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Post by Administrator on Sept 22, 2013 8:21:18 GMT
Boxall Wins NLRC National League Riders’ Championship Sponsored by Paradise Wildlife Park (Rye House: Saturday, September 21st 2013) 1st Steve Boxall (Kent) 14 (after run-off) 2nd Lewis Kerr (King’s Lynn) 14 3rd Lewis Blackbird (Dudley)12 Steve Boxall won a dramatic run-off to become the first ever rider to lift the National League Riders’ Championship twice in a night of twists and turns at Rye House on Saturday. The Kent King – a former Rockets favourite – had tied on 14 points with chief adversary Lewis Kerr to force the deciding race, which was settled as early as the second bend when the King’s Lynn Young Star fell, causing a stoppage and the awarding of the result to Boxall. The 26 year old had proven a dominant force for much of the meeting with a number of emphatic victories, and also the meeting’s fastest times. Boxall’s Heat 4 success in 55.8 seconds shattered the National League track record at the circuit previously held by Marc Owen and was just 0.7 seconds outside the all-time track record held by Chris Neath. As if to prove that his time was no fluke, the Kent No.1 also rattled off subsequent victories in 56.2 and 56.5 seconds. Boxall received his championship trophy and other prizes from Pete Sampson of meeting sponsors Paradise Wildlife Park, and special guests Brenda Leat – the widow of the legendary Peter Craven – and daughter Julie. He said afterwards, “I am just so happy at the minute. It’s gone in the record books – that’s another record that I’ve achieved this year – and hopefully I can carry on and break a couple more records next year. “If it wasn’t for the support down at Kent, I wouldn’t be riding down there each week – they make it happen….and hopefully a few others will come down and see what it’s all about. “I want to thank everyone that’s backed me this year: my friends and family, my sponsors, Len Silver, Jan Little for starting my fan club and the CTA Fire Kings fans for supporting us all year.” Also interviewed on the podium, meeting runner-up Kerr looked back on his run-off tumble, saying “I thought I was going to make it easy off red (the inside gates), but Steve made a great one. I just picked up, and that was that. “It was a great meeting, with a tremendous line-up, so I’m pleased with what I’ve done tonight. “I’ve still got loads of meetings left, and every meeting I’m getting better and better. I just don’t want (the season) to end, really.” Dudley’s Lewis Blackbird finished third on 12 points and admitted afterwards that “I gave my best, but on the night I just wasn’t as good as these two. I’m having a great season with the Heathens and hopefully we can keep it going (in the Play-Offs and Knock-Out Cup) so…. bring it on!” The event’s “Mr Unlucky” was newly crowned double British U-19 Champion Stefan Nielsen, who reeled off three straight wins to head the mid-meeting leader board only to have his night come unglued in his final two outings. The Mildenhall Fen Tiger was left at the back on the outside in Heat 14, and perhaps tried for too much too soon when bringing down Robert Lambert and himself on the third bend, with a further shot at a rostrum spot ending in another fall in Heat 20. Kent King Ben Morley – also a key playmaker in recent weeks when guesting for the Rockets – had a difficult night, and one not helped when he was deemed responsible for his own fall when battling with Liam Carr in Heat 10. A consolation victory in his final race left him on 6 points. The meeting was marred by Adam Ellis’ forced withdrawal after just two laps of his opening ride. The exciting teenager fell on the second bend of Heat 4 – with rival Ashley Morris – taking a simultaneous, but unrelated, tumble – necessitating a visit to hospital for x-rays on his left wrist. Meeting scorers (5 races unless stated): Steve Boxall 14 (after run-off), Lewis Kerr 14, Lewis Blackbird 12, Robert Lambert 11, Steve Worrall 11, Stefan Nielsen 9, Charles Wright 8, Ben Morley 6, Paul Starke 6, Tom Perry 5, Joe Jacobs 5, James Sarjeant 5, Liam Carr 4 Ashley Morris 4, Josh Bates 2, Jack Kingston 1 (reserve, 2 rides), Shane Waldron 1 (reserve, 3 rides), Adam Ellis 0 (1 ride) Rockets Prove Point at Berwick Berwick 48 Rye House 44 (Premier League; Saturday, September 21st 2013) The Silver Ski Rockets closed out their away Premier League campaign by twice recovering from a 10 point deficit to snare a rare match point at Berwick. First time around, the Rockets trailed 23-13, only to bounce back to 24-20 with a 7-1 from Jason Bunyan and double points rider Tyson Nelson, who caught David Bellego for second place on the line. The Bandits duly re-built their advantage to 10, at 36-26, before Olly Allen came to the rescue with victories in Heats 11 and 13, the former accompanied by a second place from Pontus Aspgren and the latter by a third place point from Anders Mellgren to bring the score back again to 42-38. Nelson and reserve guest Oliver Greenwood tucked in behind Matthew Wethers for a 3-3 in Heat 14, with the Aussie re-appearing in the nominated race for the victory over Sebastian Alden and Wethers that ensured the match point. Many were surprised that Allen was missing from the decider having rebounded from a Heat 1 duck to reel off three straight victories, but as team manager John Sampford explained afterwards, “He was struggling big time with arm pump; his forearm muscles were almost seizing up and he could not grip the handlebars. I had to leave him out and use Pontus (Aspgren) alongside Tyson. “Although we couldn’t get the 5-1 to force a draw, we came away with a match point at a track where we rarely gain anything. “Everyone chipped in with points tonight, and just as importantly we’ve come away from here continuing to build momentum for the first leg of the Cup Final at Somerset next Friday (September 27th).” Berwick scorers:Sebastian Alden 14+1, Matthew Wethers 13+3, David Bellego 8, Hugh Skidmore 7+1, Nicki Barrett 6+2, James McBain 0, Kozza Smith R/R.
