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Post by Administrator on Sept 13, 2016 6:48:43 GMT
AWAY POINT MARRED BY CAM INJURY The BMR Rockets lifted themselves off the foot of the Premier League table with a battling performance at Peterborough on Monday night. The away match point they secured in a narrow 46-43 defeat was surely the least that the Rockets deserved from the fixture – but their reward came at a hefty price as Cameron Heeps suffered suspected concussion and muscle damage to his right leg in a nasty Heat 15 incident. Heeps’ racing partner Stuart Robson lifted and fell on the third bend of the deciding race, and although the Aussie was able to very quickly lay his bike down he still hit the air fence at some considerable speed. At that point, the Rockets were clinging to a 42-41 advantage, and following Robson’s exclusion and Heeps’ injury nominated Rob Branford as their remaining representative in the re-run. The Adelaide-born racer duly threw everything at Kenneth Bjerre and Ulrich Ostergaard but was unable to find a way past either as the Panthers escaped with the 5-1 that gave them overall victory. It was rough justice on a Rye House team that had given its all in a real seesaw battle. Yes, it had a slice of fortune when “race winner” Zdenrek Holub was disqualified from Heat 2 for losing his chain guard before the tapes-up and handed Branford and Ben Morley a 5-0 after Daniel Halsey had also fallen, but it also showed its mettle when Robson outpaced Lasse Bjerre in Heat 6 and then Heeps resisted tremendous pressure from older brother Kenneth to win Heat 7. A superb 5-1 from Branford and Kasper Lykke in the next stanza gave Rye back the lead, at 25-22, and although successive 4-2s nudged the Panthers in front at 30-29, another visiting maximum in Heat 11 – this time from Branford and Heeps, who rounded 2015 Premier League Riders’ Champion Ulrich Ostergaard on the second lap – put the Rockets on top again at 37-34. Robson and guest Michael Palm Toft then finished between the Bjerre brothers in Heat 13 to maintain the Hertfordshire side’s 3 point advantage, before Leigh Lanham finished just adrift of winner Anders Thomsen and Morley just behind Holub in the penultimate race to take the score to 42-41 heading into the fateful Heat 15. As a sombre Rye House Team Manager Peter Schroeck reflected afterwards, “It was a big price to pay for our match point. We were looking to win the meeting, but now the most important thing is that Cameron is going to be well again. It looks like there’s nothing broken, but he’s badly bruised. They are going to take him to hospital now for x-rays just to make sure, but you know when something is broken in your body, and he feels OK in that regards although his head is worse. “He deserved a lot better. Tonight he was absolutely awesome – which is why I put him in Heat 15. “On that front we are really gutted, because we showed so much spirit. I said right from the off that we had come here to give it a go – and that’s what we did all night. All the boys from one to seven did their bit in a great effort.” The Rockets are back on track again tomorrow night in a rare Tuesday night home outing (7.30 start) as they entertain newly crowned Premier League Riders’ Champion Simon Stead and the play-off chasing Sheffield Tigers. 2011 PLRC winner Sam Masters will guest for knee injury victim Edward Kennett, with Rider-Replacement set to operate for Heeps. Says Schroeck of that match: “It is what it is in terms of our injuries, but we are going to deal with it. We will still have six riders left who know their way around Rye House, and they will all do it for Cameron. They will all get stuck in and hopefully repay him for everything he’s put in tonight here at Peterborough.” BMR Rockets: Robert Branford 11 (5 rides), Stuart Robson 9 (5), Cameron Heeps 6+1 (5), Michael Palm Toft (guest) 6+1 (4), Leigh Lanham 5 (4), Ben Morley 3+2 (4), Kasper Lykke 3+1 (4) Peterborough: Kenneth Bjerre 14 (5 rides), Ulrich Ostergaard 12+1 (5), Anders Thomsen 8+2 (4), Lasse Bjerre (guest) 8 (4), Richard Hall 3 (4), Zdenek Holub 1 (5), Daniel Halsey 0 (3) Match Points: Peterborough 3 Rye House 1
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Post by Administrator on Sept 14, 2016 9:14:57 GMT
ROCKETS WEAR DOWN STEEL CITY It was a case of “Heat Winners Not Necessary” as the BMR Rockets outlasted a spirited Sheffield outfit 51-41 in a Premier League match vital to both sides at Rye House on Tuesday night. The Rockets managed just six successes across the fifteen races, but four of them produced 5-1s, and with all six of their riders achieving at least one paid win always had too much firepower for a Tigers side reduced to just five members after Heat 5. That pivotal moment came when No.1 Simon Stead went out of shape while on a 5-1 with partner Dimitri Berge, causing the Frenchman to fall but also ruling himself out of the remainder of play as his steel shoe pinched his left foot from both sides, causing it to swell and bringing medical advice to go to hospital for further x-rays. The Rockets’ advantage after that race was a slender 16-14, but with the Tigers’ firepower now effectively reduced to Berge and Kyle Howarth, pulled clear and took a decisive lead of 32-22 when Ben Morley and Leigh Lanham romped home for the 5-1 in Heat 9. That race provided the match’s other main talking point as Sheffield reserve Arthur Sissis was disqualified for twice exceeding the two minute allowance. The Tigers argued in vain that they had been unaware in the pits of the original warnings, but the Rockets certainly listed as they ultimately gained the max-out. With guest Sam Masters – in for side-lined No.1 Edward Kennett – then posting a victory over the Tactically nominated Howarth in the next race - the Rockets were pretty much home and dry with five races to spare, although it wasn’t until Stuart Robson took Heat 15 that they finally blanked their opponents’ quest