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Post by Administrator on May 15, 2018 9:28:36 GMT
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Post by Administrator on May 15, 2018 21:08:01 GMT
DUO THROUGH TO BRITISH FINAL “BP Mitchell” Rockets Chris Harris and Scott Nicholls breezed into this year’s British Final with emphatic performances in Tuesday’s Semi-Final round at Leicester. The pair will join team mate Edward Kennett on The Big Night at Belle Vue’s National Speedway Stadium on Monday, June 11th. With no less than ten national crowns between them, the duo was amongst the pre-meeting favourites to make the top eight cut - and didn’t disappoint. Harris rattled off three race wins in his 13 point total, his only defeats coming at the hands of Richard Lawson and Lewis Kerr. Lawson’s success when the pair met in Heat 13 ultimately gave him top spot on the night through countback, with Harris claiming second immediately behind him. Bomber was joined on the rostrum by his skipper, who celebrated his birthday in equally fine style, quickly bouncing back from an opening race third place to reel off a hat-trick of victories. The Rye House captain’s 12 point total, in turn, gave him a countback nod over Kerr, who also finished on 12 points. BRITISH SEMI-FINAL, at Leicester:
1. Richard Lawson 13 2. Chris Harris 13 3. Scott Nicholls 12 4. Lewis Kerr 12 5. Richie Worrall 11 6. Danny King 9 7. Ben Barker 8 8. Adam Ellis 8
Other scorers: David Howe 6, Ashley Morris 6, Kyle Newman 5, James Sarjeant 5, Ben Morley 4, Simon Lambert 3, James Shanes 3, Matt Williamson 1, Tom Woolley (Reserve) 1 ROCKETS NAME NBJ GUESTS The “BP Mitchell” Rockets have moved quickly following Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen’s injury last night to name guest replacements for two of their next three matches. The Dane was involved in a frightening crash at Rye House, suffering concussion in the third bend incident, and with it a mandatory nine day minimum stint on the sidelines. Former Ipswich and King’s Lynn star – and current Berwick Bandit – Kevin Doolan will be the pinch hitter in tomorrow’s return match with Poole in Dorset, while Stefan Nielsen will fulfil the same role in the Rockets’ next home match, a Knock-Out Cup quarter-final tie against Swindon next Wednesday. The double British U-19 Champion was the briefest of Rockets in 2014, suffering a first bend injury on his debut against Plymouth and not representing the club again, but more than enjoyed his visit to Hoddesdon last night, top-scoring for Poole with paid 10…. and that score would have been higher but for his throttle grip coming loose when leading on the final lap of Heat 14. Rye will name their guest cover for the first leg of the Cup tie at Swindon next Monday nearer the time.
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Post by Administrator on May 16, 2018 9:11:53 GMT
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Post by Administrator on May 16, 2018 21:15:09 GMT
Wednesday May 16, 2018;
PREMIERSHIP POOLE 47: Stefan Nielsen 11+2, Linus Sundstrom 9+2, Josh Grajczonek 8+2, Brady Kurtz 7, Mateusz Szczepaniak 6+3, Kacper Woryna 6+1, Richie Worrall r/r. RYE HOUSE 43: Scott Nicholls 13+1, Chris Harris 12, Krzysztof Kasprzak 10, Aaron Summers 5+1, Kevin Doolan 1+1, Edward Kennett 1.