Rye House scorers:Tyson Nelson 12+1, Olly Allen 9, Jason Bunyan 7+1, Pontus Aspgren 6+1, Anders Mellgren 6, Oliver Greenwood 2+2, Kasper Lykke 2. Match Points: Berwick 2 Rye House 1 It’s Rockets vs Rebels in Cup Final The Silver Ski Rockets have now confirmed their opponents and the dates of both legs for their forthcoming Knock-Out Cup Final. Somerset have clinched their place in the trophy decider with a 100-80 aggregate victory over Edinburgh in a Semi-Final replay, and will host their leg of the Final this Friday (September 27th), with the Rockets already confirmed as hosting the second and deciding leg at Hoddesdon on Sunday, October 6th (2pm), in what will be the season finale at the Hoddesdon circuit.
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Post by Administrator on Sept 22, 2013 19:55:58 GMT
Allen Wins PLRC! Premier League Riders’ Championship (Sheffield; Sunday, September 22nd 2013) 1st Olly Allen (Rye House) 2nd Magnus Karlsson (Leicester) 3rd Jason Doyle (Somerset) Rye House No.1 Olly Allen produced a magnificent display to capture the Premier League Riders’ Championship at Sheffield on Sunday evening. He follows in the tyre-tracks of Tai Woffinden (2008) as the second Silver Ski Rocket to win out on The Big Night, with his success coming a year on from team-mate Anders Mellgren’s memorable second place in the event. Allen missed the Rockets’ League victory at Owlerton back in July due to a broken forearm, but more than made amends here, with his 12 point haul from the main racing programme taking him into a Semi-Final shoot-out with a comfort margin of 4 points. The 31 year old won that heat, and then produced a tremendous first bend surge around the rest of the field to claim another victory in the Grand Final. Leicester’s Magnus Karlsson took the Silver, with Jason Doyle of Somerset third, as he was a year ago. Defending Champion Craig Cook finished fourth. A former Great Britain World Cup international, Allen has previously won the Elite League title with Coventry (2007), and both the Premier and Amateur (now National) League championships with Peterborough (1998, 1997). But this one will sit right up there with him. This was HIS night. Allen is sure to receive a hero’s welcome when he leads the Rockets back into town this Saturday for the home League match against Redcar. His success is also perfectly timed as another boost to team confidence for the previous night’s Knock-Out Cup Final first leg at Somerset. Main Programme (5 programmed rides each): Magnus Karlsson 14, Jason Doyle 13 (qualified straight to Grand Final), Oliver Allen 12, Craig Cook 11, Nick Morris 9, Rene Bach 9 (qualified for Semi-Final), Richard Lawson 8, Ricky Wells 7, Richie Worrall 7, Sebastian Alden 7, Dakota North 7, Mark Lemon 6, Theo Pijper 4, Micky Dyer 3, Josh Auty 2, Oliver Greenwood 1 (res), Morten Risager 0, Max Clegg 0 (res)
Semi-Final (first two to Grand Final) OllyAllen, Craig Cook, Nick Morris, ReneBach.
Grand Final: Olly Allen, Magnus Karlsson, Jason Doyle, Craig Cook.
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Post by Administrator on Sept 24, 2013 10:23:39 GMT
Cup Final Countdown The Silver Ski Rockets’ 2013 season comes to a head with this Friday’s (September 27th) Knock-Out Cup Final first leg showdown at Somerset. Both teams have been forced to re-juggle their resources for Friday’s encounter. The Rockets are set to be without Tyson Nelson, who will be en route to the Czech Republic to represent Australia in the U-21 World Cup Final unless he can book a late flight via a cancellation in order to free himself up for the Oak Tree Arena. Rider-Replacement will operate as coverage, both for the Cup fixture and the following night’s home League finale against Redcar. Additionally, NLRC Finalist Josh Bates of Mildenhall is set to guest for the side-lined Jason Garrity if the G-Force remains unfit. Somerset, meanwhile, are scheduled to be missing Nick Morris (concussion) and Alex Davies, who is involved alongside Nelson in the U-21 World Cup Final – the Rebels will operate Rider-Replacement and use Nicolai Klindt as a guest - while Oliver Greenwood is set to deputise for back injury victim Lewis Rose. Rye House team manager John Sampford knows that Friday’s mission is direct and straightforward. “We are going there to score as many points as possible, to keep it as close as we can for the return leg. I am not setting the team a specific points target, however, because that can rebound against you psychologically. If you meet or beat the target, it can leave you a little complacent and if you fall short it can turn you off for the second leg. “Tyson’s likely absence leaves us not as strong as we would be if he was there, but Somerset’s own absences will even things out up to a point. “We’ll have the big plus of Olly’s PLRC victory to boost us. His confidence will be high after Sunday, and it will also definitely rub off on the rest of the boys.” Teams: Rye House: Olly Allen, Anders Mellgren, Pontus Aspgren, Tyson Nelson or R/R, Jason Bunyan (captain), Josh Bates (guest), Kasper Lykke Somerset: Jason Doyle (captain), Nick Morris R/R, Josh Grajczonek, Nicolai Klindt (guest), Kyle Newman, Charles Wright, Oliver Greenwood (guest). The Rockets will host the Rebels in the second and deciding leg at Rye House on Sunday, October 6th, with an afternoon (2pm) start. That meeting, which is the Hoddesdon season finale, will also incorporate the Midland Development League Championship Final between Milton Keynes and Belle Vue, and be followed by the presentation of the “Mr Rocket” rider of the year award in the stadium’s Long Bar. Bowen Back With a Bang! Luke Bowen quickly shook off the racing cobwebs as he marked his formal track return from last June’s broken thigh with a spectacular second place finish in Kent’s season finale, the Silver Ski Holidays Championship, on Monday night. The Harlow Flyer collected two victories from his four programmed rides – he was beaten only by newly crowned National League Riders’ Champion Steve Boxall and 2012 Rockets racing colleague Kasper Lykke, before winning his semi-final and then being headed by the unbeaten Boxall in the Grand Final. Lykke was eliminated at the evening’s semi-final stage. Team manager John Sampford was more than impressed by Bowen’s racing comeback. “He rode incredibly well, considering he has been out of the saddle for some fifteen months. He totally exceeded everyone’s expectations, including his own. To use a Rockets analogy, he is over the moon about it!” Qualifying scores: Steve Boxall 12, Luke Bowen 10, Kasper Lykke 9, Ben Morley 8, Benji Compton 7, Brendan Johnson 6, Jack Kingston 6, Connor Coles 5, Marc Owen 4, Adam Kirby 3, Danno Verge 2, Chris Schramm 0
Semi-Final 1: Steve Boxall, Benji Compton, Kasper Lykke, Jack Kingston (ret). Semi-Final 2: Luke Bowen, Ben Morley, Brendan Johnson, Connor Coles.
