(SPEEDWAY 1)
SOMERSET were crowned 2016 Premier League Pairs Champions in front of a packed house at the Oaktree Arena on Friday.The Rebels duo of Josh Grajczonek and Rohan Tungate scored 26 points from a possible 28 in their group to sail into the semi-finals.They then overcame Sheffield as Grajczonek came from the back to overtake Simon Stead and Kyle Howarth, with Tungate leading from the start, whilst the Final saw the home side defeat Edinburgh duo Sam Masters and Ryan Fisher.Somerset boss Garry May said: “Josh and Rohan were just superb tonight, as they have been all season. I think they were probably a bit nervous in their opening ride, but once they got that out of the way, they were almost untouchable.“Even when Josh was at the back in the semi-final against Sheffield, I just knew that he would find a way past, which he did with an absolutely stunning move.“In the Final itself, once they hit the front as soon as the tapes went up, they were not going to be denied, but even so, it was with a mixture of jubilation and relief when the chequered flag fell at the end of the four laps and we could start celebrating their Championship win!”
(SPEEDWAY 2)
JOSH Grajczonek and Rohan Tungate have spoken of their delight at securing the Premier League Pairs title for Somerset.Grajczonek had previously triumphed in the event three years ago, whilst for Tungate it was back-to-back Pairs wins as he had emerged victorious with Danny King for Ipswich last season.Grajczonek said: “It was good to win the Pairs Championship again for Somerset, having won it in 2013 with Doyley (Jason Doyle).“I really wanted to make up for losing out in last year’s Final, and although we didn’t really go into the meeting with a game-plan, Rohan and I rode well as a pair, and I am just so pleased to have won tonight for everyone associated with Somerset, but most of all for the Hancock family who put everything into this club.”Tungate said: “This has been a perfect night for me and Josh and the support was amazing. I've been at the club two minutes and everyone has been great with me from the off, and the win tonight is for everyone connected with the Rebels.“It's a really proud moment for me to help the club win a trophy after they decided to sign me over the winter.”
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EDINBURGH promoter Alex Harkess was in philosophical mood after the Monarchs missed out on the Premier League Pairs in the Final.Sam Masters and Ryan Fisher overcame fierce rivals Glasgow in an epic semi-final but were unable to get the better of Somerset in the decider.Harkess said: “Our boys did very well indeed and have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of losing to Somerset. We really needed to win the toss for the final because gates 1 and 3 were a lot better, but we lost it.“But I certainly have no quarrels with Somerset winning they looked the strongest all night. Our semi-final was classic pairs racing and it was good to pip Glasgow in that.“Sam and Ryan worked hard for each other all night and I was very happy with them. It was a good night.”
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GLASGOW star Aaron Summers admitted the Tigers were frustrated to see their Premier League Pairs hopes dashed at the semi-final stage.Summers and Richard Lawson appeared to be heading for the Final until the closing stages of their semi against Edinburgh when Sam Masters managed to slow Lawson down to allow Ryan Fisher through.Summers said: “I made a few changes for the semi and it worked for me. I managed to get past Sam, and Rich was there at points. When I looked around on the last lap a couple of times, he was in third, and I thought that we had it. It was just as we crossed the line that he got him.“There wasn't a lot I could do. Everyone was riding the inside line - if I had slowed, Rich would've been affected as well. I had to keep clear. That's just the way it goes.“Everyone there is so close and so good in a meeting like that, it's your top two out of every team, so everyone is on the gas around there - especially Somerset. It was a good night - it's just a shame to miss out in the semi.”
(FIXTURES)
SATURDAY JULY 9:BRITISH GRAND PRIX: Cardiff 5pm
SUNDAY JULY 10:PREMIER LEAGUE: Scunthorpe v Glasgow 4pm
MONDAY JULY 11:ELITE LEAGUE: Coventry v King’s Lynn 7.30PREMIER LEAGUE KO CUP 2nd leg: Newcastle v Scunthorpe 7.30TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Cradley v Mildenhall 7.30, Kent v Rye House 6.30
TUESDAY JULY 12:PREMIER LEAGUE: Peterborough v Scunthorpe 7.30
