April 2000
30.....Workington continue on their merry way with a comfortable win over Newcastle 56-34. Mick Powell was simply superb riding to a maximum 15. Teamate and 2000 Grand Prix rider Carl Stonhewer also posted a maximum 14+1.
30.....Frank Smart has injured his wrist in a fall while guesting for Stoke in their Premier Trophy match against Exeter. Frank was carving up the opposition with 2,3,3,fell=8 until the crash and gave the 'Potters' a good springboard to a 52-38 win.
30.....Poole travelled to Kings Lynn with revenge on their mind after losing their final League match last year to the 'Knights' which handed the Championship to Peterborough. However the 2000 'Knights' are much stronger again, and this time gave the 'Pirates' a wallop 53-37. Jason Crump was back to his near best with 14 from 5 rides, Craig Boyce 9 points, Shane Parker a lowly 3+1, Leigh Adams a 'paid' maximum 13+2 and Travis McGowan 4+2.
30.....Oxford's short lived one match winning glory from the day before has been brought back down to earth with a heavy loss at Eastbourne 55-35. The 'Eagles' Brent Collyer was very handy in the match adding 2,1',0,1',fell=4+3 while the 'Cheetahs' Aussie duo of Todd Wiltshire (2,1,3,3,2,2=13) and Steve Johnston (1,1,3,1',3=9+1) needed more support.
30.....Hull found it's a difficult assignment to travel to and compete against the home strength of Berwick, losing 57-33 in Premier Trophy action.
30.....In Sweden, the 'Christer Karlsson Memorial' Individual meeting was won by Peter Karlsson with brother Mikael beaten into second place. Mark Lemon appeared without much success and is obviously under done with time on the bike posting 2,0,1,1=4 failing to make the Semi-finals.
29.....Coventry and Ipswich fought out their Elite League match to end in a draw, dissappointing home 'Bees' fans as the team appears to perform better at away matches. Greg Hancock and Billy Hamill both posted 11 from 5 ride scores and Chris Louis 12 from 5 with Pole Tomasz Gollob 11 from 5 rides for the 'Witches'.
29.....With three away and three home matches completed by Kings Lynn in the Elite League Championship, the 'Knights' averages have been re-assessed with Captain Leigh Adams leading the way with a massive 10.67. Testament to his tough season start on new Jawa equipment, Jason Crump's average has dropped from last year and he sits on 8.97, Craig Boyce raises his over half a point to 7.71, Shane Parker has brilliantly boosted his average by over 1 point to 7.50 but young gun Travis McGowan is the big mover going from 3.82 to 6.31. Travis now has been rewarded with a promotion from Reserve into the number 6 team position.
29.....Christian Henry has responded to a call for the Edinburgh reserves to lift their game by recording his first heat win in the Premier Trophy comp. In fact two heats wins and a 'paid' second placing were the sum total of the Queenslanders scores and gave the 'Monarchs' a fabulous win over visiting Berwick 50-40. Unfortunately Christian finished his night of 3,3,1',0,ef=7+1with a blown engine at the startline of heat 14.
29.....Oxford have taken their first win in the Elite League Championship with an encouraging victory over visiting Belle Vue. Handy scores were made by all the 'Cheetahs', particularly Steve Johnston who posted 2,2',2,3,2=11+1. Todd Wiltshire mustered 2,2,3,1'=8+1, and recent Aussie visitors, Roman Povazhny 5+2, Ales Dryml 7+1 and Lukas Dryml 6+1 all contributed well. Belle Vue handed Kevin Doolan a free reign placing the young gun in 7 races for a score-chart of 0,2,1',2',1,0,2=8+2 and Jason Lyons took too long to reach the tapes in his final ride to register 2,3,3,dnr=8.
28.....Kings Lynn number 4 rider Shane Parker is having the time of his life!
In 11 years of British
League racing, Shane can finally lay claim to be part of a team that has reached the top
of the League. With five Aussies in the 'Knights' squad, the South Australian
reveals, "We
have a great team spirit and all have clicked very well together". He is however, a
little dissappointed with his own form and knows why. With brand new GM bikes at the start
of the season, Shane has been searching for that right set-up and feels progress is being
made slowly, but surely.