for a consolation away match point. The result lifted them another two rungs up the League table, where they now stand tenth, while Sheffield remain just outside the play-off spots, at seventh in the table, with one fixture, at home to Scunthorpe on Thursday, to come. Stand-in captain Robson was responsible for two Rye’s race wins in a top-scoring 10+2. Talking afterwards, he reaffirmed that, “We really needed this win to drag ourselves from the foot of the table and start to climb up it. “It’s a terrible shame, though, that they lost Simon Stead. I didn’t see what happened but I saw his foot afterwards and he was really uncomfortable. I hope he is OK and back on a bike soon. “Sheffield pushed us the whole way, though, even with their lack of riders. They were still good. “I was struggling initially tonight. It was just something right at the start of the night that I couldn’t put my finger on to begin with. It was so humid tonight and there wasn’t a drop of breeze at all I think that that made the engines work differently, and was why I was struggling most at the start. “It took me a couple of races, and then in my third ride I looked up for the green light, it was on and before I even looked back the tapes had gone up so I got caught out there and struggled again in that one. “But I made a couple of changes, and they worked, which was the main thing that worked well for me. “The track was fairly different tonight as well. (Curator) Gerald (Richter) did what we asked at the start and put more water on, which was exactly what we wanted and it was great. It was a little bit greasy to start with, but it didn’t get dusty and the moisture stayed in the track. It really suited all of us, and there was still a bit of a dirt line around the outside by the end which worked well.“ Thursday takes the Rockets to Robson’s former club Redcar for their final away match in the Premier League and therefore offers them a final chance to bag that elusive first road success in the competition. Says Robson: “We were SO close at Peterborough (last night). We lost it in Heat 15 when I picked up when I hit a really grippy spot. It shot me straight up in the air and I had to lay the bike down, and thank-you so much to the guys behind me for missing me, although Cam (Heeps) ended up in a worse situation. “We were so close to having the away win there, but it’s onwards and upwards to Redcar on Thursday. We HAVE to do it this time because it’s our last chance. It’s another must-win.” BMR Rockets: Stuart Robson 10+2 (5 rides), Sam Masters (guest) 10+1 (4), Ben Morley 10+1 (5), Leigh Lanham 8+1 (5), Rob Branford 7+4 (5), Kasper Lykke 6+2 (6), Cameron Heeps R/R
Sheffield: Kyle Howarth 17+1 (6 rides, inc 4 as a TR), Dimitri Berge 12+1 (6), Josh Bates 4 (5), Arthur Sissis 3 (6), Simon Stead 3 (2), Nathan Greaves 2 (5), Jason Garrity R/R
Match points: Rye House 3 Sheffield 0
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Post by Administrator on Sept 16, 2016 7:18:27 GMT
WE HAVE LIFT-OFF! The BMR Rockets saved their best until last, as they enjoyed their first Premier League away victory of the year in their final opportunity, pushing past Redcar 49-41 in foggy conditions on Teesside. The result reinforced the Rockets’ current standing of tenth out of thirteen in the table, and victory in their final home League match, against Scunthorpe on Monday night (7.30 start) will lift them to a final position of ninth. It proved a sterling evening for former Bears Rob Branford and Stuart Robson, who headed the Rye House charge with paid 15 and 13, respectively. The returning Edward Kennett added a further paid 12, with Kasper Lykke and Leigh Lanham paid for 10 and 8. Ben Morley found it a more difficult night on board a brand new engine, but overall this was a magnificent all-round team performance. The Rockets opened with a 5-1 in the fog from Kennett and Lykke, as the pair left PLRC bronze winner David Bellego and Tobias Busch trailing, and although Redcar had nudged in front 16-14 after Heat 5, two more maximums – both from Robson and Branford – pushed the Rockets into a 29-25 advantage at Heat 9. With Lanham taking Heat 12, and Branford tucked in for third behind Hugh Skidmore, the Rockets headed six points clear, before one last 5-1 – from Kennett and Robson – took them to an unassailable 44-34 advantage with just two races to go. Needless to say, Rye House Team Manager Peter Schroeck was absolutely delighted afterwards. “This has been a wonderful night for the Team. All the boys got stuck in, and although Ben (Morley) struggled a bit with his new engine, the rest of them all did their bit to more than compensate. “Apart from Kasper (Lykke) looping at the gate in Heat 15, we didn’t have any hiccoughs, and we certainly can’t complain about the four match points. “We wanted people to see that where we are at the moment in the League table is not where we deserve to be, and we hope that we’ve achieved that. “All in all, it’s the perfect fillip for Monday’s match at home to Scunthorpe and our forthcoming Knock-Out Cup Semi-Final against Newcastle. “It’s also the best possible way to start the long drive home.” BMR Rockets: Rob Branford 12+3, Stuart Robson 12+1, Edward Kennett 11+1, Kasper Lykke 8+2, Leigh Lanham 6+2, Ben Morley 0, Cameron Heeps R/R Redcar: Hugh Skidmore 15, Lasse Bjerre 10, David Bellego 6, Tobias Busch 5+1, Jye Etheridge 3, Lee Payne 2+1, Jonas B Andersen R/R Match Points: Redcar 0 Rye House 4
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Post by Administrator on Sept 19, 2016 6:19:53 GMT
