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Post by Administrator on Jul 21, 2015 14:20:06 GMT
Young Lions on the Prowl Britain has got young talent, and there will be plenty of it on show at Rye House on Sunday, with the staging of the Round 4 of the 6 round Mitas British Youth Championship at 5pm.
The national U-16 event, which started life back in 2004 as a single class (500cc) series for U-15s has also evolved into a four tier event, with a 250cc class, plus 150cc and 125cc support classes, now sitting alongside the original 500cc as a natural progression path.
All four classes will run on Sunday, and with the series now entering its business end, there will be plenty on the line at Rye House as no less than 42 Young Lions compete in 42 qualifying races across the four classes. With a Final then following for each, it makes for a hefty agenda of 46 races. However, the programme is set to run at a terrific pace, with the action coming thick and fast in what is typically a three hour show. In the 500cc class, it looks like a mammoth effort now for anyone to stop 14 year old Jack Parkinson from claiming his first British Championship, as he has been the clear winner of the first three rounds with a maximum score of 54 points to date. His only defeat in any of his races thus far has come at Eastbourne, and even then it was in the form of a stoppage through an engine failure whilst leading the race!
The battle for the remaining, rostrum places is absolutely white hot, with Coventry Storm rider Jamie Halder and 14 year old Lewis Whitmore both currently tied on 44 points, former Rye House mascot Macauley Leek on 35, and William O’Keefe and Jack Thomas just a few points behind Leek. The most open class of the 2015 series is the 250cc, and this title is most definitely a LONG way from being settled as only four points currently separate the top three. With Tom Brennan, Kyle Bickley and Kean Dicken each winning one of the first three rounds, it’s anyone’s shout as to who will finish top of the podium come the climax of the series.
The two support classes of 150cc and 125cc have both maintained a strong attendance in 2015, and with the winners of the previous three rounds - Jolyon West and Jason Edwards (150cc) and the Thompson Twins Dan and Joe (125cc) - all on show in Hoddesdon, these are certain to be exciting to watch. Newly crowned British 125cc Champion Joe Thompson will be out to continue his success in that category, but twin brother Dan and Harry McGurk - who led the Championship Final at Peterborough until the last lap – will want to have something to say about that. All in all, it is sure to be a very exciting afternoon of British Youth Speedway. Admission prices are just £5 for adults, with children admitted FREE. British Youth boss Neil Vatcher would like to publicly thank series sponsors Mitas Tyres, Wessex Marine, Friends of Speedway, PBHS of Barnsley, Nuneaton Speedway Supporters Club, Duck Smart and Trend Creative, with additional thanks to the BSPA for its continued support. 500cc standings: Jack Parkinson 54, Jamie Halder 44, Lewis Whitmore 44, Macauley Leek 35, William O’Keefe 30, Jack Thomas 29.5, Keiron Douglas 23, Mitchell Beckett 22, Stephen Whitehouse 20.5, Sam Wright 11, Sam Wooley 11, Saul Bulley 10, Luke McKenna 7, Kyle Roberts 7, Sam Chapman 7 250cc standings: Tom Brennan 50, Kean Dicken 44, Anders Rowe 41, Jordan Jenkins 36, Kyle Bickley 30, Ben Woodhull 30, Luke Woodhull 27.5, Chad Wirtzfield 23.5, Charlie Brooks 10, Daniel Gilkes 8, Alex Spooner 6 Each rider in each of these two classes must drop one round of the six from his final points total.