As with past years in Europe,
Shane has been virtually run ragged with match committments and associated engagements,
and the year 2000 is shaping up the same way. The 29 year old has already clocked up 9,000
miles, and thats with the Swedish season yet to start as well. He is also pencilled in for
a qualifier to the 2000 World Longtrack Grands Prix, and could yet again be Australia's
sole representative in that series.
Shane Parker...........top of
the League, busy and loving it.
28.....After two match wins in quick succession, Reading fall back to a loss against the strong Swindon 'Robins' 52-39. Frank Smart was once again instrumental in the victory with a 'paid' maximum 11+1 from 4 rides and Olliver Allen also rubbed in the salt with 9+1 from 5 rides.
26.....Isle of Wight narrowly lost their home fixture to Reading 44-46. Adrian Newman was scoreless after his 4 rides for the 'Islanders'.
25.....Reading have saved some 'face' with a big win over Exeter 52-38 after the humiliating first leg defeat of earlier in the day.
25.....Round 4 of the Polish EkstraLiga.....................
............................Leszno 46 Leigh Adams 3,3,3,3,3=15
Brilliant max.
Gorzow 42 Jason Crump f,-,-,-,-=0 Terrible crash and took no further
part. Injuries are minimal.
............................Gdansk 53
Tony Rickardsson 13+2 paid maximum.
Pila 35
............................Czestokowa
50 Mark Loram 12+2 from 5
Wroclaw 40.
............................Bydgoszcz
48 Tomasz Gollob 15 maximum
Torun 42 Shane Parker 0,0,3,1,2=6
25.....Without Ryan Sullivan (succumbing to the flu) in the team, the 'Panthers' were always going to struggle at Coventry and the final score-line of 52-26 said it all. The match was abandonded after heat 13 due to rain. Nigel Sadler toughed it out recording 0,0,2,0=2.
25.....Workington barnstormed to a big win over Sheffield 51-39. Mick Powell added 8+2 for the victorious 'Comets' and Simon Stead posted 5 from 5 rides for the visiting 'Tigers'.
25.....Belle Vue travelled to Wolverhampton and put on a tremendous display considering their poor performances of late. In fact the 'Aces' were unlucky not to win as they suffered two engine failures when in a position to take two 5-1's narrowly losing 47-43. Jason Lyons was back to his best scoring 3,3,2,3,ef,3,2=16 and Kevin Doolan had possibly his best return for the 'Aces' in the Elite League with 3,0,2,1',2=8+1.
25.....Peterborough were narrowly edged out of a win against visiting Coventry in the first leg of this Elite League match 42-48. Ryan Sullivan started the day in fine style but faded as the match progressed suffering the effects of a flu. His score-line read 3,2',3,1,1=10+1, while teamate Nigel Sadler had a horror match posting 1 point from his four rides. The 'Bees' best was Greg Hancock with 14 from 5 rides.
25.....Exeter have thrashed visiting Reading 66-24 in this first leg of the Premier Trophy Match. Second leg due to run later in the day.
24.....Newport have sneaked home with a win over visiting Reading 47-42. Lee Herne burst from the blocks in his first heat to lead the race, then was passed when troubled by a rut in the track, then re-appeared in front when the opposing rider found the same hole. It was Lee's first heat win and went on to record a match of 3,0,0,1=4.
23.....Always fancied at home, Berwick were upstaged by the strong Workington team 42-48 with Grand Prix newcomer Carl Stonehewer posting a match winning maximum from 5 rides. Mick Powell also added salt to the 'Bandits' wounds with 1',2',2,3,0=8+2.
23.....GP star Mark Loram was instrumental in this away win for Poole at Coventry posting a terrific 14 from 5 rides while hometown heroes Greg Hancock and Billy Hamill both added 11+1 from their 6 rides each. Final score; 40-50.
23.....Belle Vue continue their horrid form with another loss, this time at Eastbourne, to the tune of 55-35. 'Eagle' Brent Collyer added to the 'Aces' woes with 2,0,0,1'=3+1. Teamate Joe Screen appears to be coming into some form with 10+2 from 5 rides. Jason Lyons is still trying to sort engine problems out with a strong performance never-the-less 3,3,1,2',0,ef=9+1 and Kevin Doolan (0,fell,0=0) took a heavy fall during the night in a match best forgotton. Rusty Harrison popped up with a few stylish second half rides.
