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Post by Administrator on Sept 15, 2015 9:25:19 GMT
THE list of competitors has been announced for the National League Riders’ Championship at Rye House.
The Hoddesdon showpiece takes place on Saturday September 26 with all ten NL clubs represented.
LINE-UP (not in riding order): Jon Armstrong (Stoke), Bradley Wilson-Dean (Eastbourne), Max Clegg (Cradley), Liam Carr (Buxton), Adam Ellis (Birmingham), Connor Mountain (Mildenhall), Danny Halsey (Mildenhall), Ben Morley (Kent), Kyle Hughes (Rye House), Rob Branford (Rye House), Lee Payne (Stoke), Zach Wajtknecht (Birmingham), Darryl Ritchings (Coventry), Tom Stokes (King’s Lynn), Danny Ayres (Kent), Marc Owen (Eastbourne). Reserves: Alfie Bowtell & George Hunter.
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Post by Administrator on Sept 17, 2015 14:59:25 GMT
Branford and Hughes Take Aim at NLRC
Rob Branford and Kyle Hughes will represent the Restart Raiders in this year’s National League Riders’ Championship, which is being staged at Rye House next Saturday, September 26th – with both having the same aim, but for different reasons.
Branford has led the Raiders into the Gold Cup Semis and the National Trophy Final after a sterling campaign that has seen him push towards a 10 ½ average, and will be keen to add to a personal trophy haul that already includes the 2013 British U-21 title.
Hughes, on the other hand, has overcome early mechanical gremlins to hit white-hot form as of late – the perfect momentum needed in his bid to exorcise the ghost of 2009. That was the year he led a run-off for the title until the very last bend, when he shed a chain and gifted the crown to a grateful Craig Cook. Hughes has the chance to put matters right after a five year wait.
The two Raiders can expect strong competition for the gold, however. For starters, the field also includes National League Pairs Champions Ben Morley and Danny Ayres, who will be representing Kent. Also on show will be double New Zealand U-21 titlist Bradley Dean-Wilson of Eastbourne, plus Birmingham’s European U-21 Finalist Adam Ellis and 17 year old breakthrough star Zach Wajtknecht. And don’t rule out a repeat performance from 2014 winner Danny Halsey.
The NLRC always throws up a few twists and turns – and the 2015 edition should be no exception.
Next Saturday’s meeting is kindly sponsored once again by Paradise Wildlife Park in nearby Broxbourne. Paradise Park is operated by former rider Pete Sampson and is the home of the National Speedway Museum. For further details on both, just check out www.pwpark.com and www.national-speedway-museum.co.uk.
Admission prices for the NLRC are: Adults £16, Concessions £14, Children (12-16) £5.00, with Children under 12 FREE.
The event will get underway at 7pm with the parade of the competitors, before the sixteen riders get down to the important business of the twenty heats that will settle the 2015 National League Riders’ Championship.
The full draw is:
1. Kyle Hughes (Rye House), 2. Liam Carr (Buxton), 3. Danny Halsey (Mildenhall), 4. Ben Morley (Kent), 5. Adam Ellis (Birmingham), 6. Lee Payne (Stoke), 7. Max Clegg (Cradley), 8. Zach Wajtknecht (Birmingham), 9. Connor Mountain (Mildenhall), 10. Darryl Ritchings (Coventry), 11. Tom Stokes (King’s Lynn), 12. Danny Ayres (Kent), 13. Rob Branford (Rye House), 14. Bradley Wilson-Dean (Eastbourne), 15. Marc Owen (Eastbourne), 16. Jon Armstrong (Stoke). Reserves: Alfie Bowtell and George Hunter.
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Post by Administrator on Sept 18, 2015 5:51:10 GMT
Where Raiders Dare The Restart Raiders will be aiming to maintain their remarkable rags-to-riches story when they meet Eastbourne home and away in the Gold Cup Semi-Finals this weekend. The opening leg is at Rye House tomorrow evening (7pm), with the return scheduled for Sussex the following afternoon. Seemingly rooted at the foot of the City Gearboxes National League table earlier in the season, the Raiders have instead risen through the ranks to pitch in at fourth place at the cut-off point for this competition, and now have the opportunity to reach their second 2015 Final after already clinching a National Trophy place against the same opposition in just a fortnight’ time. The Eagles, for their part, have followed up their own Trophy exploits by claiming second spot in the League and reaching the Knock-Out Cup Final, but their lofty status holds no fears for the Raiders, as team manager John Sampford emphasises. “Eastbourne have had a great season, but we’re more than ready for the challenge. “The boys have worked really hard to get to this stage, and they’ve turned more than a few heads in the process. They’ve always believed in themselves, and they’ve really grown in the second half of the year as the younger talent has come through. “They’ve beaten Birmingham and Cradley here in the League, and the Eagles in the Trophy, so there’s already so much to build on. Now it’s all about the next thirty heats, and keeping that momentum going.” Rye House team: Alfie Bowtell, Rob Branford, Kyle Hughes, George Hunter, Luke Chessell, Luke Priest, Sam Woods Eastbourne team: Richard Andrews, Kelsey Dugard, Ben Hopwood, Marc Owen, Daniel Spiller, Bradley Wilson-Dean, George Woods Young Lions Hit Town Britain has got young talent, and there will be plenty of it on show at Rye House on Sunday, with the staging of the Round 5 of the 6 round Mitas British Youth Championship at 5pm.
