(SPEEDWAY 1)
CHRIS Holder won a four-man run-off to secure victory in Shane Parker’s Farewell meeting at Owlerton on Sunday evening.Parker’s swansong drew a packed crowd to Owlerton, and they were treated to a dramatic finale with four riders finishing level on eleven points before his fellow countryman Holder took top prize ahead of Niels-Kristian Iversen, Peter Karlsson and Josh Auty.Tigers co-promoter David Hoggart said: “It was a fantastic crowd, and a very fitting tribute for Shane and what he’s given to the sport over the years. The riders put on a great show and they were really up for it.“It’s a sad day for the sport to see such a great man bow out, but he’s gone out on a high as he heads home to start his new life on Friday. We wish him all the very best.”
(SPEEDWAY 2)
BIRMINGHAM’S new No.1 Bjarne Pedersen was victorious in Sunday’s season-opening Bob Kilby Memorial Trophy at the Abbey Stadium.Pedersen got the better of two of his fellow countrymen in the Final, with Swindon’s winter signing Hans Andersen having to settle for his second runners-up position in individual meetings over the weekend ahead of Matej Zagar and Nicki Pedersen.Robins boss Alun Rossiter said: “We were lucky to get the meeting on really with the drizzle and rain, and the referee did a great job to push it through and make sure we had all the heats.“Credit to the riders as well, they all got stuck in and kept going, and I’m pleased to have the first meeting out of the way. We can now look forward to Somerset’s visit on Thursday.”
(SPEEDWAY 3)
MARK Lemon blasted back to top form as Newcastle gained revenge over Redcar with a 50-43 Northern Challenge win at Brough Park.Lemon had encountered problems in the away trip to the Diamonds’ local rivals on Thursday but picked up eleven points in the return, including a controversial Heat 10 disqualification – and his score was matched by Richie Worrall at reserve.Manager George English said: “The gremlins for our skipper were well and truly laid tonight and it’s obvious he’s back to his brilliant best. “The rest of the lads too all looked far more in control and again young Richie Worrall looked like he’s determined to make this season his big year, and we’re looking forward to see what he’s capable of - great things, I believe!”(SPEEDWAY 4)
SCUNTHORPE’S Tom Armstrong should be moved out of intensive care in the next two days after a serious crash on his debut for the club.Armstrong has made good progress over the weekend after breaking his shoulder, breaking three ribs and puncturing his lung in the Heat 11 accident on Friday. With no spinal damage, he is already planning his track return although that will be some weeks away.Scorpions boss Richard Hollingsworth said: “On Friday night Tom was in a bit of a state but twenty-four hours later and he was laid in bed following the action at other tracks on the internet. “Whilst he has injuries that will take a bit of time to heal we will do all we can to support Tom and I think a collection is going to be organised for Friday. It is great to hear he is going to make a full recovery.”
(SPEEDWAY 5)
MICHAEL Jepsen Jensen is expected to be fit for the start of Peterborough’s Elite League campaign after a crash in Poland.The Danish youngster is to sit out the Panthers’ opening challenge after escaping from the high-speed accident with no broken bones or ligament damage.Co-boss Jan Staechmann said: “He’s had an x-ray and MRI scan and all is reported to be okay. He’s just battered and bruised really, but as it is only a challenge match (on Monday) there is no point in taking any risks at this early stage of the season and risk making things worse.“He’s already had plenty of physio treatment over the weekend and will continue to have further intense treatment.”(FIXTURES)
MONDAY MARCH 19:ELITE SHIELD 1st leg: Wolverhampton v Poole 7.30CHALLENGE: Peterborough v Sullivan’s Seven 7.30
WEDNESDAY MARCH 21:ELITE SHIELD 2nd leg: Poole v Wolverhampton 7.30
THURSDAY MARCH 22:LEAGUE CUP: Redcar v Edinburgh 7.30MIDLAND LEAGUE: Birmingham v Wolverhampton 7.30WAR OF THE ROSES: Sheffield v Belle Vue 7.45CHALLENGE 1st leg: Swindon v Somerset Select 7.30STAR OF ANGLIA: Ipswich 7.30
FRIDAY MARCH 23:LEAGUE CUP: Plymouth v Rye House 7.30, Scunthorpe v Berwick 7.30MIDLAND LEAGUE: Coventry v Birmingham 8pmCHALLENGE 2nd leg: Somerset Select v Swindon 7.30SCOTTISH OPEN: Edinburgh 7.30
