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Post by Administrator on Aug 16, 2015 7:19:51 GMT
Rye House vs Workington: Update British U-21 Champion Kyle Howarth will now return to action at this evening’s meeting following his crash at Workington a week ago. The Comets had initially looked to cover his likely absence with Rider-Replacement, but will now use this facility for the side-lined Rusty Harrison, which means that originally planned guest Todd Kurtz has now stood down. The Restart Rockets, meanwhile, will be able to field their full declared one-to-seven for the first time since match No.3 at the end of March – and we are now at match No.30! The action at Rye House gets underway at 5pm. Rye House team:
Robin Aspegren, Luke Bowen, Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen, Edward Kennett (captain), Kasper Lykke, Danny Maassen, Anders Mellgren
Workington team:
Rene Bach (captain), Kenneth Hansen, Rusty Harrison R/R, Kyle Howarth, Ricky Wells, Matthew Wethers, Matt Williamson Frustration for NBJ in World U-21 Restart Rocket Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen finished down the field with 4 points at yesterday’s second round of the World U-21 Final which was staged at Lublin in Poland. The result leaves NBJ in eighth place overall on 15 points, some 5 points off a rostrum place. The championship race is led by Poland’s Bartosz Smarzlik (26 points), with fellow Pole Pawel Przedpelski second (22) and Danes Mikkel Michelsen and Anders Thomsen level in third (both 20 points). Great Britain’s Stefan Nielsen secured his second race win of the series en route to 6 points, and stands twelfth overall on 11 points. The final round of the series takes place at Pardubice in the Czech Republic on September 19th. Jakobsen also has the European U-21 Final to look forward to at Silkeborg in his native Denmark on August 29th. Result:
Pawel Przedpelski 14, Bartosz Zmarzlik 12, Andrej Lebedevs 11 (after run-off), Anders Thomsen 11, Maksym Drabik (wildcard) 10, Viktor Kulakov 10, Max Fricke, Australia 7, Mikkel Bech Jensen 7, Mikkel Michelsen 6, Stefan Nielsen 6, Victor Palovaara 6, Valentin Grobauer 5, Brady Kurtz 4, Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen 4, Emil Grøndal 3, Michael Härtel (wildcard) 2, Adrian Cyfer (res) 1. Kacper Woryna (res) dnr.
Overall Standings:
Bartosz Zmarzlik 26, Pawel Przedpelski 22, Mikkel Michelsen 20, Anders Thomsen 20, Mikkel Bech Jensen 18, Max Fricke17, Andrej Lebedev 16, Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen 15, Brady Kurtz 14, Victor Palovaara 14, Viktor Kulakov 13, Stefan Nielsen 11, Maksym Drabik (wildcard) 10, Emil Grøndal 9, Valentin Grobauer (Germany) 5, Michele Paco Castagna 4, Michael Härtel (wildcard) 2, Nicolas Vincentin (wildcard) 2, Oleksandr Loktaev 0
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Post by Administrator on Aug 16, 2015 21:40:43 GMT
Kennett Max as Rockets See Off Comets A scintillating maximum from Edward Kennett helped tip the balance in the Restart Rockets’ favour as they kept Workington at bay 51-42 in Sunday’s Premier League action at Rye House. Kennett’s six ride full house was the fifth time he had gone through the card this season – and almost certainly his most exciting. The Rye House No.1 came from the back in virtually all of his races, with the clear stand-out performance a simply stunning Heat 10 in which he rounded Kenneth Hansen on the fourth bend, proceeded to reel in leader Rene Bach and then found the narrowest of gaps between the Dane and the safety fence to drive through for victory at the end of the third lap. The Rockets’ captain was aided and abetted by the rest of the side, with Kasper Lykke surging to paid 13 and Luke Bowen – thanks to bonus points in all five of his outings – also reaching double figures. There were further important contributions from Anders Mellgren (7), Robin Aspegren (via two wins) and Danny Maassen (a race win in Heat 2). It would have been easy for the Rockets’ heads to drop on realising pre-meeting that Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen would play no part in the proceedings – see separate story below for the full details – but instead they always looked in control from the moment that Maassen and Bowen breezed past Matt Williamson on the opening lap of Heat 2 for the 5-1 that gave them the early lead. Another maximum result from Aspegren and Kennett in Heat 6 built the advantage to 25-17 and what