The national U-16 event, which started life back in 2004 as a single class (500cc) series for U-15s has also evolved into a four tier event, with a 250cc class, plus 150cc and 125cc support classes, now sitting alongside the original 500cc as a natural progression path.
All four classes will run on Sunday, and with the series now truly at its business end, there will be plenty on the line at Rye House as no less than 40 Young Lions compete in 40 qualifying races across the four classes. With a Final then following for each, it makes for a hefty agenda of 44 races. However, the programme is set to run at a terrific pace, with the action coming fast and furious in what is typically a three hour show. The 500cc Champion is likely to be crowned at Hoddesdon on Sunday. Jack Parkinson-Blackburn has been the clear winner of the first four rounds of the series, with a maximum score of 72 points to date. A third place finish for the 15 year old on Sunday will ensure him his first national title to sit alongside his recent Midland Development League crown. The battle for second is much tighter. Jamie Halder (60) and Lewis Whitmore (58) are currently battling it out for the Silver medal, with Jack Thomas (39.5) fourth and former Rye House mascot Macauley Leek (35) locked in a three-way battle for fifth. The 250cc class, meanwhile, is also likely to see a new champion confirmed at Rye House. The class is led by Tom Brennan (68), who has won two of the first four rounds and finished second in the other two. Another runner-up spot on Sunday will guarantee him the title. Kean Dicken is second on 58 points, some 10 ahead of Jordan Jenkins.
The two support classes of 150cc and 125cc have both maintained a strong attendance in 2015, and Sunday will be no different. Already crowned British 125cc Champion Joe Thompson will be out to continue his success in that category, although twin brother Dan will want to have something to say about that. The class also includes 11 year old Taya Thirtle, who is the series’ only female Young Lion.
All in all, it is sure to be a very exciting afternoon of British Youth Speedway. Admission prices are just £5 for adults, with children admitted FREE.
British Youth boss Neil Vatcher would like to publicly thank series sponsors Mitas Tyres, Wessex Marine, Friends of Speedway, PBHS of Barnsley, Nuneaton Speedway Supporters Club, Duck Smart and Trend Creative, with additional thanks to the BSPA for its continued support.
500cc standings:
Jack Parkinson 72, Jamie Halder 60, Lewis Whitmore 58, Jack Thomas 39.5, Macauley Leek 35, William O’Keefe 35, Keiron Douglas 35, Mitchell Beckett 30, Stephen Whitehouse 27.5, Luke McKenna 18, Sam Wooley 17, Sam Chapman 16, Sam Wright 11, , Saul Bulley 10, Kyle Roberts 7
250cc standings:
Tom Brennan 68, Kean Dicken 58, Jordan Jenkins 48, Kyle Bickley 41, Anders Rowe 41, Ben Woodhull 30, Luke Woodhull 27.5, Chad Wirtzfield 23.5, Leon Flint 16, Charlie Brooks 10, Sam Bebee 10, Daniel Gilkes 8, Alex Spooner 6
Each rider in each of these two classes must drop one round of the six from his final points total.
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Post by Administrator on Sept 19, 2015 21:27:47 GMT
Saturday September 19, 2015;
GOLD CUP S/F 1st leg RYE HOUSE 47: Robert Branford 15, Kyle Hughes 12+2, Luke Priest 7+1, Luke Chessell 6, Alfie Bowtell 4, George Hunter 3, Sam Woods 0. EASTBOURNE 42: Ben Hopwood 10, Georgie Wood 9+1, Daniel Spiller 8, Richard Andrews 6+1, Marc Owen 5+2, Bradley Wilson-Dean 3, Kelsey Dugard 1+1.