22.....Sheffield have brushed aside Newcastle in this Premier Trophy match with an easy 57-33 win. Honorary Aussie Simon Stead had a productive night with 3,3,2,1'=9+1 for the victorious 'Tigers'.
22.....The evening return match at Kings Lynn with Ipswich finished with a 4 point win to the 'Knights'. Jason Crump was much better than his afternoon's score recording 3,2,2,2,3=12, Craig Boyce also better on home territory with 2,3,3,2=10 which included a heat win over World #2 Tomasz Gollob, Shane Parker suffered an engine problem amongst his ef,2',1,3=6+1 nights work, Leigh Adams added an uncharacteristic 2,3,2,1',0=8+1 and Travis McGowan also had niggling problems in his 3,1',1,fel,ef=5+1. Gollob was oustanding with 16 from 6 and Chris Louis a poor 7+1 from 5. Kings Lynn are now top of the Elite League table.
22.....The Arena-Essex 'Hammers' and Swindon 'Robins' were never more than 2 points apart all match and the ensuing 45 all draw was a justifiable result. Frank Smart was in the thick of it again with a sparkling 2,3,2,3,2=12 and Olliver Allen posted a good return of 9 points.
22.....Oxford put up a brave fight to narrowly go down to visiting Coventry 43-47. Todd Wiltshire again was on the pace with 3,3,3,1',1',1'=12+3 and Steve Johnston was better than his score would suggest with 2,ex,3,1,2=8. For the 'Bees', Greg Hancock was superb adding 14 from 5 rides and Lee Richardson put in a great effort with 11 from 5 rides.
22.....Edinburgh were defeated in their first home Premier Trophy match for 2000 after a last heat 1-5 to Workington. Struggling with unavailable injured riders, the 'Monarchs' battled hard to stay in the contest against a very strong 'Comets' team. Christian Henry (Edinburgh) managed fex,0,1,0,1,1'=3+1 while Mick Powell is enjoying a purple patch of racing with a match winning 1',2',3,2,2'=10+3 for Workington.
22......Belle Vue are still struggling, going down to the visiting 'Wolves' 41-49. Jason Lyons has been suffering major mechanical problems of late and posted only 3,EF,3,1,1=8 and Kevin Doolan was forced to use Lyons' bike after breaking his forks in a fall finishing with 1,1,0,1=3. Rusty Harrison rode during the second half practice session impressively.
22......Kings Lynn would be dissappointed with this early
afternoon first leg of the Elite League match as they drew away at Ipswich 45-45. The
'Knights' Oz scorers...Jason Crump is still inconsistent with 2,3,2,1,0=8, Craig Boyce could only muster 2,0,2,2=6, 'Mr. Consistent' Shane Parker 1',1,1',3=6+2, Leigh
Adams 2,3,3,0,2=10 and the impressive Travis McGowan on 3,1,1,1'=6+1.
The second leg match will be
held later in the day UK time.
21.....Swindon continue on their path of dominence with a comfortable win over visiting Isle of Wight 55-35. Frank Smart once again stole the lime-light with a brilliant 3,1',3,3,2'=12+2 steering the 'Robins' to victory whil Adrian Newman toughed it out posting 1,1,0=2 fore the 'Islanders'.
20.....Kings Lynn have blasted visiting Belle Vue to smithereens with a massive 62-28 flogging in this Elite League clash. All the 'Knights' pitched in with tremendous score-lines, none better than Jason Crump with 3,2,3,3,3=14. Jason has brought out his 1999 mechanic Rob Allen, from Australia to sort out the Jawas he now rides and it appears to be paying dividends. Craig Boyce also had a field day with 3,2,3,3,2'=13+1, Shane Parker played his usual team role with 2',1',2',0=5+3 valuable points, Leigh Adams a 'paid' maximum 3,3,3,2'=11+1 and Travis McGowan very hot with 3,2',1,2=8+1. In contrast, Belle Vue's stalwart Jason Lyons had all sorts of problems adding only 1',3,1,ex,1=6+1 however some glory as Kevin Doolan posted 2,2,0,1=5.