ROCKETS SUNNY ABOUT SCUNNY Give or take 24 hours after the BMR Raiders have said their home farewells in the Travel Plus National League, the BMR Rockets face their final home Premier League match of the campaign. Tonight’s action starts at 7.30 and sees the Rockets face Scunthorpe. The right result over the Scorpions will see the Hertfordshire side clinch ninth place in the final standings, a proposition that Team Manager Peter Schroeck is keenly aware of. “Nobody was prepared to give us that ninth place a few weeks ago, so we are really chuffed with that opportunity. “It’s a must-win – we want to win at home in our last League match and we want to show the crowd what we are all about both this season and as a lead-in to the future. We’re on a real high at the moment; all the boys are really positive and we are hoping for a good night. “It’s also about building momentum for our forthcoming Cup Semi-Final against Newcastle. The boys are really fired up and have a lot of self-belief, and the aim has to be to get to the Final. It’s as simple as that.” The Rockets are set to operate Rider-Replacement if Cameron Heeps is unable to return from his crash at Peterborough, while for Scunthorpe Thomas Jorgensen covers for Josh Auty and Nathan Stoneman for collarbone victim Josh Bailey. BMR Rockets: Rob Branford, Cameron Heeps or RR, Edward Kennett (captain), Leigh Lanham, Kasper Lykke, Ben Morley, Stuart Robson Scunthorpe: Ryan Douglas, Thomas Jorgensen (guest), Lewis Kerr, Michael Palm Toft, Nathan Stoneman (guest), Fritz Wallner, Carl Wilkinson
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Post by Administrator on Sept 20, 2016 7:00:26 GMT
ROCKETS ACHIEVE NO.9 DREAM The BMR Rockets’ final Premier League match of the campaign hardly had an end-of-season feel to it, with passion, close racing, a tight finish and controversy all in evidence. When it was over, the Rockets had secured a narrow 48-45 victory over a patched-up but determined Scunthorpe outfit to move up one last rung in the table and finish ninth – a situation that seemed unlikely just a few weeks earlier when Rye were staring up at the rest of the League. They took early control of this one, with Ben Morley and Rob Branford combining for a 5-1 in Heat 2, and Morley reappearing to partner Stuart Robson to the same result two races later as the score soared to 17-7. Also in the mix at that stage were an impressive win from Edward Kennett and a powerful victory from Cameron Heeps, who had received clearance to ride less than an hour before the start of the meeting after being side-lined through injury the previous week at Peterborough. The immediate Tactical nomination of Thomas Jorgensen in Heat 5 proved a game changer, however, as the Dane joined Rye House track exponent Michael Palm Toft at the front of the field for the 8-1 that brought the Scorpions right back into contention at 18-15. Reserve guest Josh Bates then inflicted the only defeat of the night on Kennett, and with the two sides exchanging 4-2s, the score progressed to 36-33. At that point Bates and Lewis Kerr grabbed a second visiting maximum – and suddenly the Scorpions were in front at 38-37. The Rockets then suffered another blow when Robson ploughed through the tapes in Heat 13, leaving reserve Rob Branford to deputise in the re-run. The 22 year old certainly filled the void, finishing behind Kennett and Bates – yes, him again – as a 4-2 put Rye back in front. Branford quickly re-emerged to take Heat 14, but with the Scorpions escaping with a 3-3 it all came down to the finale. There the controversy began, as Scunthorpe initially attempted to name Palm Toft as their nomination alongside Jorgensen to face Kennett and Robson. The Dane was, however, not eligible, and after some delay the two minute warning was sounded and ultimately expired on his unknown replacement. It transpired afterwards that Kerr was the alternative nominee but after his non-appearance on-track it was Bates who took the final outing in yellow/black. It mattered not in the end, as Kennett blasted home ahead of Jorgensen and Robson for the 4-2 that gave the match its three point spread – and the Rockets the three match points they needed to leapfrog Berwick in the final League table. Talking afterwards, Kennett summed up what had been a wild and whacky night. “It was really entertaining – close, hard, fair, with highs and lows. It was just one of those meetings – everything was going our way and then they pulled a big one in with the Tactical. It got closer and closer, and then (Team Manager) Peter (Schroeck) came to me and said, “We really need you to do the business in Heats 13 and 15.” I said, “I haven’t let you down yet” and fortunately it all came good. “On a personal level, things were good and the bike was working really well. Obviously, I dropped the one point to Josh (Bates) when he rode a fantastic race and I couldn’t find a way past. It wasn’t so much the speed in that one, but the dirt being really wide on the fence. I had to come in afterwards and change some bits on my bike, and after I did that everything worked really, really well for me. “It was great to see Cam (Heeps) back on track. He had what I think were electric problems at one stage, and he jumped on my bike (for Heat 12) and did his best. “It was nice to finish with a win in the League. Now we have three weeks to psych ourselves up for the Cup Semi-Final. As I’ve said before, if we can all fire together we can pull off a big score in the first leg to take up to Newcastle. “We have got a bit of a break until then, but we’ll use the opportunity to come here and get together as a Team, maybe have a practice or two, and be ready for the tie.” BMR Rockets: Edward Kennett 14 (5 rides), Stuart Robson 9 (5), Robert Branford 7+1 (5), Ben Morley 6+2 (4), Kasper Lykke 5+1 (4), Cameron Heeps 5 (4), Leigh Lanham 2+1 (4)
Scunthorpe: Josh Bates (guest) 14 (7 rides), Thomas Jorgensen (guest) 13 (5), Lewis Kerr 7+2 (4), Michael Palm-Toft 6+1 (4), Fritz Wallner 3+1 (4), Ryan Douglas 2 (3), Nathan Stoneman (guest) 0 (3) Match Points: Rye House 3 Scunthorpe 0 CUP SEMI-FINAL DATES The BMR Rockets have now agreed the dates for their Knock-Out Cup Semi-Final tie with Newcastle. The Rockets will host the first leg on Saturday, October 8th (7pm start), with the tie being settled in the return in Byker the following evening.