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Post by Administrator on Sept 20, 2015 7:38:19 GMT
5 Star Branford Gives Raiders Lead A storming 15 point maximum from Rob Branford helped the Restart Raiders establish a 47-42 advantage to take to Eastbourne from the first leg of the clubs’ Gold Cup Semi-Final at Rye House. The 2013 British U-21 Champion was in unstoppable form as he reeled off five straight wins to lead the Raiders home, with his key support coming from Kyle Hughes – who dropped just one point - and Luke Priest. There were also race wins for Luke Chessell and George Hunter. 21 year old Branford said afterwards, “I’m really happy with tonight. You know that when you race Eastbourne you’re always in for a big evening. I’ve been racing a fair amount, and that certainly helped me, but you can’t ask for more than 15 points.” Of this afternoon’s second leg: “It’s always tough going to Eastbourne. Last time we were there (in the City Gearboxes National League), we really struggled in the first half, before we pulled back some points, and they are a good team with a home track advantage – but it’s also a good track for me and I hope I can get the points to give us a good shot. “The Raiders have been a great team to race for this year, and there has been a superb team spirit. We all love riding, so to get into the Gold Cup gives us more meetings. Hopefully we can earn two more.” Finally, regarding the forthcoming NLRC at Rye House (Sept 26th): “I’m really pumped up for it. Every meeting I go to I want to win every race, and I will treat it as just another meeting. I rode a different bike tonight, and I was really pleased with it, so I may use it for the NLRC. It would be great to win something for the Raiders this year.” Branford may have finished by talking about the future, but in the immediate past he had played a full part in a match that was just as good as the previous two thrillers at Rye House between these sides this season. The drama began as early as Heat 1 – won appropriately by Branford – as visiting No.1 Bradley Wilson-Dean was excluded after locking up on the fourth bend and leaving the oncoming Alfie Bowtell unable to take evasive action. A 4-2 from the re-run was followed by a similar score from a Heat 3 that was taken by Luke Priest, as Luke Chessell buzzed all around Marc Owen’s rear wheel before sneaking past his rival for third spot right on the line. That put the Raiders 11-7 ahead, only for the Eagles to hit back in the next race – and then take the lead after a scintillating Heat 5 that saw Chessell pushing Wilson-Dean at the front of the pack only for George Wood to somehow find a way past him for second spot off the final bend to clinch a visiting 5-1. Wood also featured heavily in an absorbing Heat 8, producing a dramatic last bend swoop past Bowtell to claim the victory. With Eastbourne now leading 31-29, the visitors will point to Heat 11 as pivotal from their perspective. That was the race that cost them the services of Wilson-Dean, who lifted coming out of the second bend, caught the safety fence, and was thrown over the top of his bike some ten metres down the former greyhound circuit that surrounds the track. Amazingly, the rider escaped a frightening moment with no more than broken fingers, but could play no further part in the proceedings. Kyle Hughes led home George Wood for a 3-2 in the re-run – Sam Woods had earlier been excluded after falling under heavy pressure from Wilson-Dean – and then produced maximum points, via Branford and Hughes in Heats 13 and 15, to ensure the Raiders a 5 point winning margin. The two teams meet again at Arlington today, with Ben Morley already named as guest cover for Wilson-Dean. Regardless of the outcome, they will also meet again in a fortnight’s time in the National Trophy Final, with the Raiders hosting the first leg on Saturday, October 3rd, and the Eagles the second the next day. We can’t wait! Rye House scorers: Robert Branford 15 (5 rides, maximum) , Kyle Hughes 12+2 (5), Luke Priest 7+1 (4), Luke Chessell 6 (4), Alfie Bowtell 4 (4), George Hunter 3 (4), Sam Woods 0 (4)
Eastbourne scorers: Ben Hopwood 10 (5 rides), Georgie Wood 9+1 (4), Daniel Spiller 8 (4), Richard Andrews 6+1 (5), Marc Owen 5+2 (5), Bradley Wilson-Dean 3 (3), Kelsey Dugard 1+1 (4)
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Post by Administrator on Sept 20, 2015 21:37:16 GMT
Sunday September 20, 2015:
GOLD CUP SEMI-FINAL 2nd leg EASTBOURNE 58: Ben Morley 12, Marc Owen 11+2, Daniel Spiller 11+1, Georgie Wood 8+1, Richard Andrews 7+2, Ben Hopwood 5, Kelsey Dugard 4+1. RYE HOUSE 31: Kyle Hughes 10, Luke Chessell 7, George Hunter 6+1, Robert Branford 5, Luke Priest 3, Alfie Bowtell 0, Sam Woods 0. Eastbourne win 100-78 on aggregate.
