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COVENTRY have been offered a new lease on Brandon Stadium thanks to last-ditch talks co-ordinated by Rugby Borough Council.The Bees had been set to lose their iconic home at the end of the season but Cllr Michael Stokes opened talks between the Bees and agents acting for their new landowners, resulting in a further one-year offer with the possibility of a further two years, enabling them to compete next season.Cllr Stokes said: “It is clear that the situation the Bees and the other stadium users find themselves in is not ideal, but the lease that has been offered to them is a good compromise that will allow speedway and stock car racing to continue at Brandon for at least another year.“I would like to thank FHP (property consultants) for their efforts in brokering this agreement, and for the time and trouble that they have gone to in putting this offer together.“Additionally I would like to thank Mick Horton of the Coventry Bees for part he has played in allowing this offer to be made.“After meeting fans groups earlier this year and hearing their concerns first hand, I am delighted to have been able to bring all of the interested parties together to allow an offer to be made.”
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CRADLEY stormed to their biggest win of the 2016 season as they thrashed Buxton 58-32 at Monmore Green.The Heathens overcame tricky track conditions after a last-minute downpour just before tapes up to climb back up to second in the National League table.It was another powerful performance from Will Pottinger’s side as they delivered 13 race wins, with Ashley Morris scoring a 15-point maximum and Max Clegg also unbeaten from five rides. Guest Ellis Perks scored eight for the Hitmen.Pottinger said: “We were really happy with that in the end, because the last time we had a wet track it caught us out.“It was a great result, our biggest win of the season, and everyone put in good performances so we’re very happy.“Ever since Richard Andrews has come into the team, he’s given us a bit more strength, and we have Ben Basford back now which gives us a boost.”Buxton boss Jason Pipe said: “You might have predicted that we would lose tonight but to lose in that manner is not acceptable. “I could have expected double figures from some riders and others were being beaten by first year riders when they should be doing better.”Meanwhile Kent returned to winning ways as they overcame Stoke 56-34 at Central Park.Skipper Luke Bowen won scored 12 points and was only denied a maximum by a fall caused by a blown engine, whilst James Shanes and reserve Jack Thomas picked up 10+2, but David Mason suffered a hand injury after an engine blow-up of his own.Ben Hopwood top-scored for the Potters with nine, and boss Malcolm Vasey was philosophical after the defeat.Vasey said: “It was a difficult night for us against a good side and we were in with a chance of a point until the final few heats, but I do feel that the scoreline flattered them in the end.”
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THE Isle of Wight host Kent on Tuesday as they look for revenge against the only team to beat them at home this season.National League points are at stake after the Kings’ earlier wins in Trophy and KO Cup matches.The Warriors again use Matt Williamson as a guest for Benji Compton who is withholding his services, whilst the injured Nick Phillips is to be replaced at reserve.Kent operate rider replacement for David Mason who suffered a badly cut hand in a freak accident at Central Park on Monday.(SPEEDWAY 4)
GLASGOW have been boosted by the return of Nike Lunna this week as they prepare to head to Berwick and Redcar this week.Finnish star Lunna has been out for nearly two months with a broken hand, but scored 11+3 in his home country on Sunday in his first outing since early June.Lunna said: “My first meeting back went well. My hand is still pretty painful - but I can handle it. It hasn't fully healed yet but I can use it, so I can't be off the bike. It's been so boring over the last seven weeks - but now I am back and enjoying it even more.“I've been looking for Glasgow's results and it's looking good - the team are doing well. I can't wait to come back and to give 100 per cent for the Tigers all the way to the finals.”(SPEEDWAY 5)
MILDENHALL advisor James Easter has vowed the club will move on after the loss of three points as penalty for the postponement of their home clash with Cradley.The match is now set to be re-staged later in the season with reduced admission prices and Easter, in his role as National League sponsor via Travel Plus Tours, is pleased to see the matter resolved.He said: “Once the original edict was issued I could see that this would cause considerable aggravation, and really wasn’t in the interests of the League. “The only way this could be changed was if Mildenhall lodged an appeal - this I considered was in the best general interests of speedway, as we have to consider the bigger picture rather than the interests of any single club.“Fortunately the SCB viewed our appeal in that light, and we are now in a position where each club has not been disenfranchised, and supporters will be able to watch what should be a tough encounter at West Row.“Mildenhall have not only received their fine in the correct manner, the League’s clubs have been protected, and the dust should now be allowed to settle. The club has lost considerable revenue from the daily costs, but that is a lesson which hopefully will never be repeated. “We have made a genuine effort to give supporters some financial compensation, but thankfully a protracted massive fine has been averted, and the club will continue to grow and thrive with its’ marvellous band of supporters and the huge efforts by our sponsors to assist us.”
(FIXTURES)
TUESDAY JULY 26:TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Isle of Wight v Kent 7pm
WEDNESDAY JULY 27:PREMIER LEAGUE: Berwick v Glasgow 7.30TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Birmingham v Mildenhall 7.30, King’s Lynn v Belle Vue 7.30
THURSDAY JULY 28:PREMIER LEAGUE: Ipswich v Plymouth 7.30, Redcar v Glasgow 7.30, Sheffield v Peterborough 7.30SOLENT TROPHY 2nd leg: Isle of Wight v Exeter 7pm