20.....Hull have defeated Newcastle 48-42 in a Premier Trophy match
18.....With Frank Smart and Paul Fry in top form, Swindon were able to snatch a win 43-47 over hometown Reading in the final heat of this Premier Trophy match. The 'Robins' pair shot from the gate to record a 5-1 with Frank finishing his night on 3,3,2,3,2'=13+1 from 5 rides and Paul adding 10 from 5. Olliver Allen also contributed well with 9 from 5 rides.
17.....In Polish round 3 results..................
...........................Gorzow 49 Jason Crump
2,2,3,3,ef=10 (seat broke in last heat) Craig
Boyce 0,3,0,1,2'=6+1
Gdansk 41 Tony Rickardsson 14 from 5.
...........................Wroclaw 44
Leszno 46 Leigh Adams 3,3,1,1,2'=10+1
...........................Pila 49
Bydgoszcz 40 Tomasz Gollob 15 max.
...........................Torun 52 Ryan Sullivan
0,2',3,3,3=11+1
Czestochowa 38
17.....With Newport letting Frank Smart join the Swindon 'Robins' for 2000, Rob Jones went to the Newport versus Swindon Premier Trophy fixture to watch what the 'Wasps' were missing..................
Strange one this, 'Wasps' took the lead in heat 1 and led throughout until heat 15, but
never by more than 6 points. Despite that the Newport crowd seemed a lot quieter than
normal as if they expected the worst.
To be honest Swindon probably deserved the win
when you look back at both sides although both teams could say if only.
Star of the show was Paul Fry (Swindon) with an
incredible 18 point max. I havent seen him ride that well for ages and have never seen him
gate like he did today.
There were 3 excellent races and Swindon's Frank Smart was in all 3.
Frank (2,ex,2,f,1,3 for 8) started with a second to Anders
Henriksson (Newport) in heat 1, even then, watching him on the bike you had to wish you
could see him every week.
There were a number of first bend crashes this afternoon.
Frankie was excluded in his next ride for causing one of them. I felt this harsh as he
locked up a bit and Jon Armstrong (Newport) came down with no-where to go. Should have
been all 4 back.
Frankie back out in next heat as 'Tactical
Substitution'. Some race this one! The impressive Chris Neath (Newport Captain) was out in
front, Neil Collins (Swindon) slowed down blocking Henriksson on the inside this gave
Frankie the chance to do a wide sweep taking him from fourth to second.
Frankie was away in front of Ben in heat 11 when he over
cooked and slid into pits fence.
Heat 13 was a real humdinger. Henriksson in
front, teamate Ben Howe rode brillant outside
line throttling back to hold off Frankies challenge. But Smarty rode an amazing last bend
and crossed the line neck and neck with Anders. 'Wasps' got the 5-1 though, and 6 points
up again looked as if it was just enough to win.
But that man Fry with Oliver Allen got 4-2 in heat 14
to leave the score hanging at 44-40.
So to the final heat 15, Anders made start and
the 'Wasps' looked like winning. Hope for 'Robins' when Frankie passed him on the outside.
Then the moment that Anders made a mistake, Fry ran into him but got straight quicker
placing the Swindon pairing on a 5-1. Frankie slowed on line to let Fry through for
a full six ride maximum.
Frankie celebrated holding a Welsh flag.
Lee Herne (1+1,0,F) was
competitive in his first 2 races but a drift in his third then fell coming off last bend
on final lap. He will be hoping to do well next week as father Phil is over. Its hoped he
will be at the Newport Mavericks first Conference League fixture on Good Friday.
In the second half, Rusty Harrison took on some of the Mavericks. He won his first race impressively in a
time of 63 seconds about a second slower only than most of times in the match. In the
'final' he was in front when made a bad mistake he did well to recover from, then chased
and retook the lead to win.
17.....Glasgow have won their first match of the season with an unconvincing home win over Stoke 47-43.
16.....Lee Herne has recorded his best result in a Premier League match posting 0,2',1'=3+2 for Newport away at Stoke. Final score; Stoke 47 - Newport 42.
16.....Considering injuries that Edinburgh are carrying at the moment, Berwick's 9 point win at home could have been blown out further had it not been for some spirited performances from the 'Monarch's' Peter Carr and Robert Eriksson. Christian Henry struggled with mechanical problems all night and could only manage 1 point from his 3 rides. Final score 49-40.