was effectively the final winning margin. As in May’s Cup match in Hoddesdon, the Comets relied heavily on Ricky Wells and Rene Bach for their points. Despite missing the services of Kyle Howarth – the British U-21 Champion was barred from riding under FIM regulations after sitting out his Wildcard option in the previous day’s World U-21 round – they clung to the hope of bagging their first away match point of the season until a final race 4-2 from Kennett and Lykke over Wells. Looking back on the match after that closing heat, Kennett said, “I felt that I had plenty of speed all day, and that makes it so much easier to come from the back. All my equipment this year has been fantastic, and I felt really confident and comfortable on the bike. “It was hard work on Friday (when Rye lost 54-38 at Plymouth), but I’m glad we got things back on track as a team today and got the result.” Looking ahead to this Saturday’s home match against arch-rivals Ipswich, Kennett continued: “It’s going to be tough, but if we can ride like we did today, we can pull off another result.” And beyond the Witches match: “We’ve realistically lost the battle for the play-offs, but it’s still about our pride and winning as many of our remaining League matches as we can in order to finish in a good position.” And the Cup? “I feel confident that we can do something there, and get the right result at Somerset ahead of our home leg. We went to Berwick as heavy underdogs in the last round, and we know what happened there.” Rye House scorers: Edward Kennett 17+1 (6 rides, max), Kasper Lykke 12+1 (6), Anders Mellgren 7 (5), Luke Bowen 6+5 (5), Robin Aspegren 6 (5), Danny Maassen 3 (3), Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen R/R
Workington scorers: Ricky Wells 17 (6 rides, inc 6 as a TR), Rene Bach 12 (6), Kenneth Hansen 6+2 (6), Matt Wethers 4+1 (5), Todd Kurtz (guest) 3+3 (5), Matt Williamson 0 (3), Kyle Howarth R/R Match Points: Rye House 3 Workington 0 Now We Are Six The Restart Rockets’ return to their full declared one-to-seven didn’t last long. To be more precise, it actually ended before it began, as Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen was ruled out of Rye’s Premier League match at home to Workington less than two hours before the scheduled start time! He had suffered a fall during a Danish league match on Wednesday, but soldiered through the second round of the World U-21 Final in Poland on Saturday, before flying into Luton ahead of the Rockets’ fixture. He arrived at the Hoddesdon circuit in visibly great discomfort yet determined to take his place in the side, but subsequent appraisal by the Rye House paramedic indicated that he is carrying a suspected broken coccyx. The Rockets had hoped to field their full declared seven for the first time since March 28th, but as co-promoter Len Silver put it, “Fate has decreed otherwise. We had all wondered why Nikolaj had not scored well in Poland yesterday, but now we know why. It says a lot about his character and bravery that he still flew in to be with us and determined to ride today.” NBJ is now planning to return to Denmark for a further appraisal by a specialist, at which point he and the Rockets will discover the likely timescale for his absence.
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Post by Administrator on Aug 19, 2015 4:28:54 GMT
NBJ Update Rye House team manager John Sampford is now able to update the situation on Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen, who was a late withdrawal from Sunday’s Premier League match between the Restart Rockets and Workington due to a suspected broken coccyx. Said Sampford: “Nikolaj immediately sought further medical advice from a specialist sports consultancy on his return to Denmark, and the positive news is that although his injury is currently extremely painful, it looks as though it is tissue damage only, with nothing actually broken. “With that in mind, Nikolaj is aiming to participate in a Danish League match tomorrow night (Wednesday), and then to review the situation again afterwards. “Either way, we are planning to operate Rider-Replacement on Saturday when we host Ipswich, because Nikolaj is due to be representing his country, if he is fit, in an U-21 World Cup Semi-Final round. “But the key thing at this stage is that his injury is not looking as bad as originally feared, and that, fingers crossed, we will now see him back with the Rockets sooner than later.”