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Post by Administrator on Oct 4, 2016 13:23:26 GMT
THE FINAL COUNTDOWN! One weekend – and thirty races – stand between the BMR Rockets and a place in this season’s Premier League Knock-Out Cup Final, as the Hertfordshire club gets set to battle Newcastle home and away over a 24 hour period. The countdown is well and truly on, as Hoddesdon plays host to the first leg on Saturday night with a 7pm start time, with the return set for Byker the following evening. There will be an old but familiar face on show in the Rockets’ ranks, too. Saturday’s Elite League Riders’ Championship has brought call-ups to that event for both sides’ No.1s in Edward Kennett and Robert Lambert, and after fighting a lengthy tug of war to be able to field their inspirational captain the Black, Chrome and Fire have gone with the next best thing in 2015 star Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen. The Dane made a huge impact on the Rockets last season, also reaching a fourth consecutive World U-21 Championship Final. 2016 has seen him in action with both Peterborough and Elite League King’s Lynn, with Saturday’s guest appearance his second of the term in Hertfordshire after an earlier 13 point starring role for the Panthers. As Rye House Team Manager Peter Schroeck says, “We fought long and hard to be able to include Edward in Saturday’s team, but we now have to accept that it is not to be. An alternative date for the tie was also not an option due to rider commitments these last two weekends, but we are delighted to welcome NBJ back to the fold for one night only. We all know what he is capable of around this circuit, and he will be bringing his equipment over from Denmark especially for the weekend.” Looking beyond NBJ’s guest spot, Schroeck has no problem with the Rockets carrying a tag of so-called underdogs into the tie either. “We’ve been proving people wrong for pretty much the whole season, and that includes some really close misses both home and away, so it will pretty much be business as usual in that regard this weekend. “As I’ve said before, don’t read too much into our League position. We all know what we are capable of, and it is all about making sure we click as a unit on Saturday so that we can pick up a bag of points to take up to Newcastle for the second leg. While we don’t normally set a specific target beforehand, we appreciate that for this one we really need a 12 to 15 point advantage to go to Brough Park with because we know we are racing against a very good side. “We are dedicating this Thursday as a Team Day prior to the weekend. We will get together early for breakfast, hold a Team talk, and of course also stage a lengthy practice session to shake off any cobwebs and get everyone mentally and physically focused. “We really want as big an atmosphere as possible at Rye House on Saturday. It’s a huge night for the club, and the supporters can really play their part by backing the boys in numbers and noise.” BMR Rockets: Rob Branford, Cameron Heeps, Niklolaj Busk Jakobsen (guest), Leigh Lanham, Kasper Lykke, Ben Morley, Stuart Robson Newcastle: Ben Barker (guest), Matej Kus, Ludvig Lindgren, Ashley Morris, Victor Palovaara, Danny Phillips, Steve Worrall
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Post by Administrator on Oct 9, 2016 8:25:49 GMT
ROCKETS’ CUP HALF FULL The BMR Rockets will take a 4 point advantage to Newcastle for tonight’s second leg after edging the Diamonds 47-43 in the home round of their Premier League Knock-Out Cup Semi-Final tie at Rye House on Saturday night. A tense, tight affair was typified by no less than nine 3-3 results, and although the Rockets provided the winner in the first four races, a 4-2 from Ben Morley and Leigh Lanham in Heat 2 was the only advantage they could gain in a slender 16-14 margin. Another 4-2 – this time from guest No.1 Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen and Kasper Lykke over Steve Worrall – doubled their lead, but with the Byker side building momentum with four consecutine race wins, the teams were level after Heat 10. Worrall and Morris took a 5-1 over the hard-chasing Cameron Heeps in Heat 9, and the Diamonds could easily have moved four points ahead as Morris – in again, this time for early knee injury victim Ludvig Lindgren – and Matej Kus led NBJ and Lykke only for the Czech to blow his engine on the third lap. The Rockets made the most of their get-out-of-jail opportunity, with former Newcastle star Stuart Robson and Lanham putting them back in front with a 4-2 over Victor Palovaara and Ben Barker in the very next race, and then Heeps and Morley slamming in a 5-1 over Morris and Kus in Heat 12 to take the score to 39-33. It took four attempts to complete the appropriately titled Heat 13. A first re-run was ordered after Robson went down as the first bend meat in a Barker-Worrall sandwich, before an unsatisfactory start was ruled the next time out. When the race DID finally get going, Robson and Barker – clearly agitated at being unable to make mechanical amendments in-between times - provided a master class in passing, slipping past each other on numerous occasions before the Newcastle guest clipped his adversary when blasting through on the third bend of lap two. Both riders hit the deck, with Barker consequently excluded. The final re-run was no less thrilling, with NBJ and Robson briefly staking a claim for a 5-1 before Worrall found a means to work his way past both in turn. The same rider took Heat 15, with Palovaara tucked in behind Robson for third as Newcastle closed out with a 4-2 to edge closer at 47-43. The Rockets’ top scorer with 11+1, Robson felt afterwards that, “We really had to fight for every single one of our points tonight. The Diamonds are a good team; we knew that they would go well around here, and they didn’t prove us wrong. “But we did well and we got the win. We had a good guest in Nikolaj (Busk Jakobsen), which helped us a lot – and everyone chipped in and really played their part. So, yes, it was a tough win – but a win’s a win.” Of his battle with Ben Barker in Heat 15, the Mackem continued, “It was a bit of hard racing, with no malice in there. I’ve known Ben for a long time: I know he’s a hard rider, and he knows I’m one as well. We were both fair with each other, and when he came into that third bend and took me there was nothing really he could do. “I took a little bit of a scrape on my elbow, and another one on the top of my leg, but otherwise I’m OK. It was a good victory, and that’s all that matters really.” The Rockets know that they face a tough encounter in the return, but will have been preceded into town by Sheffield, who shocked the Diamonds with their aggregate success in the previous Sunday’s Premier League Championship Play-Off, and need to take the same optimistic attitude up to the North East. “We’ve got to go there to win. Newcastle are especially strong around their home track, but Sheffield proved it can be done. We’ll be going there with the belief that we can do the same.” BMR Rockets: Stuart Robson 11+1 (5 rides), Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen (guest) 9+1 (5), Cameron Heeps 8+1 (4), Ben Morley 6+2 (4), Kasper Lykke 5 (4), Leigh Lanham 4+2 (4), Robert Branford 4 (4)
Newcastle: Steve Worrall 13 (5 rides), Ashley Morris 11+1 (6), Victor Palovaara 10+1 (5), Matej Kus 5 (4), Ben Barker (guest) 2 (4), Ludvig Lindgren 1+1 (2), Danny Phillips 1+1 (4) GRAND FINAL HEARTBREAK FOR KENNETT It proved the best – and worst of nights – for Edward Kennett in the Elite League Riders’ Championship at Coventry as the Rye House No.1 finished fourth after dominating the main programme. Riding in his alter-ego as a Lakeside Hammer, Kennett powered through the regular 20 heat section, dropping his only point to Robert Lambert, to lead the qualifiers for the Grand Final, only to come unstuck when he was left at the rear of the field in that winner-takes-all decider. Wolverhampton’s Freddie Lindgren took the crown – his second, after earlier success in 2010 – ahead of Chris Harris and Kim Nilsson, with Kennett left in fourth place after what was otherwise a fantastic performance. ELITE LEAGUE RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP, Coventry
QUALIFYING SCORES (After 20 Heats): Edward Kennett 14, Freddie Lindgren 12, Niels-Kristian Iversen 11, Kim Nilsson 10, Chris Harris 9, Danny King 8, Kyle Newman 8, Robert Lambert 8, Paul Starke 7, Nick Morris 6, Patrick Hougaard 6, Adam Ellis 5, Scott Nicholls 5, Sam Masters 5, Rohan Tungate 4, Tom Bacon 2, Conor Dwyer 0 (res)
SEMI-FINAL: Iversen, Harris, Nilsson, King
FINAL: Lindgren, Iversen Harris, Kennett
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Post by Administrator on Oct 9, 2016 21:20:59 GMT
ROCKETS MISS OUT IN THE BATTLE OF BYKER The Newcastle Diamonds may have booked a Knock-Out Cup Final appearance against Glasgow, but the BMR Rockets could still hold their heads high despite a 56-34 reverse on Tyneside eliminated them at the Semi-Final stage 99-81 on aggregate. The Rockets took a slender four point advantage up to Byker from the first leg, but their adversaries’ success was anything but inevitable in the early stages. A 5-1 from Cameron Heeps and Rob Branford when pitted against Ludvig Lindgren and Victor Palovaara in Heat 3 kept the score tight at 10-8, and it wasn’t until the Diamonds produced a maximum of their own in Heat 5 that they took the lead for the first time on aggregate. The Aussie pairing’s full house was to prove both Rye’s only heat advantage and their only race win of the night, but they also proved adept at avoiding last places for most of the encounter, and it wasn’t until the home side mounted consecutive 4-2s in Heats 8 and 9 that they finally pulled clear, at 32-22. Even then, the Rockets forced three more 3-3s before capitulating to 5-1s in the last three races as the match took its lopsided final score. Rye House Team Manager Peter Schroeck felt afterwards that, “We hung in there for a long time. Everybody gave his all, and we always kept believing in ourselves, but then it finally went away from us from the middle of the second half, so to speak. We needed 5-1s from those last few races, and we were capable of it, but Newcastle proved just too strong in those closing stages. “But I’m really proud of the boys. They gave it their best shot against very tough opponents, and you can’t ask for more than that.” BMR Rockets: Stuart Robson 8, Cameron Heeps 7+2, Robert Branford 6+1, Kasper Lykke 5, Leigh Lanham 4+2, Edward Kennett 3+1, Ben Morley 1+1 Newcastle: Robert Lambert 14+1 (max), Steve Worrall 14+1 (max), Ludvig Lindgren 11, Victor Palovaara 9+1, Ashley Morris 6+1, Danny Phillips 2+1, Matej Kus R/R Sunday’s defeat at Brough Park has ended the BMR Rockets’ competitive season. As announced last night, however, it is hoped to stage a season finale event, whether on or off the track, to properly close out the campaign. Please keep an eye out on the Rye House website and in other media for further updates. In the meantime, the BMR Raiders still have Travel Plus National League trips to Coventry and Buxton to come, with Ben Morley and Rob Branford also set to represent the Team in next Sunday’s National League Pairs Championship at King’s Lynn.