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Post by Administrator on Jul 24, 2015 21:54:53 GMT
Monarchs Rain on Rockets’ Parade Edinburgh 59 Rye House 34 (Premier League; Friday, July 24th 2015) The Restart Rockets earned praise from the Edinburgh management for their battling efforts, but it was the powerhouse Monarchs who earned the match points, as the Rockets kicked off their northern tour with a 59-34 reverse at Armadale. That the match got underway at all was down to the hard work of the Edinburgh track crew, who worked overtime to rectify the surface following torrential rain less than two and a half hours before the scheduled start time. When the racing did get underway – some 25 minutes later than planned – Rye won plaudits for their get-it-on approach in the conditions, but just three visiting race wins meant that the match points were always going to remain north of the border with the defending League Champions. Edward Kennett, Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen and the resurgent Luke Bowen were the riders taking the chequered flag for the Hertfordshire club, with the trio contributing the central thrust to the Rockets’ attack. Anders Mellgren plugged away for his supporting points, but both Robin Aspegren and Danny Maassen failed to score as Kasper Lykke’s absence (broken collarbone) was emphasised once again. Rye House team manager John Sampford said afterwards, “The score didn’t really reflect the quality of the racing, but it was always going to be very difficult with Rider-Replacement and a long tail. “35 points is still relatively respectable against a strong team like Edinburgh. It’s also fair to say that we deserved a few points more than our final total. Edward (Kennett) and Nikolaj (Busk Jakobsen) were on for a 5-1 in Heat 13 when Craig Cook fell and caused the race to be stopped, and we had to settle for a 3-3 in the re-run. “Now it’s all about focusing on Berwick (tomorrow) in the Cup. It’s a huge match for both sides, but hopefully we can hit them while they are down after losing their last three home matches. As I said earlier in the week, it will be all about getting our gating boots on – and Robin turning things around as he returns to his former track.” Rye House scorers: Edward Kennett 10+1 (inc 6 as a TR), Nicolaj Busk Jakobsen 10, Luke Bowen 8+1, Anders Mellgren 6+1, Robin Aspegren 0, Danny Maassen 0, Kasper Lykke R/R Edinburgh scorers: Justin Sedgmen 13+1, Kevin Wolbert 13+1, Steve Worrall 9+2, Craig Cook 9, Erik Riss 6+1, Rob Branford 5+2, Max Clegg 4+1 Match Points: Edinburgh 3 Rye House 0
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Post by Administrator on Jul 25, 2015 17:56:47 GMT
BRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP - SUNDAY JULY 26 - POSTPONED
Due to the poor weather forecast, the early decision has been taken to postpone tomorrow's scheduled round of the Mitas British Youth Championship at Hoddesdon.
A new staging date will be announced in due course.
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Post by Administrator on Jul 25, 2015 22:09:38 GMT
Unbelievable Who saw this one coming? They had already lost their home leg by 6 points. They had finished on the wrong end of the score-line in each of their last six matches. And their ONLY previous victory at Shielfield Park had been way back in 1977. That’s right – 38 years ago. Obviously, nobody told the Restart Rockets about those statistics. And if they did, the Rockets certainly weren’t listening. Instead, they went to Berwick and upended the Bandits by a decisive 50-40 margin (92-88 on aggregate) to secure their place in the Travel Plus Tours Knock-Out Cup Semi-Finals, and with it a final four tie against Somerset. The signs were evident as early as the opening race, when Edward Kennett and the resurgent Robin Aspegren cruised to a 5-1 over home guest Matej Kus. They were even more strongly imprinted when Luke Bowen and Danny Maassen inflicted the same finish over Alex Edberg and Liam Carr in the very next heat. Two races gone, and Rye were ahead 10-2… and by 2 points on aggregate. Further maximums in Heats 5 (Kennett and Bowen) and 6 (Maassen and newly announced Danish Grand Prix reserve Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen) rocketed the Rockets to 25-11 and pretty much into the next round, although it was Bowen who provided the absolute clinchers by somehow squeezing between Liam Carr and the fence to nab second spot right on the line in Heat 12, and then claiming victory from the back, this time against Edberg, in Heat 14. The Bowen 747 joint-topped the Rye House score-chart with paid 11, alongside skipper Edward Kennett, with Maassen enjoying a breakthrough 8+1. All the Rockets, though, were heroes on this night. As an ecstatic Rye House team manager, John Sampford, said afterwards, “After what the Bandits did to us down at Rye, it was role reversal tonight. “All the boys put in a superb effort, and they always believed they could pull off the result right from Heat 1. They proved that this team CAN come back from adversity AND pull off the result on a totally different circuit and under different riding conditions. “They were all superstars tonight, but let me just add a word about two in particular. Danny Maassen has been struggling big time, but he’d ridden at Berwick before (with Sheffield) and that made a world of difference. The conditions also helped