16.....In a Four Team Tournament at Vetlanda in Sweden, Vargarna's new signing Mark Keast scored a very handy 9 points to help the team progress into tomorrows 'Fours' Final.
15.....Arena-Essex held off a late charging Isle of Wight team to win the Premier Trophy match 49-40. 'Islander' Adrian Newman started well with a second place in his first heat then fell in both his remaining rides.
15......Rain has cut a swathe through UK League fixtures in the last few days, however it has eventually cleared in the right areas with Edinburgh able to host the Czech touring troupe. The visitors were able to give a stronger performance than earlier in the week at Exeter, narrowly being defeated 48-41. For the victors, Christian Henry looks to be coming to grips with his home track scoring a creditable 1',0,2,0=3+1and teamate Swede Robert Eriksson hauling in a maximum 15. The tourists were well serviced by Tomas Topinka and Robert Kral, both scoring 11.
15......Belle Vue have suffered a humiliating loss to the visiting Poole 'Pirates' 40-50. 'Aces' trooper Jason Lyons was suffering mechanical problems but still managing 1,3,1,3,0,3=11, while Kevin Doolan could do no better than 1',0,0=1+1in this Elite League fixture.
15......Steve Johnston has riden to a Golden Double 6 point heat win mid-meeting to try and force hometown team Oxford back into a match that was controlled from the outset by Eastbourne. 'Johnno' was brought into heat 8 when the 'Cheetahs' were 14 points down, starting off the 15 metre mark then 25 metre mark for a tape indiscretion. He eventually made his way to the front by way of Todd Wiltshire slowing the race then waving him through for the rare double point win. It made no difference to the score as the visiting 'Eagles' had their way for the remainder of the night winning 43-50. Johnno's scoreline reads 3,1,6,3,2,0=15 and Todd's 2,2,2',2,2',3=13+2. Brent Collyer added 2',0,0=2+1 to the winning total.
14......Ipswich have beaten Wolverhampton 53-37.
11......Hull turned around their poor showing last week in a challenge match, and rose to prominence in their first Premier Trophy match of the season today. The 'Vikings' sailed to Newcastle and victory, with an 11 point flogging of 41-52.
11......Joe Screen (3+2) and Brent Collyer (f,0,f,0=0) were the only 'out of sorts' 'Eagles' that gave home team Wolverhampton a real shake up in this Elite League match that finished all square on 45 a-piece. The 'Wolves' needed a boost mid way through the night and Ronnie Correy delivered with a near maximum 16+1 from 6 rides.
11......Premier League Team Exeter have thumped a Czech Rep. touring team 61-29. With both Dryml brothers, Ales and Lukas failing to score, the bulk of the tourist's points came from Adrian Rymel (13+1) and Tomas Topinka (7+1). The 'Falcons' were well serviced by Seemond Stephens and Michael Coles who both posted maximums.
10......The second round of Polish EkstraLiga matches from Roman Chyla..............
........................Czestochowa 42
Pila 47
........................Bydgoszcz 55
Leszno 35 Jason Lyons 2,1,3,2,1,0=9
........................Gdansk 46
Wroclaw 44
........................Gorzow 55 Jason Crump
2,1',3,1',2=9+2
Torun 32 Ryan Sullivan 3,3,1,2,3,2=14
And in Division One, Mark Lemon rode in his first European match for
2000.................
.........................Opole 48
Lodz 42 Mark Lemon 0,2,2,1,f=5
10......The young Swedish team travelled to Glasgow where
they were able to defeat the hapless 'Tigers' 43-47. Andreas Bergstrom and Emil Kramer are
putting on a tremendous display at the tracks they visit.
10......At Newport, patrons were
pleased to watch an afternoons Speedway held in dry conditions as opposed to a few weeks
of annoying weather. Exeter were in town for a Premier Trophy match and were duly beaten
by a strong 'Wasps' outfit, particularly Anders Henriksson (11+3), Chris Neath (11+1) and
Ben Howe (12) , 50-40. Lee Herne (Newport) tried hard in his four rides however came
to grief twice in his 0,f,1,f =1score. After the match, Lee was back out on the track
practising under the watchful eye of Neil Street.