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Post by Administrator on Oct 20, 2016 18:11:07 GMT
THAT’S ALL…. FOR NOW! Rye House have been forced to abandon plans to stage a final home meeting in the 2016 season. The club had been keen to bring the curtain down on the first campaign of the New Attitude Era with one extra fixture at its Hoddesdon circuit, but that has not proved possible. As Co-Promoter Steve Jenson explains, “We had originally hoped to sign off with the home leg of the Knock-Out Cup Final, but that was obviously not to be. We then turned our attention to an individual or pairs finale, but rider availability in terms of suitable invites is a real problem at this time of year as everyone goes into hibernation for the winter. We wanted to provide an attractive field rather than just put on a meeting for the sake of it, but the star names we wanted to include were not available. “Additionally we have re-commenced work to complete the stadium initiatives already started, including the new motorcycle dealership on the fourth bend, and will also be investing in a number of new ones. These will all impact on crowd access areas and safety, and are another reason to call a halt now. “It is not ideal to draw a sudden line on our home racing without the chance to say goodbye for the year, but we’d like to use this opportunity to say a big thank-you to all our supporters for your attendance throughout the season. The year has seen some major steps forward in terms of our crowd levels – there are not many clubs who can make that claim – and we very much appreciate both your support and the atmosphere that has resonated in the stands and on the terraces. “Both our sides, the BMR Rockets and Raiders, have given 110% to a man - and also worked together as a Team, which is what it is all about here at Rye House. So it’s a big thank-you to every one of them, and to Peter Schroeck who has galvanised our two squads in his first season of team management. “We’d also like to thank all our sponsors, and our hard working track and stadium staff. Without them, none of this would be possible. “That includes Peter Jordison, our Clerk of the Course John Smith, John Strong, Steve Webb, and a host of others. They are all unsung heroes. “There is still the little matter of announcing the Mr Rocket and Mr Raider rider of the year award winners, which we will do in the near future. So the season isn’t quite over just yet! “We would also like to emphasise that although we have reached the conclusion of this season’s home racing, it is really only the end of the beginning. In addition to the continuation of our stadium enhancement programme, we are also well underway with our planning for the 2017 season on the track. “The BSPA Annual Conference is just around the corner, both calendar-wise and geographically at nearby Paradise Park – the home of the National Speedway Museum and the annual Celebration of Speedway – on November 1st through 3rd. “We are looking forward to making our first announcements on what we believe will be an exciting 2017 campaign once the regulations and structures for next season have been finalised at the Conference.”
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Post by Administrator on Nov 11, 2016 21:43:57 GMT
ROCKETS GEAR UP FOR NEW ADVENTURE! The dust may still be settling on last week’s BSPA AGM, but the BMR Rockets are already putting their plans very much into place for what promises to be an exciting new era in the sport’s top flight. The Hertfordshire side has taken the step up into the Elite League, which has itself been re-christened as the Premiership. It is a decision which will bring Rye head to head with such luminaries as defending champions Wolverhampton, beaten Play-Off Finalists Belle Vue, recognised powerhouses Poole – and of course former arch-rivals King’s Lynn. It’s also a move that has been on the cards since Warren Scott’s BMR Racing purchased the club and stadium ahead of the 2015 season. Says the Buntingford-based owner, “It was always the aim go to the Elite League [Premiership] and make use of Sky TV to try and find sponsorship to help the riders and also work at the stadium. “Speedway has been struggling to get enough money to survive, and from my point of view I always felt this was the best way to help secure the future of Rye House speedway. “We are extremely keen to be competitive, and we want to be in the top half of the league.” Rye House Co-Promoter Steve Jenson shares his colleague’s excitement. “We’ve been after this the whole while – we actually applied last winter – and it is the reason we got involved in the first place. It’s competition at the end of the day, and we are competitive people so in any competition we want to be at the top. I’m really excited and looking forward to it.” Team BMR are also keen to address some of the immediate questions flagged by supporters following the Rockets’ announced elevation. The first is the planned race night for home meetings. Steve can report that “We are aiming to maintain Saturday nights as much as we can. We recognise that it is our supporters’ traditional race night, and also the most convenient one for many of them to attend on. “The Grand Prix calendar means that there will be times when that just won’t be possible – we won’t run when there is a clash – but out of eighteen planned dates (League, Cup and Premiership Pairs) we are planning to run between eight and ten meetings on Saturdays and two on Bank Holiday Monday afternoons, with allowance for a couple of Monday evenings for Sky Sports’ live coverage and four-to-six on Wednesdays.” While it is still too early to name a date for the Rockets’ home opener, Steve can say that “We are looking at a slot of early April for the Premiership Pairs Championship, and we would like at least one home match prior to that event.” The Rockets’ promotion to the top flight, and the on-costs associated with that ascendance, will necessitate an admission increase, with pricing for being set at: Adults £18.00, Seniors (over 60s) £16.00 and Children (12-16) £6.00, with Full-Time Students (17-22) remaining at £10.00 and Children under 12 continuing to be admitted free. When they do arrive, supporters will be able to take in completion of the extensive stadium improvement projects which are already underway. In addition to work on both bends, there will now be a new start-line stand and referee’s box, while the roof is currently being erected on the KTM dealership that will occupy the former Long Bar footprint. The riders’ pits will also be enhanced, with new dressing rooms in place. Says Warren, “We’ll finish all the renovations at the stadium – the KTM dealership and Honda dealership will be up and running by the end of February. “It will be a completely new look stadium. Hopefully the loyal fans that we have got already will enjoy the stadium more, and hopefully it will attract more fans - and keep more fans - with what we can give them.” One downside of the Rockets’ move is that the BMR Raiders have been put on ice, although Warren is determined to focus on other ways of supporting the next generation of Young Lions in the sport. “We won’t have the National League any more, we won’t be running the Raiders – we’re going to focus racing on the Premiership racing because that is a very big challenge for us and we don’t want to dilute that effort. “But it is still of the utmost importance to develop those youngsters and get them through, and we will be putting races on for novices. “We need to bring the youngsters through as positively as we can. “We’ll hopefully be giving youngsters as much track time as we can [at Rye House] using our star riders as role models, helping them through to show them what it takes to become a top flight rider – it’s not a simple thing. “We will be open a lot for training schools and practicing, and encouraging as many people to come as possible.” Which leaves one remaining question, but perhaps also the biggest: what is the planned make-up of the BMR Rockets team for 2017? Steve is delighted to say that “Everything is quickly falling into place, and the riders we have signed should work together really well as a Team, which as you know is what the ethos is here at the club, but also have some quiet competition for the No.1 spot. “Without saying any more, I really think that the supporters will be pleased with the squad we are putting together. “We already have the top five in place, and we plan to unveil the first name at 9.30 on Monday morning.” Watch this space.