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Post by Administrator on Sept 20, 2015 22:12:38 GMT
Raiders Fall Out of Gold Cup The Restart Raiders tumbled out of the Gold Cup as they went down 58-31 at Eastbourne, losing their Semi-Final tie 100-78 on aggregate. And “tumbled” was the operative word, as the Raiders were hit by a relentless string of falls. Perhaps the most telling came in the double whammy that was Heat 5. Kyle Hughes and George Hunter had just maxed out against Richard Andrews and Ben Hopwood to bring Rye back into contention at 14-10, but this race brought a rather different outcome. Rob Branford was the first to exit, going down while chasing Daniel Spiller. Partner Alfie Bowtell then followed up by falling in the re-run, leaving the Eagles to collect the 5-0 that pushed the score to 19-10 and left the Raiders with what proved to be an uphill struggle for the rest of the afternoon. Matters got little better for Branford, who was fined, alongside George Wood, by the referee following an altercation with the Eastbourne rider after Heat 8. Alfie Bowtell had collided with Wood after the chequered flag, an action which Wood perceived as deliberate and responded to by pulling Bowtell’s cut-out, which in turn led to Branford’s intervention. For their troubles, the Raiders also lost Sam Woods with concussion after his second crash of the day in Heat 6. The one bright spot came in Kyle Hughes, who picked up a couple of race wins in his 10 point contribution, with Luke Chessell and Branford also taking a chequered flag apiece. Rye House team manager John Sampford summarised the match afterwards. “This was the biggest defeat of our three matches in Sussex, and I think it’s fair to say that the boys were trying TOO hard. You can’t fault their efforts – they desperately wanted the aggregate win - but they were making unforced errors. We suffered no less than SEVEN “fell-excludeds”, and that statistic says plenty. “At least we’ve still got one more bite at the cherry, in the National Trophy Final, in a fortnight’s time. We still have the belief we can do something there. It’s up to us to build a bigger lead from our home leg and then to fix the problems we’ve identified today.” Rye House scorers: Kyle Hughes 10, Luke Chessell 7, George Hunter 6+1, Robert Branford 5, Luke Priest 3, Alfie Bowtell 0, Sam Woods 0 Eastbourne scorers: Ben Morley (guest) 12, Marc Owen 11+2, Daniel Spiller 11+1, Georgie Wood 8+1, Richard Andrews 7+2, Ben Hopwood 5, Kelsey Dugard 4+1 Parkinson-Blackburn, Brennan Win Titles at Rye House Two national champions were crowned at Rye House as Jack Parkinson-Blackburn and Tom Brennan clinched the 500cc and 250cc classes, respectively, in the fifth round of the Mitas British Youth Championships. Parkinson-Blackburn became the first rider to win five successive rounds in taking the 500cc title to add to the Midland Development League Riders’ crown that he captured last month. Having won his four programmed rides – one in a very impressive time of 60.3 secs - he was tucked in tightly behind Jack Thomas in the Final when the latter got into trouble on the second bend and forced him to put his bike down. The 15 year old made no mistake in the re-run, keeping Jamie Halder – who had had to switch bikes just ahead of the race – at bay, with William O’Keefe third. 14 year old Brennan, meanwhile, added the 250cc championship to a cabinet that already boasts the 150cc and 125cc trophies. He went through the card for his third round success of the series; his other two appearances have seen him place an equally creditable second. 2014 World 125cc titlist Kyle Bickley came in behind Brennan here, with Jordan Jenkins third. Nathan Ablitt captured the 150cc support class event, inflicting Jason Edwards’ only defeat of the day when it mattered most, with Taylor Hampshire third across the line in the Final. The 125cc Final was dominated by the Thompson twins, with the unbeaten Dan heading home fellow 11 year old Joe, and Mickie Simpson taking third. Young Lions manager Neil Vatcher said afterwards, “A big vote of thanks to Rye House for re-arranging this fixture after the first date was washed away in July. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day this time around, and the riders also deserve credit for cracking through the 39 races in a little over two and a half hours. There was some good racing in all four classes, and every one of the 33 Young Lions out there once again gave 100%. “Particular congratulations, of course, to Tom (Brennan) and Jack (Parkinson-Blackburn). Tom had already won the 125cc and 150cc titles, so he’s completed a hat-trick with the 250cc championship today. Next year, it’s on to the 500cc class for him. “And what can you say about Jack? He’s picked up maximum points from his first five rounds, and no one has ever done that before. It’s a really great achievement.” 500cc scorers: Jack Parkinson-Blackburn 12, Jack Thomas 11, Jamie Halder 9, William O’Keefe 7, Lewis Whitmore 7, Lewis Miller 5, Sam Chapman 1, Sam Woolley, Mitchell Beckett 1 Final: Parkinson-Blackburn, Halder, O’Keefe, Thomas (fex) 250cc scorers: Tom Brennan 12, Kyle Bickley 11, Jordan Jenkins 7, Charlie Brooks 7, Kean Dicken 2, Alex Spooner 2, Sam Beebe 1