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Post by Administrator on May 17, 2018 8:00:15 GMT
ROCKETS PROVE A POINT The “BP Mitchell” Rockets’ 2017 truly kickstarted when they won at Poole in August, and they will be hoping that the same venue has provided the launchpad for their 2018 venture after bagging their first away point of the season in a narrow 47-43 defeat in Dorset. Not only was the reverse a close one, but the Rockets would have earned a draw but for Chris Harris’ fall on the final lap of Heat 13 after picking off Brady Kurtz and seeming set for a 5-1 with Scott Nicholls. Bomber more than redeemed himself elsewhere, however, winning his four other rides, and the 3-time British Champion provided a powerful spearhead alongside Nicholls, whose 40th birthday reminded everyone that age is just a number in a top-scoring 12+1 haul, and former Pirate Krzysztof Kasprzak, who was beaten just once, in Heat 10. The Rockets led twice in the meeting, with Harris and Aaron Summers opening the night either side of Brady Kurtz in a Heat 1 4-2, and the same pair blasting a 5-1 over Kacper Woryna and Josh Grajczonek in Heat 5 to put Rye back in front at 16-14. Nicholls and Kasprzak ensured they maintained that advantage by winning the next two races, before the match swung the home side’s way with Poole maximums from Heats 8 and 10. Another 4-2 from the powerful Harris-Summers combo – with Grajczonek this time the middle man - in Heat 11 closed the gap to 35-31, before Kasprzak won a drawn Heat 12 and the Pirates played their “get out of jail card” in Harris’ fall in Heat 13 just as the Rockets appeared back on level terms. In a double whammy, Stefan Nielsen and Grajczonek followed up by outpacing Edward Kennett and Max Clegg in the next heat to clinch the home victory with a race to spare, at 46-38, but Harris and Nicholls salvaged a much deserved away point for the Rockets by returning the favour against Linus Sundstrom and Kurtz in the finale. Team Manager Peter Schroeck was a happy camper when speaking afterwards. “Overall, I am really proud of the lads. Our top three, plus Aaron, rode incredibly well, and although the rest of the boys struggled tonight, we certainly deserved our match point. “Bomber was really unlucky in Heat 13. He came from the back, and was racing so hard, but unfortunately the track was difficult and he lost it. “Poole know that they were a bit lucky there, and we deserved a little bit more from the match, but we got to drive away with a match point, which is an important plus. We’ll pick up more along the way – so off we go!” “BP Mitchell” Rockets: Scott Nicholls 13+1, Chris Harris 12, Krzysztof Kasprzak 10, Aaron Summers 5+1, Kevin Doolan (guest) 1+1, Edward Kennett 1, Max Clegg 1. Poole: Stefan Nielsen 11+2, Linus Sundstrom 9+2, Josh Grajczonek 8+2, Brady Kurtz 7, Mateusz Szczepaniak 6+3, Kacper Woryna 6+1, Richie Worrall R/R. Match Points: Poole 3 Rye House 1
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Post by Administrator on May 19, 2018 22:15:56 GMT
KK WINS THROUGH TO GP CHALLENGE “BP Mitchell” Rocket Krzysztof Kasprzak has made it through to this year’s Grand Prix Challenge by winning his qualifying round in Slangerup, Denmark on Saturday. The former World No.2 and recent Warsaw GP Wildcard won four of his five outings to finish on 13 points, one ahead of Jack Holder and two of Niels-Kristian Iversen, who also made the Challenge, which will be staged in Landshut in Germany on July 28th. Former Rocket – and Rye House track record holder – Robert Lambert finished just outside of the automatic qualification places on 10 points, while Dan Bewley’s first appearance in the event netted a healthy 6 points. Elsewhere, Chris Harris came agonisingly close to making the cut in his bid to re-qualify for the Grand Prix. Bomber finished fourth with 12 points in Lonigo, Italy, after dropping a run-off for second and third to David Bellego and Kevin Wölbert. The round was won by Kenneth Bjerre on 12 points. Result (Slangerup): Krzysztof Kasprzak 13, Jack Holder 12, Niels-Kristian Iversen 11 (topl three qualify for GPC), Robert Lambert 10, Brady Kurtz 10, Timo Lahti 10, Jacob Thorssell 8, Mikkel Michelsen 8, Kim Nilsson 7, Lasse Frederiksen 7, Dan Bewley 6, Anders Thomsen (res) 4, Jevgenijs Kostigovs 4, Jesse Mustonen 4, Andreas Lyager (res) 3, Glenn Moi 2, Bradley Wilson-Dean 1, Vitali Lysak 0. Result (Lonigo): Kenneth Bjerre 13, David Bellego 12, Kevin Wölbert 12, (top three qualify for GPC), Chris Harris 12 (after run-off), Vaclav Millik 10, Andreas Jonsson 10, Linus Sundstrom 9, Bartosz Smektala 8, Rohan Tungate 8, Nico Covatti 7, Daniele Tessari 5, Tero Aarnio 5, Davis Kurmis 3, Denis Stojs 2, Mathieu Tressarieu 2, Rolando Benko 0, Alessando Milanese (res) 0.