Grand Final: Steve Boxall, Luke Bowen, Benji Compton, Ben Morley
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Post by Administrator on Sept 27, 2013 21:47:10 GMT
Tough Time in Cup Final Somerset 59 Rye House 31 (Knock-Out Cup Final; Friday, September 27th 2013) The Silver Ski Rockets face an uphill task to lift this season’s Knock-Out Cup after falling to a 28 point defeat in the first leg of the Final at Somerset. The Rockets contained their hosts 17-13 over the first five races before the Rebels – seeded No.1 in the Championship Play-Offs after topping the regular season League table – showed exactly what has brought them to the 2013 party by easing well clear in the remaining heats as Jason Doyle completed a fine six ride maximum. The Rockets, in comparison, managed just two race wins - one each from Mellgren and Allen – and clearly found life difficult both in the Rebels’ backyard and without two of their leading lights. As promoter Len Silver admitted afterwards, “We missed (U-21 World Cup-bound) Tyson Nelson immensely – we could only cover Rider-Replacement with two team men and two reserves, while they could use all their top men to cover for Nick Morris – while the rules decree that we could only use a National League guest to step in for the permanently missing Jason Garrity. “Despite the score, however, there were some very good races, and had Pontus Aspgren not suffered an engine failure when we were on a 3-3 in one heat, we would have scored exactly the same as Edinburgh did here a fortnight ago. The Monarchs are a very strong outfit, with a full team, yet they got walloped by the Rebels 58-32!” Team manager John Sampford accepted that “Somerset are an excellent side on any track; around their own circuit they are awesome. But although it was for only limited reward, all the boys rode their hearts out. There was no question of their heads going down. “We know we’ve got a very hard job in the second leg, but we’ve not given up the ghost just yet. There are still another fifteen races to go, and we’ll be in there fighting and determined to do to them what they’ve done to us. That’s got to be the aim.” That second leg takes place at Hoddesdon on Sunday, October 6th, with a 2pm afternoon start time. Ahead of that – tomorrow (Saturday), in fact – the Rockets will aim to sign off their Premier League fixtures on a high when they entertain Redcar. Olly Allen can expect a hero’s welcome on his home return from Sunday’s Premier League Riders’ Championship success, while Ben Morley is set to guest at reserve for Jason Garrity. While the Rockets rocked the Bears 55-35 in the Cup a month ago, they can expect a tougher encounter this time around. Only last night, their opponents shocked Newcastle 53-37 in their opening Play-Off fixture, with Aaron Summers and Ulrich Ostergaard finishing as joint-top scorers with paid 13 apiece. The Bears can also boast fast-emerging No.1 Micky Dyer, 2011 Czech Grand Prix Wildcard Matej Kus and 3-time former World U-21 Semi-Finalist Max Dilger, plus former Sheffield stalwart Hugh Skidmore and proven thrill-merchant Carl Wilkinson. The action starts at 7pm. Rye House scorers: Olly Allen 9, Jason Bunyan 8, Anders Mellgren 6, Pontus Aspgren 4+1, Kasper Lykke 3, Josh Bates (guest) 1+1, Tyson Nelson R/R Somerset scorers: Jason Doyle 18, Josh Grajczonek 13+1, Nicolai Klindt (guest) 11, Charles Wright 10+2, Kyle Newman 6+2, Oliver Greenwood 1, Nick Morris R/R
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Post by Administrator on Sept 29, 2013 7:26:13 GMT
Rockets Mauled by Bears Rye House 40 Redcar 50 (Premier League; Saturday, September 28th 2013) The Silver Ski Rockets ended their Premier League campaign on a damp note, falling to their heaviest home defeat of the season in this re-arranged fixture. It was their third home reverse in the League and leaves them firmly entrenched in ninth place out of thirteen teams in the final table. Full credit to the Bears, who were a radically different proposition to the side beaten down 55-35 in the Knock-Out Cup at Hoddesdon just a month ago, and who played their part in ensuring this match had anything but an end of season feel in racing quality. They look more than ready for the Championship Play-Offs as evidenced already by their 53-37 victory over Newcastle in that series on Thursday, with Ulrich Ostergaard (11), Aaron Summers (10+1) and, in particular, hot reserve Carl Wilkinson (14+2) their biggest drivers here. The loss of Matej Kus with an elbow injury and back pains from a Heat 8 tumble did nothing to halt their charge, and ironically enhanced their cause as it freed Wilkinson up for extra rides. The Rockets actually led briefly, at 16-14, thanks to a 5-1 from Jason Bunyan and Pontus Aspgren in Heat 5, only to slip away in the second half of the meeting. Trailing 36-30, a 5-1 from Ostergaard and Wilkinson in Heat 12 left Rye 10 points adrift and the final nail in the coffin came from a further max-out from Summers and Micky Dyer in the next race. Anders Mellgren was actually in front when the referee was forced to halt the heat due to the fallen Olly Allen’s machine still being on the track, with the