9.......Workington had to work hard to topple a strong U/23 Swedish team in this International challenge. Mick Powell was handy with 1',2',3,2=8+2 however Darren Groves missed the match while in recovery mode with a sore neck from a crash two nights earlier.
9.......On a very slick Coventry track with little passing available, the 'Bees' have downed Kings Lynn 48-42. Jason Crump is having frustrating mechanical problems which are hampering the 'Knights' fortunes. Jason's 3,0,3,1'=7+1 would be one of his worst scores for ages, while Craig Boyce bounced back to the purple patch he was in earlier with 3,2,0,2,3,1'=11+1, Shane Parker added 0,1',1,2'=4+2, Leigh Adams' lightning gating obviously helped him to 3,3,2',2,3,2=15+1 and Travis McGowan a steady 2,0,1=3.
9.......A good all round team performance from Eastbourne at home has given the 'Eagles' the win over Ipswich 48-42. Captain Martin Dugard led the way with a near maximum 14 while Brent Collyer snatched a valuable heat win in his 3 rides of 3,0,0,=3. Fellow 'Eagle' and recent Aussie visitor Joe Screen has experienced a horror start to the season with major mechanical problems although it now seems he may have those gremlins sorted......... this match score, 3,2,1',1=7+1. The 'Witches' again had to rely heavily on Chris Louis (12+1 from 6) and Tomasz Gollob (14+2 from 6).
8.......Injury plagued Arena-Essex clung on to a victory at home over Reading 48-42 in a Premier Trophy match.
8.......The 'Euro Classic' held at Oxford was won by Eastbourne's Martin Dugard who pockets 1500 euro's for his trouble. Todd Wiltshire came in second, Greg Hancock third and Steve Johnston fourth. The event was run under an unusual format with riders eliminated depending on their early heat results. Adam Shields was very competitive for someone without a regular League ride scoring 1,0,1=2 with Swindon's Frank Smart ingloriously the first to be elininated with 0,0=0
8......Wolverhampton have staged an upset win over home team Peterborough 43-46. Ryan Sullivan with 1,3,3,3,3=13 and Nigel Sadler a brilliant 3,3,0,2,1'=9+1 could not stop the 'Wolves' onslought.
8......The British U/21 Championship at Edinburgh has been
won by Peterborough's David Howe with Coventry's Lee Richardson 2nd after a run-off as
both riders finished their 5 heats equal on 14 points. Details from John Lowe.......
David Howe (Peterborough) 2 3 3 3 3 14
Lee Richardson (Coventry) 3 3 3 2 3 14
Paul Lee (Sheffield) 3 2 3 0 3 11
Simon Stead (Sheffield) 2 2 2 2 3 11
Barry Campbell (Workington) 2 1 2 3 2 10
Danny Bird (Isle of Wight) 3 0 3 2 2 10
Grant MacDonald (Workington) 2 2 0 3 2 9
Andrew Appleton (Newport) 3 3 1 0 1 8
Gary Corbett (Arena Essex) 1 3 1 1 2 8
Blair Scott (Edinburgh) 1 1 2 1 3 8
Chris Neath (Newport) 1 2 0 2 1 6
Ross Brady (Edinburgh) 0 1 2 1 1 5
Matt Read (Arena Essex) 1 1 1 F 0 3
Aidan Collins (Glasgow) 0 F 1 X 1 2
Adam Allott (Sheffield) [Reserve] 0 0 1 1
Glenn Phillips (Isle of Wight) 0 0 T M 0 0
Oliver Allen (Swindon) X 0
Derek Sneddon (Linlithgow) [Res] 0 0 0 0
Ride off for eighth place: Andrew Appleton, Gary Corbett, Blair Scott [59.5]
Blair Scott didn't realize he was still in with a shout because he had
forgotten that Richardson was not eligible to progress. He had packed away
his bike but got it out to contest the ride off. Blair was drawn in the
unfavourable inside gate but managed to make the start and moved wider and
seemed to have things under control when Corbett fell off at the back with
no one near him. He was controversially allowed back in the re-run.
Appleton made the start the second time with Blair trying all the way but
eventually finishing third.
Ride-off for third place: Paul Lee, Simon Stead [58.9]
Paul Lee took full advantage of an outside gate to beat teammate Simon
Stead for a rostrum place.