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Post by Administrator on May 20, 2018 19:30:12 GMT
THE BIG PREVIEW: SWINDON VS ROCKETS The “BP Mitchell” Rockets are set to finally get it on with the Swindon Robins when the two sides meet in their long-awaited Knock-Out Cup Quarter-Final tie this week. The tie was originally scheduled to be staged both home and away on Easter Monday, but the weather totally put paid to that. Instead, the Robins are now set to host the first leg in Wiltshire on Monday, with the Rockets staging the second – and deciding – leg in Hoddesdon two nights later (Wednesday, May 23rd at 7.30pm). The Robins have begun the defence of their league title brightly, with away victories at Poole and Leicester sitting alongside an impeccable home record. They have also lifted their first piece of silverware of 2018 in defeating Cup winners Belle Vue on aggregate in the Charity Shield. Rider-wise, Championship Individual winner Nick Morris is now installed at No.1, followed in by 2014 ELRC winner – and recent Premiership Individual runner-up - Troy Batchelor (who has returned to the Abbey Stadium after a two year absence) and exciting Polish star Tobiasz Musielak.
Newly qualified GP Challenge Finalist David Bellego and 2016 World U-21 Finalist Adam Ellis fill the middle order, while World U-21 competitor Zach Wajtknecht features as one half of the Robins’ reserve pairing. Swindon have recently been forced into a change in the other half, with teenager Jack Smith signing on following Mitchell Davey’s unfortunate injuries. The Rockets, meanwhile, come into the tie fresh from collecting their first away match point of the new term at Poole on Wednesday. They have enjoyed a fair amount of success on an individual front in the last week too. Chris Harris and Scott Nicholls have both made it through to the British Final, where they will join the already qualified Edward Kennett, while Krzysztof Kasprzak stands just five rides away from reclaiming his place in the Grand Prix series after winning his qualifying round in Denmark. Harris was desperately unlucky not to join him, after placing fourth in his own round in Denmark after a run-off – only the top three qualified automatically – but will be hoping he will still be called up to the Grand Prix Challenge on July 28th as a Wildcard nomination. Lower down the riding order, 2017 Robin Emil Grondal will provide guest cover at Blunsdon for concussion victim Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen, with a deputy for the return leg in Hertfordshire yet to be announced. Rye House Team Manager Peter Schroeck is looking forward to locking horns with the Robins as the Rockets aim for revenge against the side that eliminated them from the competition at the same stage a year ago. “We haven’t forgotten Swindon putting us out of the Cup a year ago, and we really want to put that right this time around. It’s all about earning ourselves extra matches, as well as a tilt at a trophy. “Obviously we want to keep the score as tight as we can in Wiltshire to set ourselves up for the return leg. We go into every match with the objective of winning, and that will be the aim at Blunsdon, but as a fall-back position I would be hoping we can hold them to no more than ten points around their place. “We have certainly got the ability to do it. KK is on fire at the moment, as he showed in his GP Qualifier – he is SO hungry to get back in the series – and Bomber is hoping to fight another day as a Wildcard. He showed what he is still about on a World stage by coming so close to claiming an automatic spot in his round. “Scott (Nicholls) is busy racking up double figure scores, and Aaron (Summers) is popping in the points quietly in the engine room. And Eddie (Kennett) had a really good meeting (paid 11) guesting at Lakeside last night, which will set him up nicely for Swindon too. We just need to get Max (Clegg) going but the pressure shouldn’t be on him if rest of the side is firing.” “BP Mitchell” Rockets: Max Clegg, Emil Grondal (guest), Chris Harris, Krzysztof Kasprzak, Edward Kennett, Scott Nicholls (captain), Aaron Summers Swindon: Troy Batchelor, David Bellego, Adam Ellis, Tobiasz Musielak, Nick Morris (captain), Jack Smith, Zach Wajtknecht
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Post by Administrator on May 21, 2018 21:10:37 GMT
