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BIRMINGHAM were crowned Travel Plus National League Champions by overturning a 13-point deficit against Eastbourne at Perry Barr.The Brummies secured their second successive title with a 57-33 win in Wednesday’s second leg.They all-but eradicated the margin from Arlington when they led 18-6 after four races, and although the Eagles remained in touch their hopes were finally ended by a 5-1 to the home side in Heat 14.Reserves Jack Parkinson-Blackburn (16+1) and Jack Smith (11+4) starred again, with Tom Bacon adding 12+1, whilst Adam Ellis scored 14 for the visitors who were hampered by falls and tapes-disqualifications.Birmingham boss Graham Drury said: “Walking around the pits before the start, I have never seen so much determination on a set of riders’ faces like I saw with our boys tonight.“We knew if we could get off to a good start then that would give us a massive boost. For our guest Mitchell Davey to go out and beat a track specialist like Adam Ellis in the opening race was huge and I think that set the tone for the rest of the meeting.“Each and every single rider played their part once more and thank goodness they pulled it off because they fully deserved that official Champions status.”Eastbourne chairman Martin Dugard said: “Congratulations to Birmingham. They grabbed the match by the scruff of the neck from the off and I am afraid on this occasion we had no answer.“The Brummies have been the stand-out team in the National League all season and we were always the underdogs in this Final. “Of course we are disappointed, but we have lost to what everyone knows is a very good team.”(SPEEDWAY 2)
SOMERSET will take a two-point lead into their home leg of the Premier League Grand Final against Sheffield on Thursday.The Rebels won 46-44 at Owlerton to enhance their position as favourites to take the title for the second time, having led the league table going into the play-offs.Josh Grajczonek (12) and Rohan Tungate (11) both put in strong performances at the top of the Somerset scorechart, whilst in-form Kyle Howarth scored 13 and Stuart Robson added 12+1 for the Tigers in the first leg.Both sides are unchanged for the return fixture with Robert Branford and James Shanes standing in at reserve for the Rebels, whilst Robson and Ricky Wells continue for Sheffield.Rebels boss Garry May said: “The boys rode smart. They didn’t try for anything spectacular, but instead kept in mind the bigger picture that there was still [Thursday] night’s second leg to come.“That approach paid its dividends for us, and we are more than happy to be taking a two-point lead with us - but nothing is won yet and we still have that second leg back at the Oaktree to negotiate.“I am sure that Sheffield will be giving it their all to hit us from the off to try and get themselves back in this match and claim that title, but equally, our boys have worked hard all year and they are in determined mood to finish the job off in style and bring that League Championship trophy back to the Oaktree Arena!”Sheffield co-promoter Damien Bates said: “There is absolutely no pressure on us, and we’ve seen how that has worked in our favour at Newcastle and Glasgow.“We know this will be a little bit tougher, and we’re under no illusions as to just how difficult it will be, but it’s only two points and it’s certainly not impossible.“All it takes is some bad luck for Somerset, especially early on, and we’ll be right back in it so we’ll see what happens.”(SPEEDWAY 3)
IPSWICH star Morten Risager is to take a year out of racing in the UK next season.The 29-year-old Dane has been a regular in the British Leagues since first appearing for Coventry in 2004 and has ridden for the Witches in five of the last six Premier League campaigns.Risager has recently purchased a house in his native country and intends to continue racing in the Danish League whilst not ruling out a return to British racing in the future.
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LONG-SERVING Birmingham promoter Tony Mole has confirmed the 2017 season will be his last in the sport.Mole brought speedway back to the Second City in 2007 at Perry Barr after a 20-year absence, and also stepped in to salvage the Brummies two years ago having initially sold the club.He said: “I have been a licensed speedway promoter since July 1986 at a variety of tracks.“However, 2017 will be my final season as a promoter after the insolvency of the last promotion in June 2014, and I will have completed three seasons in charge.“We have not been invited to join the Premier League, so it is most likely we will continue in the National League in season 2017.”British Speedway vice-chairman Rob Godfrey clarified: “Every club has the right to apply to join a different league, it isn’t a case that they must be invited.“At this stage there has been no application from Birmingham to join the Premier League, although I’m positive that if one were to be received, it would be looked at favourably and that they would be welcomed into the PL.”(FIXTURES)
THURSDAY OCTOBER 27:PREMIER LEAGUE GRAND FINAL 2nd leg: Somerset v Sheffield 7.30
SUNDAY OCTOBER 30:NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP FINAL 2nd leg: Eastbourne v Birmingham 6.30
