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MAXIMUM man Jacob Thorssell inspired Wolverhampton to a 48-42 win over reigning Elite League Champions Poole at Monmore Green.Their win may have come at a cost however, with reigning World Champion Tai Woffinden sent for x-rays on his thumb after an awkward landing in a spill in Heat 9.Thorssell’s 15 points anchored Wolves to victory but the Pirates picked up a league point with strong performances from guest Scott Nicholls (11+1) and reserve Kyle Newman (9+2).Wolves promoter Chris Van Straaten said: “We made very hard work of seeing off an understrength Poole team but it's another important win nevertheless.“We had a few shining lights; Jacob rode brilliantly and he's a rider we've rated for a very long time.“He's what I'd describe as a slow burner but he looked top quality tonight and congratulations to him on his maximum.” (SPEEDWAY 2)
SOMERSET have secured top spot in the Premier League after a 45-45 draw at Berwick on Monday.The Bandits led by six points with five heats to go, but the Rebels hit back strongly with skipper Josh Grajczonek dropping just one point from five rides.The home side were left to rue a controversial Heat 11 when Thomas Jorgensen and Tom Perry slowed having seen a red light in the crowd, with the visitors collecting a 5-1.Somerset boss Garry May said: “To say that it was a tense night would be an understatement, but once again the boys showed tremendous character in firstly putting last night’s defeat at Newcastle behind them and then by fighting back to earn a draw and with it confirming that we will finish the season at the top of the table.“Whilst there are no trophies handed out for whoever finishes top of the league, it does put us in prime position for when the play-offs get underway.“Everyone played their part, Josh led from the front as he has so often done this year, and all the other boys came in with the big points when we needed them.”Berwick boss Scott Courtney said: “That was an excellent match with great racing and to keep that close to Somerset just shows out team spirit pulls through to get these results as we are a good side with good abilities. “We won't make excuses although that red light in Heat 11 could have cost us a win. Nevertheless the Rebels are a great side and deserved to get something out of tonight's match with a draw probably the most fair result.”
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CRADLEY boss Will Pottinger admitted his side were “beaten by a better team” as they went down 58-32 at Kent.The Heathens remain fourth in the National League table but with pressure on for their play-off place as the second-placed Kings dominated at Central Park.Pottinger said: “We always knew it was going to be very tough against a good team, and unfortunately we’ve come up short again.“Ben Morley tried his best as a guest and was unfortunate to crash in his last race, but overall we were beaten by a better team. “It was a disappointing evening and it’s hard to know what to say really. We’ve at least got a home meeting tomorrow (against Stoke) to try and put it right.”
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THE Isle of Wight wrap up their home National League campaign on Tuesday when they face King’s Lynn at the Smallbrook Stadium.The Warrirors will be at full strength whilst the Young Stars, who still have an outside play-off chance, draft in Darryl Ritchings to guest for the injured Josh Bailey at No.1.They will also be without Tom Stokes and Ryan Kinsley, with Buxton man David Wallinger guesting for Kinsley and rider replacement operating at No.2.King’s Lynn’s Nathan Greaves said: “We need some away points to get in those play-offs, and I think we can definitely do it at the Isle of Wight. “A couple of teams have already gone there and won this season, so I don’t see any reason why we can’t do the same.”Meanwhile Cradley boss Will Pottinger is keen to see his side regain their confidence when they host Stoke at Monmore Green.The Heathens went down 58-32 at Kent on Monday – but Pottinger has called on them to make the most of their chance to instantly bounce back.Said Pottinger: “It was a tough night at Kent, but it’s good that we have a home meeting straight away to try and put things right. “We’ve ridden well at home this season apart from the one meeting against Birmingham, so obviously we’re confident of a victory. “We want to get some confidence going again, because it does get knocked when you keep losing meetings.”Stoke boss Malcolm Vasey said: “Cradley are a very good team, but perhaps not as strong as they have been in previous seasons and we are hoping to push them all the way in the meeting. “They have probably the best top two riders in the league this season in Ashley (Morris) and Max (Clegg) but have had to compensate a little bit for that by not having the strong back up they have had in the past, and hopefully we can get something from the match.”(FIXTURES)
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 6:TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Cradley v Stoke 7.30, Isle of Wight v King’s Lynn 7pm
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 7:ELITE LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Leicester 7.30, Poole v King’s Lynn 7.30NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP S/F 1st leg: Birmingham v Kent 7.30
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8:PREMIER LEAGUE: Ipswich v Sheffield 7.30CHALLENGE: Swindon Sprockets v Coventry Storm 7.30
