(SPEEDWAY 1)
SOMERSET clinched the Premier League title with a 54-36 win over Sheffield in Thursday’s Grand Final at the Oaktree Arena.The Rebels had led by two points going into the second leg, which proved to be a tight affair in the first half of the meeting as the Tigers battled to keep in touch.Somerset only led 25-23 on the night after Heat 8 but the Rebels then pulled clear and secured the championship with a 5-1 from Rohan Tungate and Josh Grajczonek in Heat 13.Tungate (12), Grajczonek (11+1) and Paul Starke (10+1) all hit double figures for the home side as the club celebrated their second Premier League crown.Guest Ricky Wells picked up 11 for the Tigers, who enjoyed a stunning run to the Final from sixth place in the table, having overcome Newcastle and Glasgow to reach that stage.Somerset co-promoter Debbie Hancock said: “This is unbelievable, I’m almost speechless, and those who know me well will tell you that doesn’t happen very often!“Nobody rated this team at the start of the season, and the boys were determined to prove them wrong.”“They have had a great team spirit throughout and fully deserved their title, especially after having topped the Premier League table at the end of the regular season - but in saying that it takes two teams to make a Final and all credit to Sheffield for making it a great Final, and I’m sure their time will come.”Sheffield co-promoter Damien Bates said: “Nobody likes losing but fair play to Somerset, they've been the best team in the league this year and they deserve it.“We gave it a decent fight but we always knew it was going to be tough after slipping to a defeat at home.“But with everything that's gone on, we've done so well just to get to this stage and there's plenty to look forward to for 2017!”(SPEEDWAY 2)
BIRMINGHAM co-promoter Graham Drury has paid tribute to opponents Eastbourne after his side’s National League title triumph.The Brummies overcame the Eagles by an 11-point aggregate margin at Perry Barr on Wednesday, and the teams will contest the final item of silverware this season when they meet in the KO Cup Final at Arlington on Sunday.Drury said: “Their fans came to the Midlands in their droves and fair play to them for backing their side because it’s a long journey to make on a Wednesday night! I do also have to give credit to Connor and Martin Dugard – they were very graceful in defeat.“Our own fans were instrumental on the night as well; it was another impressive crowd and our supporters really were in fine voice all night long and that means so much to the riders.“In some ways, this league title was even better than the one we won in 2015. To win the Championship in front of our own supporters who have stuck with the club and backed the riders through thick and thin just made it that little bit extra special.”(FIXTURES)
SUNDAY OCTOBER 30:NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP FINAL 2nd leg: Eastbourne v Birmingham 6.30