ROCKETS WILT IN WILTSHIRE The “BP Mitchell” Rockets face an uphill battle to retain an interest in this season’s Knock-Out Cup after tumbling 59-31 at Swindon in the first leg of their quarter-final tie on Monday night. With just three race wins – two by Krzystztof Kasprzak, and one by Aaron Summers – to show from the fifteen races, it was always going to be difficult for the Rockets to contain a Robins outfit that is clearly on a high at the moment. Six home 5-1s and three 4-2s tell much of the story, with Troy Batchelor and David Bellego both going through the card and Tobiasz Musielak dropping just a single point. Kasprzak’s two race wins, meanwhile, enabled the Pole to finish as joint top scorer for the Rockets alongside Scott Nicholls, with the pair each bagging 8 points and combining for their side’s lone heat advantage off a 4-2 in Heat 15. The second leg of the tie is scheduled for Wednesday night at Rye House (7.30 start), with Team Manager Peter Schroeck recognising the huge task ahead without yet conceding the tie. “We were just out-gated big time tonight. It wasn’t for lack of trying, but it just didn’t happen for us. “It didn’t help that Bomber (Chris Harris) and Scott (Nicholls) were involved in a high speed crash in Heat 13 (when Nick Morris was excluded for bringing down the pair). Scott is OK, but Bomber has a light swelling in his elbow, although he’s not in pain. He also had his bike totally mangled – and he was on a brand new bike – so to say he is unhappy at the moment is a major understatement. “Yes, it’s a big ask on Wednesday, but it can be done. We’ve gone to them; now it’s their turn to come to us. “We gave them a good hiding at the end of last season, and it’s a case of dusting ourselves off, re-focusing, and going all-out in the return. Nothing is impossible, and we have to maintain our self-belief.” Swindon scorers: David Bellego 11+1 (max), Tobiasz Musielak 11, Troy Batchelor 10+2 (max), Adam Ellis 9+2, Nick Morris 9, Zach Wajtknecht 6+2, Jack Smith 3+1.
“BP Mitchell” Rockets: Krzysztof Kasprzak 8, Scott Nicolls 8, Chris Harris 5+1, Aaron Summers 4+1, Emil Grondal (guest) 2+1, Edward Kennett 2, Max Clegg 2. Wednesday’s teams: “BP Mitchell” Rockets: Max Clegg, Chris Harris, Krzysztof Kasprzak, Edward Kennett, Scott Nicholls (captain), Aaron Summers, Guest for Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen tbc
Swindon: Troy Batchelor, David Bellego, Adam Ellis, Tobiasz Musielak, Nick Morris (captain), Jack Smith, Zach Wajtknecht In addition to Wednesday’s main event, the meeting is also set to feature six Rocketeers races at 125cc and 250cc level.
Admission:
Adults £18, Seniors (over 60s) £16, Registered Disabled £12 (Accompanying Carer £12), Full-Time Students (17-22) £6, Children (aged 12-16) £6, Children (under 12) FREE. Match programme: £2.
Please note that those seeking Student admission must provide a copy of their current student photo ID (issued by the NUS or their university/college) at the turnstiles.
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Post by Administrator on May 23, 2018 8:55:38 GMT
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Post by Administrator on May 23, 2018 20:56:17 GMT
Wednesday May 23, 2018; PREMIERSHIP KO CUP Q/F 2nd leg RYE HOUSE 51: Chris Harris 12+1, Scott Nicholls 11+2, Krzysztof Kasprzak 8, Edward Kennett 7+1, Kevin Doolan 6, Max Clegg 4+1, Aaron Summers 3. SWINDON 39: Troy Batchelor 12+1, Tobiasz Musielak 7, Adam Ellis 6, Zach Wajtknecht 5+2, David Bellego 4+1, Nick Morris 4, Jack Smith 1. Swindon win 98-82 on aggregate.
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Post by Administrator on May 24, 2018 6:40:03 GMT
The “BP Mitchell” Rockets achieved a modicum of revenge – and also the important restoration of their pride – in outpacing Swindon 51-39 in their Knock-Out Cup quarter-final tie at Rye House on Wednesday night, although they bowed out of the competition by a clear 98-82 margin on aggregate.
The Rockets needed to come out all guns blazing if they were to have any chance of living the impossible dream of reeling in the Robins’ 28 point first leg advantage – and they duly, if briefly, gave the Robins the fright of their lives as the combos of Aaron Summers-Chris Harris and Kevin Doolan-Max Clegg fired 5-1s in the first two races.