Final: Brennan, Bickley, Jenkins, Brooks 150cc Support Class scorers: Jason Edwards 12, Nathan Ablitt 11, Taylor Hampshire 7, Sam Hagon 6, Sam Stead 5, Kieron McCoy 5, Mason O’Rourke 4, Jacob Clayton 2, James Laker 1 Final: Ablitt, Edwards, Hampshire, Hagon 125cc Support Class scorers: Dan Thompson 12, Joe Thompson 10, Bailey Fellows 8, Mickie Simpson 7, Danny Curl 7, Alex Goldsborough 6, Taya Thirtle 4, Jay Farish 2 Final: Dan Thompson, Joe Thompson, Simpson, Fellows (fell)
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Post by Administrator on Sept 24, 2015 15:08:59 GMT
NLRC Preview Sponsored by Paradise Wildlife Park, the 2015 National League Riders’ Championship at Rye House is now just two days away. The Big Night is set for Hoddesdon this Saturday, with a 7pm start. Here, Rye House team manager John Sampford – who has been involved at this level nearly continuously since 2000 with the Rockets, Raiders, Cobras and Hawks – casts his eyes over the field and pins his colours to the mast by naming his personal shortlist for the gold. “Adam Ellis stands a great chance. If you include his bonus points, he’s averaged over 10 both home and away for Birmingham this year, and that’s been a key reason the Brummies have won both the League and the Fours. He’s also a consistent trapper, and he has already had important Premier League experience from his two years with Ipswich. “You can’t rule out Ben Morley, who has plenty of experience and knowledge of the Rye House track. Ben has had a really good year with Kent - in his case, he’s not been too far shy of the 10 point mark - and he’s won the Pairs. He also finished third in this event a year ago, so he would love nothing more than to go a couple of places better this time. “Max Clegg has been a real quality act in this league. Again if you include his bonus points, he’s been a 10 point star for Cradley, as well as learned from his Premier League rides with Edinburgh. He only missed out on the British U-19 title by one spot a couple of weeks ago, so like Ben he’ll be gunning to edge things up that extra level. I’m sure he’ll also get a big boost from the Heathens fans that will no doubt be there to support him.” And the two Restart Raiders that will be part of The Big Show? “Rob Branford has had a terrific year. His record speaks for itself as an out-and-out No.1, and he’s dropped just two points during his last four matches at Rye House. “Kyle Hughes hasn’t been far behind him, dropping just two points in his last three home matches, and he’s scored two maximums in the last five, so that shows you the momentum that he is carrying. Kyle won’t want reminding about the broken chain that denied him this championship in 2009. He’ll be focused instead on the here and now of 2015.” “Of the possible dark horses, the one that stands out to me is Danny Ayres, who has enjoyed a real breakthrough year – and not just because of winning the Pairs - although you know that Danny Halsey won’t let go of his title without a fight. “But they are all there on merit, and they are all capable of being spoilers at the very least.” The full revised draw is:
1. Kyle Hughes (Rye House), 2. Liam Carr (Buxton), 3. Danny Halsey (Mildenhall), 4. Ben Morley (Kent), 5. Adam Ellis (Birmingham), 6. Lee Payne (Stoke), 7. Max Clegg (Cradley), 8. Zach Wajtknecht (Birmingham), 9. Connor Mountain (Mildenhall), 10. Darryl Ritchings (Coventry), 11. Tom Stokes (King’s Lynn), 12. Danny Ayres (Kent), 13. Rob Branford (Rye House), 14. Ryan Blacklock (Buxton), 15. Marc Owen (Eastbourne), 16. Jon Armstrong (Stoke). Reserves: Alfie Bowtell and George Hunter. Admission prices for the NLRC are: Adults £16, Concessions £14, Children (12-16) £5.00, with Children under 12 FREE. As mentioned above, Saturday’s meeting is kindly sponsored by Paradise Wildlife Park in nearby Broxbourne. Paradise Park is operated by former rider Pete Sampson and is the home of the National Speedway Museum. For further details on both, just check out www.pwpark.com and www.national-speedway-museum.