home supporters clearly unhappy about the declaration of a re-run, although it ultimately made little difference to the match result. A 5-1 from Mellgren and Aspgren in the nominated heat gave the final score respectability, but there was not too much for the Rockets to cheer about in general. Aspgren’s 12+2 highlighted his consistency throughout, Jason Bunyan (6+2) was once again reliable and Kasper Lykke helped put a very difficult personal patch behind him by weighing in with 9+1 from seven rides. On the down side, it also proved a long night – for different reasons – for No.1 Olly Allen. The newly crowned Premier League Riders’ Champion fell in three of his four outings, which cost the Rockets vital points. Rye also desperately missed Tyson Nelson – absent due to his commitment to the U-21 World Cup Final in the Czech Republic – as the Rider-Replacement facility brought scant coverage with just 4 points, while Anders Mellgren’s scoring prowess was hampered by a tapes exclusion in his opening ride. Finally, it proved an unhappy night for Ben Morley, so often a key contributor in recent weeks, who failed to trouble the scorers. Clearly, it proved a match where much went wrong for the Rockets. They now desperately need to put the experience behind them as they plan for their season finale next Sunday (October 6th at 2pm), when they need to be firing on all cylinders against Somerset in the second leg of the Knock-Out Cup Final. Rye House scorers: Olly Allen 4+1 (4 rides) Tyson Nelson R/R Jason Bunyan 6+2 (5) Pontus Aspgren 12+2 (6) Anders Mellgren 9 (5) Kasper Lykke 9+1 (7) Ben Morley (guest) 0 (4) Redcar scorers: Micky Dyer 6+1 (4 rides) Hugh Skidmore 6 (4) Ulrich Ostergaard 11 (5) Matej Kus 1 (2) Aaron Summers 10+1 (5) Carl Wilkinson 14+2 (6) Max Dilger 2+1 (4) Match Points: Rye House 0 Redcar 4 Footnote: It was a disappointing afternoon for Tyson Nelson, and the Australian team in general, in Saturday’s U-21 World Cup Final at Pardubice in the Czech Republic. The 20 year old contributed 2 of his country’s 20 points – Darcy Ward proved the mainstay with 11 of that total - as the Roos propped up the field, behind winners Denmark (42), Poland (41) and the host nation (24).
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Post by Administrator on Oct 2, 2013 7:11:56 GMT
Cup Final Preview: Rye House vs Somerset The climax of the Silver Ski Rockets’ 2013 season is just days away as they prepare to entertain Somerset in the second leg of the Knock-Out Cup Final on Sunday, October 6th (2pm start). Reaching the trophy decider has been a remarkable achievement for a team originally dubbed “Generation Next” but which has, thanks to relentless injury and adversity, seemingly been ground down into “Generation Hexed”. Example: Olly Allen’s broken forearm. Example: Jason Garrity’s broken leg. Example: Example: Simon Lambert’s broken ankle. Example: Tyson Nelson’s absence through U-21 commitments. Yet against all those odds, the Rockets have made the Cup Final, where now they must rebound both from a 59-31 first leg deficit and the ignominy of last Saturday’s home slump against Redcar in the League. Team manager John Sampford is looking forward to the match on two levels. First and foremost, he expects to oversee a team that will be a different proposition to the one beaten down by the Bears. “Redcar had just seen off Newcastle by a convincing score in the Play-Offs, and they are definitely on a roll as an in-form team. “But from our own perspective, the reasons for Saturday’s defeat are pretty self-evident. As was the case on Friday (when the Rockets dropped the Cup’s first leg at Somerset), you can’t cover with Rider-Replacement someone like Tyson Nelson (who was away representing Australia in the U-21 World Cup Final). The remaining resources just aren’t enough. And Olly Allen had a nightmare meeting with fall after fall. “Tyson will be back on Sunday, and you have to believe that Saturday’s other circumstances can’t possibly be repeated.” As to the matter specifically at hand, Sampford is well aware of the scope of the challenge in overcoming a 28 point deficit against the team that has topped the Premier League’s regular season table, but is also convinced of his team’s self-belief. “We are very clearly the underdogs, and no one gives us a prayer. But that takes a bit of the pressure off too. We’ve got nothing to lose, and we’ll just throw everything at it so that we go out with the biggest bang possible, regardless of the final score.” Teams (alphabetical order): Rye House: Olly Allen, Pontus Aspgren, Jason Bunyan (captain), Jason Garrity (if fit), Kasper Lykke, Anders Mellgren, Tyson Nelson Somerset: Alex Davies, Jason Doyle (captain), Josh Grajczonek, Oliver Greenwood (guest) Nick Morris, Kyle Newman, Charles Wright Sunday’s main event will be followed by a further six heats in the first leg of the Midland Development League Championship Final between defending titlists Milton Keynes and Belle Vue. After that, it’s all adjourn to the long Bar for the club’s end of season presentations, including the Mr Rocket rider of the year award, to bring down the final curtain on the 2013 campaign.