A 4-2, when Scott Nicholls and Clegg finished either side of Tobias Musielak, quickly followed in Heat 4, and it then looked as though Krzysztof Kasprzak and Edward Kennett would unite for a further 5-1 – a result that would have halved Swindon’s first leg advantage with only five races gone - only for Nick Morris to find the smallest of gaps between Kennett and the fourth bend safety fence to power past for second spot in dramatic fashion right on the line.
It was to prove a turning point, with Adam Ellis and Zach Wajtknecht following up in combination for a 5-1 in Heat 8 to pull the score back to 28-20, and although Kasprzak and Kennett responded with a 4-2 over Musielak just four laps later, three successive heat advantages in the Robins’ favour quickly wrapped up the tie on aggregate - and even gave Swindon hope of catching the Rockets on the night, at 38-34.
Fortunately, the Rockets finished the match the way they had started, with Harris and Nicholls maxing out in a Heat 13 that was awarded after Morris had come to grief, and Kennett and Doolan achieving the same result in the next race following David Bellego’s second lap fall while holding second spot.
Batchelor took the finale for the visitors to round out a strong personal performance, with Nicholls and Harris following him home to finish as joint-top scorers for Rye with paid 13. Max Clegg was a further stand-out, with his paid 5 haul his best of the season so far. In all, six different Rockets won races, with all seven paid for at least one heat win.
Talking after the match, Rye House No.1 Chris Harris accepted that, “The damage was done at Swindon in the first leg to be fair, but we started off really well here tonight. They came back at us towards the end, which reflects what a great team they’ve got, but it was still a good win for us, and we’ll move on to our next match.
“I think that tonight is the first meeting I’ve had this season where I haven’t damaged a bike or blown an engine. Hopefully my luck will begin to turn now, and I can start enjoying the racing.”
Bomber also singled out Max Clegg for praise. The 21 year old has endured a rough start to the season, but will himself be hoping his season is turning now. “Max rode really well. The track was probably more suited to him tonight, to be fair, although it suited us all. We just keep telling him that he’s got to enjoy it; that there’s no pressure on him and he needs to believe in himself. He’s just got to keep doing what he’s doing, enjoy it, and the points will come.”
And signing off with a look ahead to Bank Holiday Monday’s nationally televised battle against King’s Lynn, he ended: '“It’s going to be a tough one. They’ve shown that through their results so far. But we’re up for it, especially after tonight. The confidence will be high, so we’re looking forward to it.”
“BP Mitchell” Rockets: Chris Harris 12+1 (5 rides), Scott Nicholls 11+2 (5), Krzysztof Kasprzak 8 (4), Edward Kennett 7+1 (4), Kevin Doolan (guest) 6 (4), Max Clegg 4+1 (4), Aaron Summers 3 (4).
Swindon: Troy Batchelor 12+1 (5 rides), Tobiasz Musielak 7 (4), Adam Ellis 6 (5), Zach Wajtknecht 5+2 (4), David Bellego 4+1 (4), Nick Morris 4 (4), Jack Smith 1 (4).