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Post by Administrator on Sept 26, 2015 21:31:56 GMT
Saturday, September 26, 2015:
NATIONAL LEAGUE RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP, Rye House Ben Morley 15, Danny Ayres 12 (after run-off), Robert Branford 12, Adam Ellis 11, Kyle Hughes 11, Liam Carr 10, Ryan Blacklock 10, Tom Stokes 8, Danny Halsey 7, Zach Wajtknecht 7, Marc Owen 6, Rob Shuttleworth 5, Jon Armstrong 3, Connor Mountain 2, Lee Payne 1, Ryan Kinsley 0, Alfie Bowtell (res) 0.
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Post by Administrator on Sept 27, 2015 7:03:39 GMT
Morley Wins NLRC National League Riders’ Championship (sponsored by Paradise Wildlife Park) 1st Ben Morley (Kent) 15 2nd Danny Ayres (Kent) 12 (after a run-off) 3rd Rob Branford (Rye House) 12 Kent King Ben Morley enjoyed the perfect night, as his 15 point maximum netted him the 2015 National League Riders’ Championship (sponsored by Paradise Wildlife Park) at Rye House. Third in this event a year ago, the former Rockets and Raiders man went two places better this time around cap off a powerful season that had already seen the 21 year old rack up a near 10 point average and capture the league’s Best Pairs title. Morley’s success ultimately came down to a riveting Heat 20 that brought him head to head against his main adversary Adam Ellis. One point behind him, the Birmingham star needed to win that final programmed race ahead of Morley to force a run-off for the title, but after pushing the King all the way came to grief on the very last bend. Morley went back to check on his rival after the race before sportingly giving him a lift back to the pits where his own celebration bumps awaited him and the celebrations really began. Morley’s personal buzz was clearly in evidence when he received the Championship trophy. “There are no words to explain how I feel right now. To finally end up on top is a great feeling. Being with Danny (Ayres) in the Pairs was great, but what a way to finish off the year winning this!” About that Heat 20: “It was probably the harden race I’ve ever ridden. I was just trying to stay in front of Adam. He pushed me all the way, and it’s a shame it ended the way it did. “Big thanks to everyone at Kent. They brought a coach here to support Danny and myself, and I really appreciate it all. Also my dad and mum, and everyone that’s in the background; there are so many that support me up and down the country, so thank you all.” Adam Ellis’ personal misfortune, meanwhile, proved a double whammy. Not only did the 19 year old see his championship dreams disappear in that final race but his fall saw also tumble off a podium spot to leave Danny Ayres and Rob Branford to race off for the silver position. Ayres took that decider to make it a Kent 1-2 on the night after Branford made a mistake on the second lap to allow him through and then fell in the same spot a lap later. The Kings star had himself had to rebound after the disappointment of being in with a shout of the championship until being pegged back into third place in Heat 19. Like Morley, he was clearly buzzing after the meeting. “What can I say? I knew I could do it if I pulled it all together, but I have struggled with the individuals; they just haven’t come together for me. But it obviously has tonight. I felt a bit of a bad one when I came third, but then to still get the run-off was amazing. I can’t believe that I’m here on the rostrum. “I want to thank my crew and so many others. I won’t mention any names – they know who they are – but without them I wouldn’t be on the road that I am right now. Also my dad, my beautiful girlfriend and all the Kent boys, and everyone here tonight. I’m simply over the moon. Thank you!” The run-off result left Rye House star Rob Branford in third place overall – not a bad place to be after the Raiders’ No.1 had gotten out of jail after falling in his opener but then getting a second bite at the cherry when re-mounting just before the red stoppage lights came on due to Jon Armstrong’s fall. The 2013 British U-21 Champion won the re-run, but managed to post only one other victory en route to his 12 point haul – and that was to prove critical in the end analysis. Branford said afterwards, “I’m pretty disappointed with tonight. I didn’t come here for third place, but at the end of the day it’s better than fourth, isn’t it? I’m glad that one of the Rye House boys could get up here (on the rostrum). I just want to say a massive thank-you to everyone at Rye House, who have been great to me this year. I didn’t expect so much when I came to this club; they’ve looked after me well and I’ve really enjoyed my season.” Fellow Restart Raider Kyle Hughes finished just adrift of a rostrum spot with 11 points, one ahead of Buxton’s Liam Carr and Ryan Blacklock. Their own battling displays epitomised the tone of a meeting, which produced some terrific racing. As Rye House co-promoter Len Silver said to the crowd afterwards, “There’s no question in my mind that it’s the best NLRC that we’ve ever seen on this track. My congratulations go to every single rider. They’ve left me absolutely breathless this evening.” It was certainly a night to remember. And definitely one that Ben Morley will never forget. Rider scores: Ben Morley 15, Danny Ayres 12 (after run-off), Rob Branford 12, Adam Ellis 11, Kyle Howarth 11, Liam Carr 10, Ryan Blacklock 10, Tom Stokes 8, Danny Halsey 7, Zach Wajtknecht 7, Marc Owen 6, Rob Shuttleworth 5, Jon Armstrong 3, Connor Mountain 2, Lee Payne 1, Ryan Kinsley 0. Reserves: Alfie Bowtell 0, George Hunter dnr.