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Post by Administrator on Oct 6, 2013 21:10:55 GMT
Rockets Win on Day as Rebels Lift Cup Rye House 46 Somerset 44 (agg: 77-103) (Premier League Knock-Out Cup Final; Sunday, October 6th 2013) While never likely to over-turn a hefty 28 point deficit from the tie’s first leg, the Silver Ski Rockets were able to sign off their 2013 campaign on a positive note by heading home the No.1 seeds for the Championship Play-Offs 46-44 in the return match. A combination of sharp gating by the Rebels – Jason Doyle won the opening heat in a time of 55.6 seconds that was just half a second outside Chris Neath’s all-time Hoddesdon track record – and a lack of race wins left the Rockets behind in the early stages. Anders Mellgren sparked the turn-around, however, with 4-2s based around his two successes bringing Rye level at 21-21 and then three successive 5-1s suddenly propelling the Rockets ahead to 36-24. The first was delivered by Pontus Aspgren and Ben Morley in a Heat 8 that was re-run after Kyle Newman had fallen, while the second came from Tyson Nelson and Jason Bunyan after Nick Morris had clipped Nelson’s rear wheel in a third lap battle for supremacy. The hat-trick was completed when race leader Alex Davies inexplicably fell on the final lap of Heat 10 to gift Aspgren and Olly Allen the major points. Jason Doyle and Kyle Newman’s 4-2 response in Heat 11 stemmed the tide and finally clinched the aggregate success for Somerset, and the Rebels continued to reel in their hosts to set up a last race decider for the day’s outcome too, at 44-40. Josh Gracjconek won that finale, but Mellgren kept Morris behind him to ensure that the Rockets closed out their season with a much needed match victory. Somerset skipper Jason Doyle – who dished out four straight wins to complete a remarkable Cup Final record of ten out of ten – collected the trophy afterwards on behalf of the Rebels. Some had expected a containing job from his team given the decisive first leg score-line, but the Rebels matched that tenacity here. “We know how the Rye boys are good on their own track, and they showed that today. But we really came out in force too.” On a personal level, it has been a terrific 2013 for the Australian, who has already posted a 10 point Premier League record, an 8 point Elite League one, finished third in the PLRC and first in the Pairs, and collected a Bronze medal in the World Cup. “After the season, when I look back I’ll definitely rank it as one of the very best ones I’ve had. Hopefully I can stay injury-free; that’s why I didn’t go out in Heat 15 because I want to finally make the Play-Offs.” (Doyle was forced to sit out both the 2012 Premier and Elite League deciders though injury.) Somerset missed out on last year’s gold in a heart-breaking last heat decider at Scunthorpe, and Doyle is determined to make amends this time around. “It would mean a lot to the Hancock family to finally lift the title. That’s the one we haven’t got in the cabinet, so that’s what we’re going for.” While missing out 103-77 on aggregate, Sunday’s result did much to restore the Rockets’ pride after their previous League stumble against Redcar. Captain Jason Bunyan summed up the match in a way that also subtly emphasised both his personal role in the team and the weather that has blighted the sport in recent seasons. “It was very important to get the win after last week. It was never realistic to get the (first leg) points back, but it was nice to finish the season riding on a sunny day with your mates.” About the Rockets’ injury-strewn campaign, he continued, “Speedway is full of challenges; it’s what makes you a good or bad rider. We’ve certainly had plenty of challenges this year. “The team was really built around Jason Garrity, and after he was injured the rest of us just had to do our best to fill what was a big gap. The side has been excellent, with a great team spirit. To prove the point, Simon Lambert turned up every week (to help out in the pits) even when he was injured. That tells you all about the attitude in this team.” Rye House scorers: Anders Mellgren 10, Tyson Nelson 8+1, Olly Allen 7+1, Pontus Aspgren 7+1, Jason Bunyan 7+1, Ben Morley (guest) 4+2, Kasper Lykke 3.