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Post by Administrator on Nov 15, 2016 9:40:58 GMT
THE SECOND SIGNING: THE BOMBER HAS LANDED! Team BMR is thrilled to announce the arrival of Chris Harris as the second Rye House signing for the club’s inaugural season in the BSPA Premiership. The star known universally as “Bomber” joins record breaking 7-time British Champion Scott Nicholls in the Rockets’ squad announced so far, and himself arrives with a tremendous pedigree. A 3-time national champion, the Cornishman was part of the Grand Prix scene from 2007 through to the end of the most recent series. He has appeared in 103 rounds, famously winning the 2007 event in Cardiff with his dramatic passing of Greg Hancock on the very last bend, and was the 2010 World No.6. His reputation as a racer with a never-say-die attitude who simply never gives up is also second to none. He arrives in Hoddesdon following three successive years with Coventry, having earlier helped the Bees to three Elite League titles. Rye House Co-Promoter Steve Jenson confides that, “The first time I met Chris was during a pre-meeting track walk at this year’s British Semi-Final at Scunthorpe. I was immediately impressed by the way he talked about the sport, and by his professional credentials. “That stuck with me, and as soon I heard that Chris was looking for a winter move to new pastures I wanted him to be a part of the Team. Like Scott (Nicholls), he is going to be a key part of the squad, and like Scott he is going to bring much more to us than just the points he scores on the track.” The rider himself was clearly a man in demand following the public announcement that he was leaving Brandon. “I have to say it was really nice to have all the phone calls and to feel really wanted. All bar two of the clubs in the new Premiership were interested in me.” Bomber admits to not knowing too much about Team BMR prior to that point. “I remember the track walk at Scunthorpe, and I had also done a Pairs meeting (the 2015 season finale Pair of Aces) before that at Rye, but that was about it. “What swung it, though, was when I sat down with Steve and Warren (Scott), and saw the way they think, the way they go about business as a professional club, and what is happening with the stadium and going forward. I liked the sound of what they were looking to achieve, and it seemed the perfect fit in terms of what we could offer each other as well as work with my race team.” As for his aims for 2017, he says, “My first priority is to have a good season with Rye House. The team they are putting together sounds really good, and I am looking forward to being a part of it. “I have also been talking to Rosco (Great Britain Team Manager Alun Rossiter) to keep my name in the hat. I want to force my way back into the World Cup squad, and to be a part of the qualifiers for the Grand Prix in order to get back into the series.”
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Post by Administrator on Nov 16, 2016 9:36:31 GMT
THE THIRD SIGNING: WATT A CAPTURE! Australian star Davey Watt has become the latest rider to sign for the new-look BMR Rockets – over a decade on from his previous spot at the club in 2004. The highly popular stalwart from Townsville in Victoria State returns to Rye House following subsequent associations with Eastbourne (three years), Lakeside (also three) and Poole, where seven seasons have roped in no less than five Elite League championships. The Aussie has also collected three World Cup Silver and one Bronze medal during his career. He arrives in Hertfordshire with a 5.40 average – which converts to a handy 7.56 – more than determined to rebound from a 2016 campaign that was affected by off-track matters but which now leaves him with what looks like a clearly understated average. Rye House Co-Promoter Steve Jenson sets the scene on Watts return to Hoddesdon, saying that “Davey actually came to us during this last season asking if we could help him get a Premier League place. That didn’t prove possible, but he also wanted to be part of Team BMR for 2017 regardless of what League we were in. “He’s such a long established rider in this country – we’re talking fifteen years now – and he’s become a permanent resident, which effectively makes him an honourary Brit and ideal for the Team spirit we want to build in 2017. “He is also absolutely determined to get back to where he should be. We believe he’s on a false average and is going to push the rest of the top-end to give us another potential No.1. “His reputation as a Team man goes before him, too. He’s another captain in our side, and he is definitely a rider who is worth much more than just the points he scores on the track.” The man himself adds, “It feels great to be back in the Rockets’ line-up, and I couldn’t be happier with the way Steve and the club are approaching next season. “There’s so much I’m looking forward to as well. The Team is fantastic, and the plans for the winter at the stadium look amazing. It’s truly refreshing to have people this passionate about the future leading the Team. “I’ve got some friends joining me in the side as well, so that’s brilliant news for Team spirit and I’m already keen for it to all start. “I think the Team will be a fans’ favourite and definitely score some points at home and on the road! “I’m in Australia now, practicing and testing, and am loving being on a bike. It all looks rosy for the new season and I can’t wait!”