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Post by Administrator on Oct 1, 2015 21:24:37 GMT
Raiders Go for Gold! It’s all about having a flair the gold this weekend, as the Restart Raiders go head to head with arch-rivals Eastbourne in the National Trophy Final. The biggest two days in the Raiders’ 2015 season will see the Hoddesdon side host the first leg at Rye House on Saturday night (7pm) in what is their final home match of the year, and the Eagles return the favour in Sussex the following afternoon (2pm). With Rob Branford committed to Premier League level action on both dates, Rye will have newly appointed Premier League Riders’ Champion Ben Morley installed as their No.1 guest for the two legs of the tie, while Danyon Hume returns from a broken wrist in place of Sam Woods to resume his role as the Raiders’ unofficial “Mr Excitement”. Bradley Wilson-Dean, meanwhile, is set to return from the hand injury he sustained in his horror crash at Hoddesdon a fortnight ago to lead the Eagles’ charge. Eastbourne ultimately eased past the Raiders on aggregate that weekend to book their place in the Gold Cup Final, but Rye House team manager John Sampford is determined to keep his side focussed on the future rather than on the past as they aim to aim to lift their first team trophy since the Fours Championship of 2003. “We’re going into this tie full of confidence. Ben Morley is without doubt the next best thing to having Rob Branford. He’s on an absolute high at the moment, and he knows both our track and Eastbourne’s very well. “While we’re sorry that Sam Woods has to make way, we’re also delighted to welcome Danyon (Hume) back at a decisive moment. He has already turned so many heads with his efforts, and although he often leaves you with your heart in your mouth, there is no doubting that he is always a 100% trier. “All three of the youngest riders have done well this year. In addition to Danyon, Alfie Bowtell and George Hunter have grown lap by lap and race by race. They are all in good stead to come on leaps and bounds next season. “And they – and the rest of the boys - would love nothing more than to finish this year in the best possible way.”
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Post by Administrator on Oct 4, 2015 6:09:22 GMT
Raiders’ Wings Clipped in Final The Restart Raiders face a major uphill climb in tomorrow’s return match in Sussex after finishing on the wrong end of a 48-41 defeat in the first leg of their National Trophy Final against Eastbourne. The Raiders were left playing major catch-up from the moment that George Hunter fell while second, just as Kyle Hughes was experiencing mechanical problems when third, in Heat 4. With Hunter down, the referee was left with no option but to hit the stoppage lights, and with Hughes not under power, hand the Eagles the awarded 5-0 that lifted them clear at 15-8. A similar catastrophe was to follow in Heat 8, with Hunter falling when holding third spot and Alfie Bowtell grinding to a halt while second, as a potential 3-3 evaporated into another 5-1 against. That built the Eagles’ cushion to 29-18, with a final whammy coming two races later when Bowtell’s tumble cost Rye another possible race point. There were a number of positives, however, not the least of which was Hunter’s victory over Marc Owen in Heat 12. The 20 year old had earlier gained a paid race win alongside Danyon Hume, who was making his racing comeback after a six week absence with a broken wrist. Lukes Priest and Chessell also achieved a 5-1 over Ben Hopwood in a Heat 9 that was re-run after Kelsey Dugard’s tumble at the back ended an intriguing duel between the three. The race of the night undoubtedly came in Heat 13, which saw Eagles standard bearer Bradley Wilson-Dean stalk Kyle Hughes for the full four laps, prior to cutting inside his adversary off the final bend to take the chequered flag. The New Zealander’s maximum hopes were ended, however, in the finale, which was led from tapes to flag by Hughes, with Wilson-Dean falling in a last-gasp attempt on the final lap to provide Hughes guest Ben Morley with a 5-1 and close the gap to 7 points. With five different race winners (and six Eagles paid for victories in total), plus a powerful proven home record, Eastbourne will start as firm favourites to lift the trophy when the two sides meet again in the second leg tomorrow afternoon (2pm start). The two Lukes, Chessell and Priest took to the mike after the match to thank the fans for their season-long support, with the latter adding that “We’ve worked hard all year, and it’s a big disappointment that things came apart tonight. “We’re realistic to know that the second leg at Arlington is going to be really tough, but we will go there to score as many points as we can. “It’s been