Somerset scorers: Jason Doyle 12, Josh Grajczonek 10, Charles Wright 9, Nick Morris 6+1, Alex Davies 4+1, Kyle Newman 2, Oliver Greenwood (guest) 1. Nelson Top of Rye House Honours List Tyson Nelson rounded out his successful return to British Speedway by lifting the Mr Rocket rider of the year award that was presented in the stadium’s Long Bar at the conclusion of play on Sunday afternoon. The 20 year old missed out on Britain in 2012 due to visa issues and admits that “Coming back after a year off was always going to be difficult, but I feel that I’m now back to where I wanted to be, and ready to push on again to the next level next year.” He agrees that his international call-ups and late season Elite League exposure have ticked additional boxes in terms of career targets outside of the Rockets, and said that “I’m looking to get a place in the Elite League next year, and also be back here at Rye, so I definitely feel that I’m moving forward.” The young Aussie was also the recipient of the Sampford Trophy from Rye House team manager John Sampford which is presented annually in memory of his late parents to the rider judged the most exciting of the year. Sampford pointed out that the rider had truly lived up to his tag as the No Fear Cavalier with a string of incredible manoeuvres that “quite simply left my heart in my mouth”, to which Tyson himself quipped that “I don’t know about John; I had my heart in my mouth too!”. Thank You Rye House Speedway would like to say a big thank you to those who made 2013 possible: to the riders for their determination and entertainment during a difficult season, the track staff for their availability and service, all sponsors and, of course, all fans for their continued support. While the opening date for 2014 is very much subject to the racing calendar which is agreed at November’s annual BSPA Conference, co-promoter Len Silver has indicated his current desire to stage the Rockets’ first home match on Easter Sunday. Regardless of the precise date, we wish everyone a healthy and enjoyable winter, and look forward to welcoming you back to Rye House in Spring 2014. Knights Edge MDL Final Leg The defending champion Milton Keynes Knights recovered from an early deficit to sneak home 16-13 against Belle Vue in the first leg of the Midland Development League Championship Final that was staged at Rye House following the main Rockets-Somerset match. The Colts led 10-7, only for Matt Williamson to fall on the last bend of Heat 4 when holding second place, with the consequent 5-1 from Jeremy Pestell and Mark Baldock putting the Kights in front. Baldock and Danno Verge added a 4-2 in the next heat before the match was abandoned in an uncompleted final race after Aaron Mogridge fell and brought down both Belle Vue riders plus a large section of fourth bend fencing. The second leg will be staged at Belle Vue on Wednesday (October 9th). Milton Keynes scorers: Mark Baldock 7+1 (3 rides), Jeremy Pestell 5 93), Danno Verge 4+1 (3), Aaron Mogridge 0 (3) Belle Vue scorers: Shaun Tedham (guest) 8 (3 rides), Matt Williamson 3 (2), David Holt 2 (4), Adam Sheppard 0 (0)
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Post by Administrator on Oct 19, 2013 11:08:57 GMT
Intercepting the New Fence With the 2013 racing season for the Silver Ski Rockets now completed, work has commenced on the re-design and installation of a new safety fence in preparation for an air fence to be fitted. The new line for the fence will take the width of the back straight almost a metre out, which should have the effect of making the racing even faster! The new fence will be completely installed before the old one is demolished so that Sunday Training sessions can still take place during the work. And pupils at the school, run by Andrew Silver, will have the opportunity to make a team place in the Kent Kings team if they progress well enough. Meanwhile the Rockets’ team composition for 2014 is in the process of selection and most of the 2013 Rockets are expected to retain their place with the possibility of a surprise name or two to adding spice to the make-up as manager John Sampford and Silver try to put together a League winning seven. As Samford comments, "After a gap of six years since we last took the League title, all of us at Rye House are hungry for success. Injuries have halted our chances in recent years, so we all hope to have a free run next season." Rye House may well be seen on TV next year as the circuit is to be used in an episode of a new TV Drama called "The Interceptor", which is due to be screened at a mid-summer date. It is a flashback to the 70's TV series filmed at the Hoddesdon track for the children’s series "King Cinder", with Rockets team men of that era becoming stand-in stars of the small screen.
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Post by Administrator on Nov 20, 2013 20:08:04 GMT
Bowen 747 Lands Testimonial! Long-time Silver Ski Rockets star Luke Bowen has been awarded a richly deserved Testimonial meeting in 2014. BSPA approval has been formally granted to stage the event which will celebrate Bowen’s ten year association with the Rockets, with the precise date and racing format to be announced in due course. The locally-born Harlow Flyer actually first surfaced in Rye House colours as a Raider in 2002 in what is now the National League. Six seasons at that level brought a record across 89 official matches of 739 ½ paid points and a 7.27 average (including bonus points), with two full and two paid maximums, plus the 2003 Fours title, thrown in for good measure. Nine successive seasons with the Rockets – the tenth in 2013 was ruled out by injury – have seen Luke appear in 232 official matches, with a tantalising 999 rides producing 1478 paid points and a career 5.92 average that includes two paid maximums. Throw in challenge and other meetings and you are talking an incredible 2322 ½ points from Luke’s 340 total appearances across the two Rye House sides! A League Champion with the Rockets in 2007, when he was a near ever-present, he has twice received the club’s “Mr Rocket” rider of the year award, in 2008 and 2009. The injuries have unfortunately never been too far away – most recently a broken thigh suffered in June, 2012 – but the Bowen 747’s sheer determination to bounce back from each setback, coupled with his ever-cheerful personality, has endeared him to the Rye House crowd. The latest proof of his undiminished tenacity is an easy one to spot. It was his racing comeback from his broken thigh, as his lone appearance of 2013 saw him net a remarkable second place finish in the Silver Ski Holidays Championship individual event at Kent at the end of September! Rye House promoter Len Silver is already looking forward to Luke’s big day next season. "No other rider in the modern era has worn the Rockets colours with more pride than Luke. We have all watched him progress from his very shaky beginnings with the Raiders to become a powerhouse for the Rockets at Hoddesdon. “We've also shared his pain when injury has struck him so cruelly in almost every season, and we’ve all been astonished at his powers of recovery, riding on as if nothing had happened. “Luke’s bravery and loyalty over all those years certainly qualify him to be favoured with a testimonial meeting. I will do my utmost to make it as successful as possible for him, and I know our fans will arrive in their thousands to support him."