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Post by Administrator on Aug 21, 2015 9:38:02 GMT
Rockets Aim to Cast Spell on Witches The Restart Rockets return to Premier League action this Saturday evening when they entertain arch-rivals Ipswich in Hoddesdon. The Witches have been one of the true enigmas of this season’s League, proving vulnerable at home – with no less than three defeats and two draws in Suffolk – while also posting a strong away record of four successes from their travels. The net result is that they are still scrambling for a place in the top six and the end-of-season Championship Play-Offs that that finish brings. Subject to his targeted return from an aggravated back injury, Ipswich will be led into town by World Cup Lion and 2005 Rocket Lion Danny King, who, together with fellow Witch Rohan Tungate, comprises the League’s official Best Pair. Further support comes from the likes of 2014 World U-21 Finalist Gino Manzares and back-to-back Grand Prix Challenge Finalist Nico Covatti, who is due back from a spell on the side-lines with a broken finger. The Rockets, meanwhile, will be without Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen, albeit for more positive reasons than might have been the case a week earlier. Rye House team manager John Sampford updates NBJ’s status, saying that “Nikolaj was paid for double figures in a Danish League match last night, and on that basis will ride in the Danish Final tonight and for his country in the U-21 World Cup on Saturday. “All the indications now confirm that he has suffered soft tissue damage in the area of his coccyx, but nothing broken. It is obviously still very painful, but he is proving able to ride on. “It’s going to be another tough match on Saturday – although Ipswich will be missing Stefan Nielsen, who will be racing in the same event as Nikolaj, they will have Tero Aarnio in as a guest, which effectively balances that absence out. “We are re-building momentum after Sunday’s win against Workington, however, and we’re determined to maintain it on Saturday. It would have been easy for our heads to have fallen on Sunday when we realised that Nikolaj was unfit to ride, but we have been in that situation so many times this year already that it is just water off a duck’s back now. “We’ve learned to just take it as normal and get on with it, and that’s the plan for Saturday.” The Rockets and Witches will burn down the night from 7pm. Rye House team: Robin Aspegren, Luke Bowen, Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen R/R, Edward Kennett (captain), Kasper Lykke, Danny Maassen, Anders Mellgren Ipswich team: Tero Aarnio (guest), Nico Covatti, Cameron Heeps, Danny King (subject to fitness), Gino Manzares, Ashley Morris, Rohan Tungate Saturday’s meeting at Rye House will be accompanied by the Rockets’ annual fund raiser on behalf of the Speedway Riders Benevolent Fund. An earlier recent collection at a Raiders’ home fixture raised over £550, but Saturday’s bar has been raised by the very kind gesture of a Barclays Bank branch to match whatever sum is achieved up to a maximum of £1000. In order to comply with Barclay’s policies, the fund raiser will take the form of a charity raffle, with the lucky winner receiving free admission for two to a forthcoming home Rockets meeting. Our grateful thanks to Barclays for their support.
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Post by Administrator on Aug 22, 2015 21:38:41 GMT
Saturday August 22, 2015: PREMIER LEAGUE RYE HOUSE 44: Edward Kennett 18, Kasper Lykke 8, Anders Mellgren 7+3, Robin Aspegren 4+1, Luke Bowen 4, Danny Maassen 3+1, Nikolaj B Jakobsen r/r. IPSWICH 46: Danny King 11+2, Cameron Heeps 11+1, Ashley Morris 10+2, Gino Manzares 6, Rohan Tungate 5, Tero Aarnio 3, Nico Covatti r/r.
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Post by Administrator on Aug 23, 2015 7:36:02 GMT
Kennett Max Unable to Rescue Rockets Rye House 44 Ipswich 46 (Premier League: Saturday, August 22nd 2015) An explosive 18 point maximum from Edward Kennett failed to prevent the Restart Rockets slipping to their fourth home Premier League defeat of the season in a 46-44 thriller against Play-Off chasing Ipswich. The Rye House No.1 was in totally dominant form as he roared to his sixth full house of the year – and his second in succession. The Witches, however, had their own bases covered at heat leader (Danny King), second string (Cameron Heeps) and reserve (Ashley Morris) in what proved an effective triple threat. On a baking hot day, the match got off to an equally fiery start in an opening race sizzler as Robin Aspegren kept both Heeps and King at bay to follow home Kennett for the 5-1, but there were flames of a different type in the next race when Danny Maassen’s first choice bike caught fire after the German had retired onto the centre green. The fire was quickly extinguished in what was awarded as a 5-1 to the Witches. Thereafter, the fixture continued in a tense, tight atmosphere, with never more than four points separating the sides at any stage but a number of falls proving crucial. The first came when Rohan Tungate took a heavy fall in Heat 3. Anders Mellgren and Kasper Lykke were on a 5-1 at the time but, frustratingly, had to follow home Gino Manzares in the re-run. It was a situation that set the tone for what was to follow, although in Heat 7 the roles were reversed. The race saw Tungate falling again – this time with Manzares in front – but enabling Mellgren and Luke Bowen to capitalise with a maximum in the second re-run after Manzares had subsequently been handed a 15 metre penalty for a second start line offence. Another tumble had a major impact in Heat 9, when Tero Arnio’s fall when Mellgren and Lykke were holding a 4-2 provided the opportunity for Danny King to produce a tremendous ride at the second time of asking, the visiting No.1 surging around the outside of both his adversaries at the start of the last lap to take the victory. The final “Get Out of Jail” came in Heat 12, called back after Manzares had hit the deck and enabling hot reserve Ashley Morris to outpace original race leader Mellgren in the re-run. As Rye House team manager John Sampford said afterwards, “It felt as though every time there was a stoppage, the result would always be different in the re-run. But ultimately it’s no good looking at those “what ifs”; you have to win the race when it’s actually on the line. “I admit that it was a struggle for us tonight apart from Eddie, who was head and shoulders above everybody else and leading from the front. He is having a tremendous season, after investing very heavily in his equipment. It has come at a heavy financial cost to him, but it’s certainly paying dividends. “Everybody else, though, had their problems. I’m almost lost for words, because there was so much effort going in, but for some it just wasn’t working. “You’re only as good as your opponents allow you to be, and tonight we didn’t quite deserve it.” Rye House scorers: Edward Kennett 18 (6 rides, max), Kasper Lykke 8 (6), Anders Mellgren 7+3 (5), Robin Aspegren 4+1 (5), Luke Bowen 4 (4), Danny Maassen 3+1 (4), Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen R/R
Ipswich scorers: Danny King 11+2 (6 rides), Cameron Heeps 11+1 (6), Ashley Morris 10+2 (5), Gino Manzares 6 (5), Rohan Tungate 5 (5), Tero Aarnio (guest) 3 (3), Nico Covatti R/R Match Points: Rye House 0 Ipswich 3 Edward Kennett’s maximum aside, the biggest positive from the meeting was the £1500 raised on behalf of the Speedway Riders’ Benevolent Fund, with the club topping up the amount to that nearest even figure. With Barclays matching the first £1000 raised, the total for the night was therefore £2500. Our grateful thanks to all who contributed, and equally to Barclays, for this magnificent achievement.