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Post by Administrator on May 24, 2018 9:56:06 GMT
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Post by Administrator on May 25, 2018 14:39:32 GMT
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Post by Administrator on May 25, 2018 18:40:25 GMT
THE BIG PREVIEW: ROCKETS VS KING’S LYNN It will be no vacation for the “BP Mitchell” Rockets on Bank Holiday Monday when they renew close acquaintances with their A10 arch-rivals King’s Lynn in the SGB Premiership at Rye House (start time: 7.30pm). Rye will be looking to maintain their local derby bragging rights over their Norfolk rivals, having bested the Stars in three of the two teams’ four encounters in 2017 and been squeezed out in the other despite a spectacular 15 point maximum from Chris Harris. Lynn narrowly avoided involvement in the relegation play-off last year, but already look a rather different proposition this time around, having surprised their pre-season critics by posting an unblemished home record thus far, picked up match points from their trips to Leicester and defending champions Swindon, and collected a remarkable 47-43 victory at Belle Vue on Monday. Grand Prix star Niels-Kristian Iversen will unfortunately miss Bank Holiday Monday’s encounter as he recuperates from a nagging shoulder problem, and with all eight Premiership clubs in action that day the Stars have had no recourse but to operate Rider-Replacement as cover. They still pack plenty of ammo elsewhere, however, with Rye House track record holder – and brief 2015 Rocket - Robert Lambert already enjoying a year to remember. The 20 year old has already added to last term’s European U-19 and U-21 crowns by winning a second straight British U-21 title, representing his country in both the SEC and Grand Prix Qualifiers (where he placed fourth in his round) and being called up to the FIM’s forthcoming Speedway of Nations. Ty Proctor is packing a hefty punch alongside him, as well as in the SGB Championship with Workington, while recent addition Michael Palm Toft certainly knows his way around Rye House as evidenced by his famous six ride maximum at the venue a few years ago. Completing the Lynn roster are former Scunthorpe and Berwick mainstay Thomas Jorgensen, now-fourth season Star Lewis Kerr and Danish newcomer Kasper Andersen. As noted above, the Stars have already turned more than a few heads in 2018, but the Rockets will be aiming to turn a bit faster on Monday as they aim to build on what has been a perfect home record to date. They have the added boost that Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen will return from a fortnight out with concussion to take his place back in the side. Rye House Team Manager Peter Schroeck is relishing the prospect of his squad locking horns with their fiercest opponents once again. “Matches between the Rockets and King’s Lynn always seem to have that little something extra, whether it’s a natural rivalry or the atmosphere that the visiting fans bring with them to both venues. “Either way, this one looks spicy! “The Stars have got a more than decent team, and they’ve just done a bit of damage at Belle Vue, so they’ll be coming to our place on a high in terms of confidence. “But we’re feeling confident too. We know we lost the Cup tie in the away leg at Swindon, but we are not worried at home, and we got a really good win against a strong Robins team when they came to us. “Bomber (Chris Harris) had a great match on Wednesday – he was very quick and convincing – which will really get him back into the groove again, and as I’ve said before when we get our top five going we can be a match for anyone. “We’ve also got NBJ back. He was due to ride at Ipswich (in the Championship) on Thursday, only for that to be called off, so he will certainly be good to go for us. “It was great to see Max (Clegg) amongst the points on Wednesday. It’s been tough for him, and when you’re in that position you start to worry about next week. But between all of us, we’re giving him reassurance, telling him to stay relaxed and keep doing what he’s doing. You saw his response on Wednesday, and hopefully there will be more of the same on Monday. “Plus, of course, we’ll have the BT Sport cameras there. We’ll all be raring to go, the weather forecast is good and the fans should be out in force. After all, it’s a chance for them to see themselves on TV and being beamed to a nationwide audience!” Monday’s teams:
“BP Mitchell” Rockets: Max Clegg, Chris Harris, Krzysztof Kasprzak, Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen , Edward Kennett, Scott Nicholls (captain), Aaron Summers,
King’s Lynn: Kasper Andersen, Niels-Kristian Iversen R/R, Thomas Jorgensen, Lewis Kerr, Robert Lambert (captain), Ty Proctor, Michael Palm Toft
Admission:
Adults £18, Seniors (over 60s) £16, Registered Disabled £12 (Accompanying Carer £12), Full-Time Students (17-22) £6, Children (aged 12-16) £6, Children (under 12) FREE. Match programme: £2.
Please note that those seeking Student admission must provide a copy of their current student photo ID (issued by the NUS or their university/college) at the turnstiles. Gates open at 5.30pm.
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Post by Administrator on May 28, 2018 21:06:35 GMT
Monday May 28, 2018; RYE HOUSE 49: Edward Kennett 11+3, Scott Nicholls 10+1, Aaron Summers 8, Nicolaj Busk Jakobsen 8, Krzysztof Kasprzak 7, Chris Harris 4+1, Max Clegg 1. KING’S LYNN 41: Robert Lambert 17, Lewis Kerr 9+1, Ty Proctor 8+1, Michael Palm Toft 5+1, Kasper Andersen 1+1, Thomas Jorgensen 1, Niels-Kristian Iversen r/r.
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