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Post by Administrator on Nov 17, 2016 10:27:21 GMT
THE FOURTH SIGNING: ROBBO RETURNS! The BMR Rockets can announce that 2016 hero Stuart Robson will be wearing Black, Fire and Chrome again next season as the Hertfordshire side gears up for its first ever season in the top flight. Generally recognised as Speedway’s favourite Mackem, Robbo is automatically guaranteed to feature in Rye House folklore for his two and a bit campaigns in Hertfordshire in the mid-noughties, his role in that memorable 2005 League and Trophy double and his never-admit-defeat heroics. His return to Hoddesdon in 2016 after an eight season absence also left a pretty big mark, however. The sudden end to the Rockets’ season after their Knock-Out Cup Semi-Final elimination ultimately prevented the public announcing of the club’s Rider of the Year award, but it can now be confirmed that Robbo was voted in by the public for the Mr Rocket accolade. As he himself says, “It is brilliant to collect that award, and I want to say a big thank-you to everyone who voted for me. To win it when you are in the company of the likes of Eddie (Kennett) and others means a lot to me. I feel humbled to receive it.” For Robbo, though, the focus has quickly turned to preparing for 2017 in the Premiership. “I am really pleased to be back for next year. Rye House was my first choice of club for 2017 regardless of which League they were in, so I am absolutely delighted to be a part of the set-up again. “2016 was a good year for me but I also feel that I have got a lot more to give next season. To have Scott (Nicholls), Chris (Harris) and Davey (Watt) in the line-up as well is tremendous. It’s a really exciting looking side that is coming together. “We’re already talking three Brits, plus Davey who is resident over here, and that’s got to be a big plus for Team spirit. “They are TEAM men throughout too, and they all think on far more than a personal level. That’s so important to success.” As mentioned above, Robbo is delighted to be back, but the feeling from Rye House Co-Promoter Steve Jenson is clearly mutual. He says: “Robbo would have been in the team regardless of what League we were in for 2017. It was a no brainer, really. “In Scott, Bomber, Davey and Robbo we’ve got four captains in the Team, which isn’t a bad place to be. “And there’s more to come. We’ll be looking to announce Rider No.5 at 9.30 tomorrow morning.”
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Post by Administrator on Nov 18, 2016 9:36:30 GMT
THE FIFTH SIGNING: SPECIAL K COMPLETES TOP FIVE! Team BMR is delighted to post the news that so many Rye House fans have been waiting all week to hear: that that Rye House No.1 and captain Edward Kennett will be returning for a fourth straight season – and eighth in total – in the Rockets’ colours as they prepare to take their first ever flight into the sport’s top tier. The former World Cup international will be aiming to build on a 2016 in which he was in white hot form for the Hertfordshire club, racking up a massive 303 points from 27 official matches to head the national Premier League standings with an all-inclusive average of 9.77. Excluding bonus points, that mark will convert to 9.27 and place him just ahead of Scotty Nicholls on 9.23 in the starting averages come next spring. The Rockets’ new-look top five will be completed by Chris “Bomber” Harris, Davey Watt and the returning Stuart Robson. Rye House Co-Promoter Steve Jenson is delighted to confirm his skipper’s return. “Like Robbo (Stuart Robson), it was a no brainer really. Eddie had a terrific season this year, and he’s played a big part in the team building process for 2017. “I believe that 2017 is going to be Eddie’s year. He’s very excited about the New Era of the Premiership at Rye House, and he’s going to thrive on the quiet competition he will face from Scott (Nicholls), Chris (Harris), Davey (Watt) and Robbo. “Eddie’s signing also completes a top five of four Brits and one honourary one. I don’t think any other side will be able to match that statistic, and for us it’s going to be fantastic for team spirit.” Edward sets his own scene on next term, saying, “2016 was one of my best seasons, and definitely one of my most consistent. The fact that I finished on top of the Premier League averages proves how consistent it was. “I’m really looking forward to Rye House moving up to the Premiership, and I have to say I think we’re putting a fantastic Team together. Having Scott (Nicholls) and Chris (Harris) in the side is such a big plus. “I talked to Scott at the end of last season, and did my bit to attract him here to Rye. He is a class act. “I’ve known Davey (Watt) for years. He seems totally re-focused, and I think he is going to be another key man for us next year. “Robbo (Stuart Robson) had a brilliant 2016, and he fully deserved the Mr Rocket Rider of the Year award. As everyone knows, he is such a great trier, and he’s also a firm friend. “It’s the same with Chris (Harris). He and I go back a long way (to 2009) to when we first rode together at Coventry, and it is fantastic to get him into Rye House. “We may not have an out and out No.1, but there’s going to be a lot of friendly competition for that spot, and I want to hold onto it. Being captain as well is personally fantastic, and as I said earlier I am really looking forward to the new season. “It can’t start soon enough.”
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Post by Administrator on Nov 18, 2016 22:21:37 GMT
WHO’S NEXT? Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water…. …. The sixth BMR Rockets’ signing for 2017 will be announced at 9.30 on Monday morning.
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