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Post by Administrator on Aug 26, 2015 8:13:19 GMT
Raiders Update Rye House Speedway has announced the departure of Andrew Silver from the club. The former Rocket and England International had headed the Restart Raiders National League operation, and also run the track’s training schools. A statement from the Rye House management team said, “We would obviously like to thank Andrew for his contribution to the club in what is already building to be a memorable season for the Raiders, and to wish him all the best for the future. “However, the relationship between the two parties has come to a point where the time is right for us to go our separate ways. “We will now focus on the important fixtures that lie ahead for both Rye House teams in what is now the business end of the season, as well as on building towards the longer term future of the club.” Following Andrew Silver's departure, Restart Rockets team manager John Sampford, who has also managed the Raiders in previous seasons, has agreed to take on double duty once again, with the club looking at alternative cover whenever there is a clash of fixtures. The club has also merged the Rockets’ and Raiders’ websites into a single combined site – accessed viawww.ryehouserockets.co – in order to ensure a focused branding message and communications platform. Away from these off-track changes, the Raiders remain very much in the hunt for honours as they bid to conclude 2015 on a real high. In addition to their forthcoming National Trophy Final against Eastbourne, Sunday’s away victory at Buxton in the City Gearboxes National League has put them back into strong contention for the top four finish that would see their season further extended through the Gold Cup play-offs. The Raiders’ success in Derbyshire Hi Edge was thanks to a remarkable late come-back in increasingly wet conditions, as the side fought back from 30-24 down at Heat 9 to ultimately triumph 48-42. Rob Branford completed a faultless five ride paid maximum, with excellent support coming from both Kyle Hughes (11+1) and Luke Priest (11), and the rest of the side all chipping in with vital points. The team’s next destination is King’s Lynn this Friday, and they will clearly be aiming to take something away from a Young Stars team that is currently at the wrong end of the table and which they have already beaten 54-38 in Hertfordshire. From there, the Raiders switch their attention back to home shale the following evening, when 2013 and 2014 League Champions Cradley come to town. With away wins to date against fierce rivals Birmingham, Stoke and Kent, the Heathens retain an outside chance of catching the Brummies at the top of the table to complete what would be a unique hat-trick of titles. With victory therefore paramount to both sides, quite simply something will have to give. We will find out what – or rather who - on Saturday, as the action kicks in at 7pm sharp.