a really enjoyable season, though, and it been so good to see the young lads – Alfie (Bowtell), Danyon (Hume) and George (Hunter) progress the way they have.” Interviewed separately afterwards, the last of that trio, George Hunter, felt that despite what proved to be three personal falls, “It’s been a good evening for me, especially with my victory over Marc Owen.” The 20 year old has waited patiently for his late season run in the side, which came when Danyon Hume was ruled out with injury, but still felt he has gained much from that wait. “Speedway is new to me after competing in motocross, and I learned a lot watching the others in terms of lines and positioning. That also made me hungrier for it: it got me pumped up for when I got that chance, so it’s been a real benefit.” Rye House scorers: Ben Morley (guest) 11+2 (5 rides), Kyle Hughes 9 (5), Luke Priest 7 (4), George Hunter 6+1 (5), Luke Chessell 4+2 (4), Danyon Hume 3 (3), Alfie Bowtell 1 (4)
Eastbourne scorers: Bradley Wilson-Dean 12 (5 rides), Marc Owen 11 (5), Daniel Spiller 7+2 (4), Richard Andrews 7+2 (5), Ben Hopwood 6 (4), Georgie Wood 4+1 (4), Kelsey Dugard 1 (3)
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Post by Administrator on Oct 4, 2015 22:43:44 GMT
Four and Out The Restart Raiders’ fourth visit to Eastbourne this season went the same way as the preceding three, as the Eagles completed a straightforward and comfortable 59-31 victory to wrap up the National Trophy Final 107-72 on aggregate. The Raiders were able to muster just two race victories all afternoon, courtesy of Kyle Hughes and Luke Priest, as No.1 guest Ben Morley struggled manfully through the meeting despite clear discomfort after hitting the air fence at speed following an intense first bend collision involving all four riders in Heat 1. Rye House team manager John Sampford admitted afterwards that “Any chance we had of success in the Final really went out of the window last night when we lost at home by seven in the first leg. We self-imploded in many ways because of all the falls that cost us points when we were in scoring positions. In a sense, maybe the lads tried too hard once again, although you couldn’t fault them for effort. “Today was always going to be a very difficult task, especially after Ben (Morley) went full force into the air fence at a right angle in Heat 1. He bravely carried on, but the heavy knock he’d taken clearly lessened his effectiveness and he was a pale shadow of his normal self. “To be honest, the Eagles were just that little bit quicker than us out of the gate today, and that made all the difference. Congratulations to them on their success; they’ve put together a fine team that has finished second in the League this year, and we wish them all the best for their other two Cup finals.” Rye House scorers: Kyle Hughes 8, Luke Priest 6+1, Luke Chessell 6+1, Ben Morley (guest) 6, George Hunter 2+1, Danyon Hume 2, Alfie Bowtell 1+1 Eastbourne scorers: Bradley Wilson-Dean 14, Ben Hopwood 10+2, Richard Andrews 10+2, Marc Owen 9, Georgie Wood 8+2, Daniel Spiller 7+1, Kelsey
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Post by Administrator on Oct 13, 2015 10:49:11 GMT
Preview: Raiders at Potters The Restart Raiders close out their City Gearboxes National League programme this Saturday with a trip north to Stoke, with a 3pm, afternoon, start. A win at Loomer Road would guarantee the Raiders fifth position in the final league table - and they could mathematically still nab fourth spot - while the Potters also need the victory, in their case to lift themselves away from the wooden spoon position at the expense of Kent. The Hertfordshire side will have to juggle their resources for this final fixture, as team manager John Sampford explains. “We will be missing Rob Branford, who is riding in the Premier League Play-Off Final that night, but we’ve once again got the services of Ben Morley as a No.1 guest. Ben dropped just two points in five rides when he visited Stoke with Kent, and he will naturally need very little incentive to help us get a positive result against the Potters. “Both Luke Chessell and Danyon Hume will unfortunately also be absent due to pre-booked holidays. We will operate Rider-Replacement for Luke, with Sam Woods coming back into the side to replace Danyon. “So, yes, it’s a rejigged team for Saturday. But we have already won at Stoke in the Knock-Out Cup, and the boys will be gunning for a repeat performance so that we sign off the season on a high.” Rye House team: Alfie Bowtell, Luke Chessell R/R, Kyle Hughes, George Hunter, Ben Morley (guest), Luke Priest (captain), Sam Woods
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Post by Administrator on Oct 17, 2015 8:54:57 GMT
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