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Post by Administrator on Nov 21, 2013 22:11:01 GMT
Kennett Leads Rockets Into 2014 With the dust still settling on the sport’s recent AGM, the Silver Ski Rockets have wasted little time in confirming six of their starting seven for 2014 - and the seventh subject to final ratification – with the most exciting news being that Edward Kennett has been named as the team’s new No.1. It will be a clear case of “coming home” for the 27 year old whose competitive career began at Hoddesdon and who last represented the Rockets as part of their 2005 League and Premier Trophy winning side. Kennett also captured the first of two British U-21 championships that year, and has since gone on to represent his country in numerous World Cups, twice finish second in the British senior Final and appear as a Wildcard in the British Grand Prix. Kennett’s signing followed probably the shortest negotiation period in the Rockets’ modern day history, with promoter Len Silver feeling that “This is a marriage made in heaven and I know our fans will be totally over the moon about Eddie's move. My only regret....and it is a serious one...is that it determines that we are unable to track Anders Mellgren, a rider for whom I have the highest regard and affection. In thanking him for his excellent performances for the Rockets, I will make it my task to try to find a placement for him as quickly as possible. Of course in future seasons, if I can fit him into our team, I will have no hesitation in doing so." While Kennett has been away from Hoddesdon for eight seasons, there is a more familiar look to the rest of the named side. 8-time New Zealand national champion and double Grand Prix Wildcard Jason Bunyan returns to Hertfordshire for a third straight year as captain, and with an investment in two new engines, while thrill-merchants Tyson Nelson and Jason Garrity are also back from 2013. Aussie Nelson snared the “Mr Rocket” rider of the year award in October while fellow 20 year old Garrity shoe-horned a lot into a season that was abruptly halted by a broken leg: an all-inclusive 8.55 average from ten matches, a British U-21 bronze medal and a head-turning seventh place finish in the nationally televised British senior Final. Kent-based Steve Boxall, meanwhile, will return to Hoddesdon after a two season absence having totally re-built his personal momentum in a fantastic 2013 as a Kent King. A near 10 point National League average and a second League Riders’ crown were just reward for his renewed commitment to the sport. Although last seen in the Rockets’ colours in 2011, the “Boxmeister’s” Hertfordshire roots go back much further than that of course. Rye House is where it all first began for the 26 year old, with 2005 netting a first NLRC crown and advancement to the World U-21 Semi-Finals, 2006 the Rockets’ rider of the year award and 2007 a central role in Rye’s 2007 Premier League Championship machine. Several “wilderness years” may have followed, but Boxall is determined to show that his remarkable 2013 has laid the foundation for something even stronger next year. 2014 Testimonial man Luke Bowen will fill one of the team’s reserve berths, having effectively sat out last season recovering from a broken thigh, with the other slot set to be taken by 2012 and 2013 Rocket Simon Lambert, dependent on final agreement with his parent club. Lambert would come in on what looks a highly understated 3.00 average. Rye House team manager John Sampford is already looking forward to the new campaign as he oversees a team containing no less than six Brits. He shares Silver’s excitement over the return of Kennett. “Like Len, I’m really pleased to have an out and out No.1 in Edward, whose role will be so vital in Heats 13 and 15. Obviously, I’m also sorry that the points limit meant that we could not accommodate Anders Mellgren as well. He has been a real stalwart of the side over the last two seasons. “Tyson and Jason (Garrity) will no doubt have everyone’s hearts in their mouths on occasions with their exciting riding styles, but both are incredible prospects, and in Jason’s case his official average of 5.32 looks a real steal. “Jason (Bunyan) is sure to be a real rock in the heart of the side, and as captain brings much more to the team than just the points he scores, while Steve has been re-born and revitalised at Kent and is so keen to show that there is a lot, lot more left where 2013 came from. “Luke simply lives and breathes blue and yellow, and it is so good to see him back from injury. Like Jason, he brings a lot more to the side than just his points, and he richly deserves his Testimonial. And hopefully Simon’s will be back too. Even when he was injured this past season, he turned up regularly to help out the rest of the boys in the pits, which tells you plenty about his character and attitude to this club. “It will be a new season, and a new challenge. And we’ll be ready for it.” Full Rye House team with official averages: Edward Kennett (10.65), Tyson Nelson (6.16), Jason Bunyan (5.80), Steve Boxall (5.69), Jason Garrity (5.32), Luke Bowen (5.12), final place (3.00) Team Total: 41.74
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Post by Administrator on Dec 5, 2013 23:07:28 GMT
Elite League Rockets! Hot on the heels of the announcement that the Raiders may rise again in the National League, two 2014 Silver Ski Rockets, plus an additional Rye House asset, have been drafted by Elite League teams in the Fast Track programme for young British riders. Jason Garrity has been selected by Coventry, having been described by their promotion as a “must pick”, while Simon Lambert has been chosen by Birmingham and Kent King and Rye asset Ben Morley will be at Lakeside. Rye House promoter Len Silver believes that the trio will benefit from the experience of top flight exposure in more ways than one. “I was very pleased with the choice of teams. Jason will be with Coventry - a Friday track - which means that he can travel from Manchester to the Midlands, and then on to Rye House for his Saturday events. “Simon was picked by the astute Graham Drury of Birmingham with a highly suitable Wednesday race-day, while little Ben was chosen by Jon Cook of Lakeside, the track nearest to his Southend home. “I have no doubt that these tracks will help to bring out the talents of my riders, and I am delighted at the draw.”
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Post by Administrator on Dec 21, 2013 23:13:59 GMT
IT'S ROCKETS VS PANTHERS IN 2014! Friday December 20, 2013
The management team of Rye House Speedway have sent their congratulations to the new consortium, led by Mick Horton, at Peterborough Speedway following the news that the Panthers have been saved and will become part of the Premier League for the new 2014 season.
The Rockets and Panthers have not clashed in the League since 1992, although the Hertfordshire club did achieve a memorable 46-44 away win at the East of England Showground in the short-lived League Cup competition that encompassed both Leagues in 2003.
"This is the best news we have had since the end of the season" said Rockets promoter Len Silver on hearing the news. “I can foresee some almighty battles in East Anglia in the New Year with the triangle of Ipswich, Peterborough and Rye House, and I can't wait to get it all going ! "
The countdown has begun.