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Post by Administrator on Aug 26, 2015 9:15:22 GMT
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Post by Administrator on Aug 26, 2015 21:14:47 GMT
Lambert Lands at Rye House! It’s now official - the Restart Rockets have swooped to land the signature of the most exciting young talent in British Speedway. Robert Lambert has without doubt set the sport alight in his two brief seasons in the professional ranks. Following earlier experience on the big tracks of Germany and a National League run in 2013, last year saw the teenager go straight into the main body of King’s Lynn’s Elite League team at the tender age of 16, and with a creditable 5.32 average he played his part in the Stars’ drive to the Elite League Play-Offs. 2015 has seen Lambert fly even higher as he has represented his country in the World Cup, scoring 15 points from his two rounds, secured his first Grand Prix point as a reserve at the Cardiff round and achieved the coveted No.1 position at Premier League Peterborough prior to his departure from the Panthers. His two Hoddesdon appearances have seen him scorch to paid 11 on Easter Monday and produce a stunning five ride maximum earlier this month in a guesting role against Newcastle. That latter display also saw him demolish Chris Neath’s five year old track record - with the new standard coming in the very last race of the night! And remember: he is still aged just 17 years and 4 months. Rye House supporters will have the opportunity to see Lambert in a permanent Rockets race suit for the very first time on Bank Holiday Monday, when his new team entertain Plymouth, with a 2pm start time. BMR owner Warren Scott is already looking forward to that debut. “It’s virtually an understatement to say I am delighted and proud to have such an exceptional young talent as Robert on board as part of BMR and Rye House. His achievements to date speak for themselves, and we all know what his full potential could be. “Robert is just one part of our plans for the future, in what we see as being very exciting times.” Those times include a much anticipated Cup Semi-Final against Somerset that is just around the corner next month. It’s a tie which emphasises that the Rockets still have plenty to fight for in 2015, and therefore also the importance of gaining Lambert’s signature second time around after the club had missed out on the opportunity to include him in its original team-building plans for the year by a miniscule 0.02 point because of the points limit. Lambert’s signing unfortunately comes with a down-side. In order to accommodate the World Cup Lion - again within the 42.50 points limit - the Rockets have been forced to drop both Anders Mellgren and Robin Aspegren. Both have given 110% commitment to the cause, and the club is glad to say that Anders has quickly found a new spot with Berwick, and Robin with Sheffield. The move also means a return to Hertfordshire for the promising Daniel Greenwood, who had already been given a run in the side this season prior to the return to action of Luke Bowen, and who rejoins the team on a 3.00 average. The 22 year old prospect showed flashes of what he is capable of when he was with the Rockets earlier in the campaign, and is another rider who has always shown 110% commitment. The Rockets are delighted to have another chance to help him progress further in the sport.
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Post by Administrator on Aug 28, 2015 8:15:01 GMT
Bank Holiday Bonanza at Rye House! Both the Restart Rockets and Restart Raiders will be seeing home action in a busy Bank Holiday weekend for the club. The Raiders will be following up tonight’s trip to East Anglian rivals King’s Lynn with a return to their own patch tomorrow evening to face back-to-back champions Cradley in the City Gearboxes National League, with the Hertfordshire action set to kick in at 7pm sharp. Matt Williamson – who blasted a six ride maximum against the Young Stars last night – will guest for the Premier League-committed Rob Branford at Lynn, although the 2013 British U-21 Champion returns to lead his side against the Heathens. Luke Chessell will unfortunately miss both fixtures due to extra off-track work commitments, but Rider-Replacement will operate as cover as the Raiders look to renew their push for a top four finish on the back of Sunday’s victory at Buxton. Rye House team vs Cradley: Alfie Bowtell, Rob Branford, Luke Chessell R/R, Kyle Hughes, George Hunter, Luke Priest, Sam Woods Cradley team: Danny Ayres (guest), Max Clegg, Nathan Greaves R/R, Luke Harris, Arron Mogridge, Michael Neale, Ellis Perks Bank Holiday Monday afternoon, meanwhile, will see the much anticipated official team debut of new arrival Robert Lambert as the Restart Rockets collide with Plymouth in the Premier League. The Devils have put themselves in with a fighting chance of making the top six Play-Offs with away victories to date at fellow front-runners Peterborough and Somerset, but the Rockets are determined to prevent them completing a hat-trick of successes when they come to Hoddesdon. Rye House team manager John Sampford appreciates that “Plymouth have really turned their season around in the last few months, and although they may not have an out-and-out No.1, what they do have is a very solid and compact unit. There are less than two points separating the averages of their No.1 and their No.7, and they’ll be looking for new signing Linus Eklof to provide an extra sting in their tail. “There’s no doubt, though, that we will be hugely buoyed by the arrival of Robert (Lambert), both on and off the