Ride-off for the championship: David Howe [58.8]
David Howe, also from the outside gate beat Lee Richardson away and held
on. Richardson had a last gasp attempt on the fourth bend and fell.
Qualifiers: David Howe, Paul Lee, Simon Stead, Barry Campbell, Danny Bird,
and Andrew Appleton.
Reserve: Gary Corbett
Howe is seeded through to the Semi-final in Germany while Lee, Stead,
Campbell, Bird and Appleton will be in the quarter-finals in Poland or
Portugal or the Czech Republic.
8......Darren Groves did not take his place in the British U/21 Championships due to neck soreness and concussion from his crash at Sheffield the night before.
8......Kings Lynn have won a thriller at Belle Vue taking the Elite League match 44-46. Jason Crump is settling well onto the Jawas posting 3,3,2,3,2=13, Craig Boyce toughed it out with 0,1',2,0=3+1, Shane Parker with a consistent 3,2,1',0=6+1, Leigh Adams 2,3,3,2',1'=11+2, and Travis McGowan a tremendous 3,2,1,1,1=8. For the 'Aces' Jason Lyons tried hard all night with 3,3,3,0,2',3=14+1 and Kevin Doolan struggled to 1',ef,0=1+1.
7......A visiting Swedish U/23 team have started a tour of Britain with a match against Swindon. New 'Robin' Frank Smart was in devastating form as he reeled off a maximum 15 and led the home team to a comfortable victory, 54-36
7......In a crash marred Premier Trophy match between Sheffield and Workington, the meeting was abandonded after two incidents, one involving Darren Groves in heat 12. Darren was taken to hospital and will not take part in tomorrows British U/21 Champs. The match was halted with scores left at 38-34 Sheffield's way. Mick Powell scored 3,1',2,2,2=10+1 and Darren finished on 1,0,1',1'=3+2.
7......The rider field for the British U/21 Championships (which boasts the inclusion of Gold Coaster Darren Groves) to be run on Edinburgh's Track at Armadale tomorrow morning (Sat.) is as follows.............
1. Chris Neath (Newport)
2. Ross Brady (Edinburgh)
3. Simon Stead (Sheffield)
4. Lee Richardson (Coventry)
5. Aidan Collins (Glasgow)
6. Gary Corbett (Arena Essex)
7. Barry Campbell (Workington)
8. Paul Lee (Sheffield)
9. Matt Read (Arena Essex)
10. Grant MacDonald (Newcastle)
11. Danny Bird (Isle of Wight)
12. Oliver Allen (Swindon)
13. Andrew Appleton (Newport)
14. Darren Groves (Workington)
15. David Howe (Peterborough
16. Blair Scott (Edinburgh)
The reserves will be:
Jamie Birkinshaw (Sheffield)
Glenn Philips.
7.....Like Kings Lynn the night before, Ipswich were able to hold off the advances of a visiting Eastbourne, going on to win 47-43. The 'Witches' Chris Louis scored a paid maximum from 5 rides and Thomasz Gollob 12+1 from 5. The 'Eagles' points were evenly devided amongst most of the team however Brent Collyer struggled to 1+1 from his 3 rides.
6.....Kings Lynn have held off a spirited mid-match charge by visiting Wolverhampton to seal their home town victory with great performances from Leigh Adams and Jason Crump. Jason suffered an uncharacteristic fall however snared a paid maximum (10+2) from his other 4 rides while Leigh was simply unbeatable with a 15 point maximum. Shane Parker had a good night with 1',3,2,2=8+1, Craig Boyce down on recent form 2,2',0,2=6+1 and Travis McGowan a very creditable 3,1,0,1'=5+1.
6......Poole and Coventry fought out a draw (45) in their Elite League fixture. 'Pirate' Captain Gary Havelock scored a paid maximum 12+3.
6......Hull's first foray into the 2000 Premier League season resulted in a defeat by visiting Stoke 39-51in this challenge..
6......With better weather, the second British U/21Qualifying final was eventually held at the Isle of Wight where Darren Groves has taken out fourth place and now goes into the Final to be held at Edinburgh on Sat morn AT. Darren, who holds a British passport, scored 11 out of a possible 15 points in the five rides available. Recent Aussie visitor, Olliver Allen, also qualified with a third placing. Favorite for the U/21 Final is another recent Aussie visitor Lee Richardson, the current World U/21 Champ.
