up to every challenge put in front of them and this needs to continue as we get into our League and Cup campaigns.”

(SPEEDWAY 8)

LEON Flint took victory in the second round of the British 500cc Youth Championship at Rye House on Saturday.
Flint defeated the Thompson twins, Dan and Joe, in the Final to make it two wins out of two in the series so far.
At 250cc level, Jordan Palin produced an upset by getting the better of round 1 winner Nathan Ablitt in the Final after Ablitt had won all four of his qualifying races.
The 150cc and 125cc support classes were won by Archie Freeman and Max Perry respectively.
 
(FIXTURES)

SUNDAY JUNE 3:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Newcastle v Berwick 6.30
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Buxton v Belle Vue 5pm, Coventry v Kent 3pm
NATIONAL TROPHY: Mildenhall v Isle of Wight 3pm

MONDAY JUNE 4:
NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP 1st round 2nd leg: Kent v Stoke 6.30
NATIONAL TROPHY: Cradley v Buxton 7.30

TUESDAY JUNE 5:
SPEEDWAY OF NATIONS: Belle Vue 7pm

Rsults Saturday June 2, 2018

CHAMPIONSHIP
Berwick 57 – Aaron Summers 12+1
Newcastle 32 – Tero Aarnio 11
Championship points: Berwick 3 Newcastle 0

CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD
Workington 45 – Ty Proctor 10+1
Glasgow 45 – Chris Harris 13+1
Championship Shield points: Workington 1 Glasgow 2

NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP Q/F 2nd leg
Eastbourne 54 – Georgie Wood 15
Coventry 36 – Jamie Halder 10+2
Eastbourne win 98-82 on aggregate

1st round 1st leg
Stoke v Kent – OFF (Now Sat June 23)

BRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP 
ROUND 2, Rye House

500cc
1 Leon Flint
2 Joe Thompson
3 Dan Thompson
4 Chad Wirzfeld

250cc
1 Jordan Palin
2 Nathan Ablitt
3 Sam Norris
4 Sam Hagon

150cc
1 Archie Freeman
2 Gregor Miller
3 Charlie Jenson
4 Sonny Springer

125cc
1 Max Perry
2 Elliot Kelly
3 Luke Harrison


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