track. He gives us what is now a really strong heat leader trio alongside Edward (Kennett) and Nikolaj (Busk Jakobsen). “We also know what Kasper (Lykke) and Luke (Bowen) are capable of as back-up, while Daniel (Greenwood) will be determined to show his potential again, and Danny (Maassen) will undoubtedly benefit from his close association with Robert, because they ride together for the same club in Germany. “But it is not just about individuals. We are looking forward to getting out there as a complete team. We’ve had to wait since match No.3 way back on March 28th to be able to parade our full preferred one-to-seven, and this will be match No.34! As I’ve said before, we just want the chance to show what we are all about – and to build on the team spirit that has hung on in there despite all of the obstacles that this season has thrown our way.” Monday’s action explodes at 2pm. Rye House team: Luke Bowen, Daniel Greenwood, Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen, Edward Kennett, Robert Lambert, Kasper Lykke, Danny Maassen Plymouth team: Linus Eklof, Ryan Fisher, Jack Holder, Todd Kurtz, Kyle Newman, Morten Risager, Sam Simota
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Post by Administrator on Aug 29, 2015 21:19:06 GMT
NBJ Silver in European U-21! Restart Rocket Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen finished second – just a point off the victory spot - in today’s European U-21 Championship Final, which was staged at Silkeborg in his native Denmark. The Dane racked up four race wins from his five outings, dropping his only points to title winner Anders Thomsen and eventual bronze claimant Bartosz Smektala in his second ride. British representative Adam Ellis finished 10th with 7 points. Our congratulations to NBJ, who will return to home action on Bank Holiday Monday when he joins Edward Kennett, new colleague Robert Lambert and the rest of the Rockets as Rye House take on Plymouth in the Premier League. That meeting begins at 2pm. Individual scorers: Anders Thomsen 14, Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen 13, Bartosz Smektala 12, Maksym Drabik 8, John Lindman 8, Erik Riss 8, Andzejs Lebedevs 8, Viktor Kulakov 8, Kacper Woryna 7, Adam Ellis 7, Krystian Rempala 7, Victor Palovaara 7, Zdenek Holub 5, Jesper Scharff 3, Ernest Koza 3, Mikkel B Andersen 0, Eduard Krcmar (res) 0, Jevgenij Kostygov (res) dnr
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Post by Administrator on Sept 11, 2015 21:40:32 GMT
Long Night for Rockets in Cup
The Restart Rockets face the unenviable task of pulling back a hefty 30 point deficit in tomorrow night’s second leg of their Travel Plus Tours Knock-Out Cup Semi-Final tie, after going down 60-30 at Somerset. Against a super-strong Rebels side that will be seeded No.2 in the forthcoming Championship Play following recent wins at Glasgow and Peterborough, the Rockets were able to muster just three race wins and a lone heat advantage from their evening’s work. Double race winner Robert Lambert headed their score-chart with 11, Edward Kennett providing a third chequered flag in an 8 point tally. In contrast, no less than six Rebels were paid for at least 8, with Josh Grajczonek finishing top of their pile with 14 and brief former Rocket Paul Starke being paid for the same total. Rye House co-promoter Len Silver admitted afterwards that, “We were beaten by the better side; it’s as simple as that. They were faster out of the gate – and once away from the tapes they were gone. “It didn’t help that Edward burned a clutch out, but really the only positive came from a great display from little Robert (Lambert) in what was his first ever visit to the circuit. Even in the races in which he was beaten, he was right up the opposition’s tail-pipes.” Tomorrow’s second leg at Hoddesdon is scheduled as the second half of a double header that kicks off with a Premier League battle against Plymouth, who themselves have to claim a maximum four match points in order to sneak into post-season play. Team manager John Sampford recognises that “They will be too very tough matches. Plymouth need to take four points to make the Play-Offs, and Somerset will be trying to complete a double and reach the Cup Final. “It’s down to us to re-group, and get the best results possible in order restore some pride.” Former Rocket and Raider, and recently crowned National League pairs Champion, Ben Morley will guest for Dan Greenwood in both matches, with Danny Ayres named as the Rockets’ No.8. In order to shoe-horn in the thirty race programme, the meeting starts at the earlier than usual start time of 6pm. Despite the extra action, however, admission pricing will be in line with the double header rates established earlier in the season for Premier-National League combos: Adults £20, Seniors £17, Children (12-16) £8, with Children under 12 going FREE. The double header match programme will be £3. Rye House scorers: Robert Lambert 11, Edward Kennett 8, Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen 4, Kasper Lykke 3+1, Tom Perry 2+1, Danny Maassen 2, Luke Bowen R/R Somerset scorers: Josh Grajczonek 14, Paul Starke 10+4, Richie Worrall 10+1, Brady Kurtz 10, Charles Wright 9+2, Rasmus Jensen 7+1, Fernando Garcia 0
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Post by Administrator on Sept 12, 2015 21:30:09 GMT
PREMIER LEAGUE RYE HOUSE 38: Edward Kennett 15, Robert Lambert 11, Kasper Lykke 5+1, Nikolaj B Jakobsen 3, Ben Morley 3, Danny Maassen 1, Danny Ayres (no.8) 0, Luke Bowen r/r. PLYMOUTH 53: Morten Risager 13, Linus Eklof 12+2, Jack Holder 10+3, Sam Simota 8+2, Ryan Fisher 6+3, Kyle Newman 4, Todd Kurtz r/r.