3......With Hull dropping down to Premier League from Elite
just prior to this season starting, Oxford have pencilled in an Individual match this
friday in place of a fixture originally against Hull. The 'Supporters Euro
Classic' as the meeting is called, will feature some terrific talent, including NSW's Adam Shields who is in England soaking up the Speedway scene in the hope of attracting
interest from clubs. The meeting will be used as a fundraiser for the cash strapped Team.
The field is (In Riding Order)................
Greg Hancock, Jimmy Nilsen, Todd
Wiltshire, Martin Dugard, Ales Dryml,
Steve Johnston, Jan Staechmann, Tomas Topinka, Matej Ferjan, Roman
Povazhny, Lawrence Hare, Lukas Dryml, Adam
Shields, Anders Henriksson,
Frank Smart, Jon Underwood
3......The first four matches in the new Polish EkstraLiga have produced brilliant racing and all goes well for a fantastic season ahead. Match details from Roman Chyla.................
.................Wroclaw 45
Bydgoszcz 45-------Shane Parker did not ride.
.................Pila 45
Gorzow 45-------Jason Crump 2,2,2,2,3=11
Craig Boyce
3,1',2',3,0=9+2
.................Torun 44-------Ryan
Sullivan 3,2,3,3,3,3=17
Gdansk 45
.................Leszno 48-------Leigh
Adams 3,3,3,1,3=13
Czestochowa 42
3.......Newcastle have won the return match in the Premier Trophy match over Berwick 56-34. Aggregate score : 92-87 to Newcastle.
3......Arena-Essex suffered another blow to their team with young Nick Simmonds coming to grief in a nasty looking crash in a Premier Trophy match at Newport. It appears the 'Hammers' rider broke his right leg. Newports Ben Howe was also taken to hospital although his injuries are unknown at this stage. The 'Wasps' took the win 51-39 with Lee Herne failing to score in his three rides.
3......With all 7 team members scoring between 4 and 9 points, Workington gave a solid display away at Glasgow winning 43-47. Mick Powell is thoroughly enjoying his new place in the 'Comets' squad and has been in great form, this time with 3,1',3,2=9+1and Darren Groves is backing up superbly with a match score of 2',1',1',0=4+3.
2......Workington were just too good for Glasgow in the Premier Trophy match winning 55-38 at home. Mick Powell was sensational with a near maximum 3,3,2,3,2'=13+1 and Darren Groves looks better with each match posting 3,1,0,1,1,1=7.
2......Two matches in the Premier Trophy saw Reading win away at Stoke 42-48 and Berwick too good for Newcastle at home 53-36
1......Peterborough have won their first Elite League championship match for 2000 with a good win over visiting Poole 50-40. The 'Panthers' Ryan Sullivan was troubled with an engine failure in one heat in his 3,3,0,2,3=11score-line and Nigel Sadler added a handy 2',1,0,1=4+1. Mark Loram tried very hard for the 'Pirates with 15 from 6 rides.
1......Oxford's Todd Wiltshire and Swede Jimmy Nilsen have snatched victory for the 'Cheetahs' with a final heat 5-1 over visiting Wolverhampton 46-44 in the EL fixture. The 'Wolves' led for most of the match however Nilsen (14+2), Wiltshire (1,3,2,3,3,2'=14+1) and Steve Johnston (0,3,2',3,2=10+1) scored the bulk of the points which finally brought the win.
1......The return match between Edinburgh and Sheffield was a nail biter as only 3 points separated the teams on aggregate after this 49-41 win to the 'Monarchs'. The 'Tigers' win at their 'lair' the day before proved to tip the scales Sheffield's way. Christian Henry (0,1,1,0=2) found the pace hot as he continues to come to grips with his new home track
1......A huge crash in heat 10 involving Leigh Lanham (Arena-Essex) and Phillipe Berge (Isle of Wight) brought a premature end to this 'Spring Trophy' match. With two ambulances en-route to the hospital with both riders and a delay of over an hour before medical staff could return, the match was abandoned at 37-23 in favour of home team Arena-Essex. Adrian Newman (IOW) managed only one ride which ended in an engine failure.