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Post by Administrator on Dec 30, 2013 23:03:18 GMT
2014 Launch Dates The opening fixtures for the Rye House Silver Ski Rockets for the new 2014 season can now be confirmed.
The Rockets will head to the East of England Showground in Peterborough on Tuesday, March 18th, for what will be the Panthers’ first meeting in their new era as a Premier League club, as they battle the Alwalton club in the first leg of the East of England Cup. Peterborough will then return the favour on Saturday, March 29th (7pm start) for what will be the opening meeting of the year at Hoddesdon.
Rye boss Len Silver is already looking forward to the teams’ first head-to-head encounters since 2003. “With the Peterborough (East of England) Showground only just over an hour away via the M11, I can see some terrific rivalry building between our two clubs, and I am very excited about having the Panthers in our division." More Fixture News! Full fixture planning for the 2014 campaign is already underway, and the Silver Ski Rockets’ complete schedule is due to be confirmed in the New Year. In the interim, it has already been announced that the Rockets’ first meeting will be at new boys Peterborough in the East of England Cup on March 18th, and that the two sides will also provide the line-up for the opening fixture of year at Hoddesdon, in what will be the trophy’s deciding leg on Saturday, March 29th (7pm). Other parts of the jigsaw are also beginning to fall into place. As a taster here…. Bank Holiday weekend home dates look set fill Sunday slots, rather than the Monday dates operated in the past, so Sundays April 20th, May 4th, May 25th and August 24th are pencilled in for 2pm starts. The National League Riders’ Championship also looks set to be staged on a Sunday - September 28th - to facilitate better travelling times for visiting supporters than the Saturday night slot previously operated, while Rye House will also play host once again to a round of the British Youth Championship. On the road, no less than THREE Northern tours are planned, taking in successive nights at Redcar/Edinburgh, Berwick/Newcastle and Workington/Glasgow, respectively. Finally, back to home comforts, and the positive news that despite the continuous upward pressures on costs that virtually all organisations face, admission prices will once again remain unchanged for the new season: Adults £16, Seniors £14, Children (12-16) £5, with Children under 12 admitted FREE. The match programme also remains unchanged at £2.00. No Go for Raiders The possibility of resurrecting the Rye House Raiders has unfortunately been shelved for 2014. As promoter Len Silver has admitted, “The reason I had decided to try to re-introduce a Rye House team into the National League, which I did in November, was down to my personal wish to ensure that the National League had enough teams in it for it to be a worthwhile league to be a part of. “When, at the December meeting of National League promoters, Plymouth made an entry, the need for a Rye House team receded, and with no sponsor also coming forward, the decision not to go ahead was easy to make."
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Post by Administrator on Jan 2, 2014 19:44:55 GMT
Lambert Sits Out Slopes Early January is usually a quiet time in the sport; a blank spot between the annual BSPA Conference and follow-up announcement of team line-ups and the confirmation of the full fixture list and accompanying build-up to the new season. For Rye House, the gap is traditionally filled nicely with a ski trip to the French Alps as part of the club’s team-bonding programme. One rider who has had turn down the opportunity this year, however, is Simon Lambert. The 24 year old has undergone delicate surgery on the left ankle that was broken at the start of last season, and is glad to report that the operation was a complete success. At the moment, he is undergoing physiotherapy – a process that will last for another month – and, rather unsurprisingly, his doctor has advised against his involvement in the French trip. Rye House promoter Len Silver is glad to see a positive outcome from the situation, however. “The disappointment accepted, Simon is happy in the knowledge that by February he will be fully fit and be able to take part in extensive practice sessions. With his very heavy racing commitments this year, he considers it vital to be 100% before a wheel is turned in anger.” Elsewhere, the Silver Ski Rockets’ management face their annual wait for confirmation that Tyson Nelson has his entry visa for the new season. While both Silver and team manager John Sampford expect this to be a formality for the “Mr Rocket” rider of the year, given all the paperwork is correct and in place, they are conscious of issues at other clubs last season and also need no reminding of the frustration of missing out on the Aussie’s services in 2012. It is just a case of sitting it out for the next few weeks with unwarranted - but equally understandable - nervousness!
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Post by Administrator on Jan 3, 2014 18:03:50 GMT
Nelson Reaches Aussie Final! Tyson Nelson successfully navigated tonight’s Qualifying Round at Kurri Kurri in New South Wales to reach the full Australian Championship series. The 20 year old tied at the top of the leader board on 13 points with Sam Masters, but was relegated to second place on count-back after dropping his only points to the former Premier League Riders’ Champion and Max Fricke. Former Silver Ski Rocket Kurt Shields also made the cut on 10 points, after being called into the meeting as a replacement rider just twenty minutes ahead of start time! The opening round of the Championship series is also at Kurri Kurri, tomorrow (Saturday) night, with the subsequent two rounds scheduled for Undera in Victoria next Wednesday and Gillman in Adelaide a week tomorrow (January 11th). Qualifying Round results: Sam Masters 13, Tyson Nelson 13, Mason Campton 11, Justin Sedgmen 11, Max Fricke 11, Kurt Shields 10, Jake Anderson 8, Daine Stevens 8 (all qualify), Matthew Day 7, Tyson Snow 7, Jake Allen 6, Joey Ringwood 6, Jye Etheridge 5, Hunter Anderson 3, Brodie Waters 1, Josh MacDonald 0 Seeded riders for the Championship series: Troy Bachelor (defending champion), Chris Holder, Jason Doyle, Cameron Woodward, Josh Grajczonek, Rohan Tungate, Dakota North and Jack Holder
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