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Post by Administrator on Sept 13, 2015 7:55:14 GMT
NBJ Blow as Rockets Crash to Devils Edward Kennett’s seventh maximum of the season was not enough to prevent the Restart Rockets falling to a decisive 53-38 defeat to Plymouth in their final home Premier League match of 2015, in the first part of Saturday’s double header at Rye House. The result completed a dramatic second half of season turn-around for the Devils, who pipped Ipswich to the final Play-Off place by claiming all four match points here. In a double whammy, the Rockets also lost the services of key component Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen with shoulder muscle damage and a possible shoulder blade injury after the Dane had come to grief in bringing down race leader Kyle Newman just after passing Jack Holder for second place in Heat 7. NBJ had been attempting to repeat his Heat 4 heroics which saw him produce a stunning third-to-first display to catch both Newman and Linus Eklof in the closing stages. Newman was also forced to withdraw from the match, complaining of dizziness, following Heat 7, but the Devils were already well on top thanks to their compact all-round efforts. The Rockets, meanwhile, were left to rely on captain Edward Kennett, who supplied another stunning five ride full house, with Robert Lambert providing the chief support. Danny Ayres also deserves special mention in his role as the Rockets’ No.8. Although failing to score in his two rides, he looked set to earn a third place point in Heat 6 until locking up and causing Sam Simota to fall. Rye House team manager John Sampford was left to ponder the Rockets’ latest setback in losing NBJ prior to re-jigging his troops ahead of the second half of the double header meeting. “The injuries and the blows have been unrelenting this season, and it is starting to feel as though the more we try, the worse it gets. To lose Nikolaj like that just put so much pressure on us. “Fortunately, Edward was able to lead the show, and I am running out of superlatives to use in describing him this year. Robert aside, though, the others battled hard for generally little reward.” Rye House scorers: Edward Kennett 15 (5 rides, maximum), Robert Lambert 11 (4, inc 4 as a TR), Kasper Lykke 5+1 (6), Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen 3 (2), Ben Morley (guest) 3 (6), Danny Maassen 1 (5), Danny Ayres (no.8) 0 (2), Luke Bowen R/R
Plymouth scorers: Morten Risager 13 (6 rides), Linus Eklof 12+2 (6), Jack Holder 10+3 (5), Sam Simota 8+2 (6), Ryan Fisher 6+3 (5), Kyle Newman 4 (2), Todd Kurtz R/R Match Points: Rye House 0 Plymouth 4 Rockets Lose Cup Tie – and Lambert With the damage already done at Somerset the previous night, the Restart Rockets’ Travel Plus Tours Knock-Out Cup hopes were mathematically doused in the return leg, as they went down 47-43 for an aggregate 107-73 defeat. What was more surprising was the battling effort their makeshift side put up in the second leg, given it was already missing Luke Bowen and Dan Greenwood, had Danny Maassen nursing a broken thumb and shoulder issues and then had to rejig further to cover the loss of Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen through injury in the first match of the evening’s double header. Plymouth’s Linus Eklof was hastily recruited as guest cover – but the Rockets’ problems weren’t yet over, as Robert Lambert was then forced to withdraw after his third ride with a wrist injury. With Edward Kennett suffering early bike issues, the Rockets trailed 10-2 after just two heats, yet took at least the match if not the tie to a last race decider before Brady Kurtz won the finale from Kennett and Kasper Lykke to protect the Rebels’ 4 point lead. The tie itself had been decided as early as Heat 7, following a bizarre Somerset 5-1 which saw Rebel Richie Worrall slow entering the final lap – seemingly thinking the race was over, and causing the following Eklof and Maassen to also slow – before speeding up again to follow partner Charles Wright home! Kasper Lykke finished the match as the Rockets’ top scorer, with 11, in his final home fixture prior to his forthcoming knee surgery, while Edward Kennett joined him in double figures with 10. The Rye House captain admitted afterwards that “It was a very tough match, and it was made even harder by the loss of Nikolaj, and then Robert as well. We all fought hard and did our best under the circumstances.” Summing up his own personal season, which has seen him clearly lead by example, Kennett continued, “I came here to Rye House to be a No.1, and I have been riding a lot more consistently in that regard than last year. You can see that in the way I’ve put my average up this season. I’m even starting to get a lot better in Heat 15 as well, which has sometimes been a problem race. I’ve put a lot of effort and investment in, and the big positive is the way it has been reflected both in how I’ve performed on track and the resulting numbers.” Rye House scorers: Kasper Lykke 11+2 (6 rides), Edward Kennett 10 (5), Robert Lambert 7+1 (3), Ben Morley 6+3 (5), Linus Eklof (guest) 6, Danny Maassen 2+1 (4), Danny Ayres (no.8) 1+1 (3), Luke Bowen R/R
Somerset scorers: Josh Grajczonek 11 (4), Rasmus Jensen 9+1 (5), Brady Kurtz 8+1 (5), Charles Wright 8+1 (4), Richie Worrall 5+1 (4), Paul Starke 3+2 (5), Fernando Garcia (guest) 3 (4) The Rockets will have little time to re-group, as they head up to Glasgow today (Sunday) for their penultimate away fixture of the campaign, with team manager John Sampford left to burn the midnight oil in an urgent search for guest cover for his depleted troops. Ace of Herts Returns Last staged in 2011, the Ace of Herts individual meeting will make a welcome return in 2015, with a staging date of Saturday, October 10th announced. The meeting will be followed by its traditional close-out giant firework display. The field for the event will be announced in the coming weeks. Bowtell in U-19 Championship Restart Raiders representative Alfie Bowtell secured points from all of his rides to finish with a solid 6 point display in last night’s British U-19 Championship that was staged at Berwick. The title was won by Josh Bates, who followed up his 2014 British U-21 success by going through the card and heading home Max Clegg in the Grand Final. Danny Phillips claimed third spot, although failing to complete the Final, with Ellis Perks earlier excluded after a fall in the race’s first staging. Scorers (main programme): Josh Bates 15, Max Clegg 13 (qualified for Grand Final), Ellis Perks 12, Danny Phillips 12, Liam Carr 12, Jack Parkinson-Blackburn 9 (qualified for Semi-Final), Connor Mountain 7, Luke Ruddick 7, Josh Bailey 6, Michael Neale 6, Alfie Bowtell 6, Ben Basford 5, David Morgan 3, Alex Wilson 3, Kieran Douglas 2, Lewis Millar 2
Semi-Final (top two to Grand Final): Phillips, Perks, Parkinson-Blackburn, Carr
Grand Final: Bates, Clegg, Phillips (ef), Perks (fex)
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Post by Administrator on Sept 13, 2015 22:12:59 GMT
Depleted Rockets Washed Away by Tigers A heavily - and very quickly – patched up Restart Rockets side tumbled to a 42-20 Premier League defeat at Glasgow in a match that was abandoned after ten races due to heavy rain, although the result will stand. With Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen, Robert Lambert, Luke Bowen and Daniel Greenwood all missing from their declared line-up – the two heat leaders following injuries only the previous night - the Rockets were ultimately left with no recourse but to bring in a Premier League reserve and two juniors in order to get a side on track against a powerful Tigers outfit that clinched third place in the final table with this victory. Team manager John Sampford takes up the story: “We tried to get guests after last night’s meeting as we started the journey up, and then again this morning, but everyone we contacted was simply unable to do the meeting or had commitments elsewhere. “Under the circumstances, we are just glad that we managed honour the fixture and that there was a conclusive result. It had rained on and off all afternoon, but then the heavens really opened at heat ten and what proved to be the final race was run in pouring rain, although we were able to get to the point of declaration.” Rye House scorers: Edward Kennett 9 (inc 4 as a TR), Kasper Lykke 5, Fernando Garcia (guest) 3, Danny Maassen 3, Kieron Douglas (guest) 0, Ryan MacDonald (guest) 0, Kev Whelan (No.8) 0, Robert Lambert R/R Glasgow scorers: James Sarjeant 9+2, Richard Lawson 9, Aaron Summers 9, Hynek Stichauer 7+1, Nick Morris 5, Victor Palovaara 3+1, Kauko Nieminen R/R Match Points: Glasgow 3 Rye House 0 Raiders Make Final Four! The Restart Raiders were edged out 46-44 at Mildenhall in the City Gearboxes National League this afternoon, but still made the cut-off for the end of season Gold Cup. The consolation match point from their narrow defeat at west Row took the Raiders’ total to 27 as of tonight’s cut-off date for qualification, leaving them fourth on race points difference ahead of Coventry (+40 as opposed to the Storm’s -15). They will now meet Eastbourne in their two leg semi-final tie, with the other tie seeing new Champions Birmingham battle fellow Perry Barr tenants Cradley. Although missing key driver Rob Branford, who was committed to Premier League level action with Edinburgh, the Raiders kept the score close throughout – and even led briefly at 40-38, with just two races remaining. The Fen Tigers immediately hit back with a 5-1 in Heat 14, with Luke Chessell taking a tumble in a last gasp effort to pass Connor Coles for victory. Rye were still close to pulling off a draw in the finale, but Kyle Hughes just missed out in a ding-dong battle with Danny Halsey at the front, which nullified Luke Priest’s last lap pass of Coles for third spot . Hughes and Halsey then met in the Bronze Helmet, with the Mildenhall man just edging his rival after a pulsating four laps. The bottom line, however, is that the Raiders will see post-season play alongside their already earmarked National Trophy Final against Eastbourne next weekend. The first leg of that Trophy tie will be in Hoddesdon on Saturday (7pm start), with the return set for Arlington the following afternoon. Rye House scorers: Kyle Hughes 12, Luke Priest 9+3, Alfie Bowtell 6+1, Luke Chessell 6, Sam Woods 4+3, Sam Chapman (guest) 4, George Hunter 3+1 Mildenhall scorers: Dan Halsey 13+1, Connor Coles 11+1, Tom Bacon 8, Connor Mountain 8, Luke Ruddick 4+1, Jez Pestell 2+1. Jack Kingston R/R Match Points: Mildenhall 3 Rye House 1
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