him, and he was able to trap and set the pace of each race. “And what can you say about Luke? His last two rides were absolutely brilliant. “Those two guys made a huge difference. To have your two reserves come to the party and score big points like they did (18+2) took all the pressure off the rest of the team. “Kasper (Lykke) has indicated that he will be back for our match at Sheffield next Thursday, as well, which means that we will finally be getting back to full strength after a full four months.” An equally jubilant Bowen added, “I’m feeling on top of the world at the moment. I’ve been back in the saddle for just a couple of weeks after three months away, but after points like that and stuff like that, I’ve shown I’m focused and hungry again.” Of his last gasp pass of Liam Carr: “I didn’t make the start in Heat 12, but I felt I had good speed in the dirt. I reeled him in, and ducked under his arm right on the line.” And of his superb pass for the win in Heat 14, “That one felt right out of the top draw. The bike felt like a train out in the dirt, and again I was able to reel him in and finish it off. “But we’ve all done really well tonight. “It’s just brilliant.” Rye House scorers: Edward Kennett 11 (5 rides), Luke Bowen 10+1 (5), Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen 9+3 (5), Danny Maassen 8+1 (5), Anders Mellgren 6+1 (5), Robin Aspegren 6+1 (5), Kasper Lykke R/R Berwick scorers: Kevin Doolan 14 (5 rides), Mathias Thornblom 10 (5), Alex Edberg 4+1 (4), Matej Kus (guest) 4 (4), Fernando Garcia 4 (4), Thomas Jorgensen 3+2 (4), Liam Carr 1 (4)
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Post by Administrator on Jul 26, 2015 20:45:53 GMT
Newcastle vs Rye House – POSTPONED Following Friday’s reverse at Edinburgh and last night’s sensational Cup victory at Berwick, the Restart Rockets lost the final match of their northern tour to the weather, as heavy and unabated late afternoon rain led to the postponement of their Premier League fixture at Newcastle just under ninety minutes ahead of the scheduled start time. A new staging date will be announced as soon as agreed. The Rockets are next in action at Sheffield on Thursday, before they can expect a hero’s welcome after their Cup success when they return to Hoddesdon to face Newcastle on Saturday (7pm start).
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Post by Administrator on Jul 27, 2015 10:36:57 GMT
New Date for Young Lions Following the early postponement of Sunday’s event, a new date has been set for the Mitas British Youth Championship round at Rye House. The next wave of Young Lions will now be in town on Sunday, September 29th, with a 2pm start.
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Post by Administrator on Jul 29, 2015 20:54:45 GMT
Lykke Back on Track Kasper Lykke will make his long awaited return from injury this week as the Restart Rockets embark on a schedule of three major meetings over a four day period. It is no secret that the Rockets have sorely missed the 21 year old, who has piled up the points when available in 2015 – his all-inclusive average from 11 matches is 8.20! – but has been side-lined since June 6th with a broken collarbone. It has been the Dane’s second major spell out of action after the previous loss of April to knee ligament damage, but he has now been given the thumbs up following a practice session in his homeland last week. Lykke will make his return for the Rockets’ Premier League trip to Sheffield tomorrow night, before heading to Hoddesdon for Saturday’s clash against Newcastle and then taking his place in the Rye House team for Sunday’s Fours Championship at Peterborough. The Rockets will have to wait a little longer, however, to parade their full first choice one-to-seven. The last time that happened was way back on April 6th – match No.3 against Somerset! Edward Kennett will be absent on both Thursday and Saturday due to doubling-up Elite League commitments, with Josh Grajczonek named as guest cover at Sheffield and Robert Lambert filling the gap against the Diamonds. Anders Mellgren will also be absent in the Steel City due to a domestic racing commitment in Sweden, with the Rockets filling the gap via Rider-Replacement. Rye House team manager admits, “The Tigers will be a tough nut to crack around their own patch, and they have selected a good guest (for the injured Simon Stead) in Brady Kurtz, but we’ve chosen a good one too in Josh Grajczonek. There’s no doubt that we’ll also be boosted by seeing Kasper (Lykke) back after nearly two months out, and knowing what he’s been scoring when he’s been available, while Danny (Maassen) will be out to build on his paid 9 last Saturday when he returns to the track he rode at in 2013. “We are absolutely determined to continue from where we left off at Shielfield Park. Owlerton has often been cited in the past as a graveyard for us too, but we won there twice in 2013, and we showed on Saturday what we are capable of when everything clicks.” Sampford is aiming for everything to click again on Saturday against Newcastle. “The Diamonds are a good workmanlike side, and they have already won at Ipswich, so we know it won’t be easy. “But our season is very much alive and kicking again after the Berwick Cup victory, and we’ve got a great opportunity to ramp up our momentum. Yes, we’ll be missing Edward (Kennett) again, but we’ll have ideal cover in Robert Lambert, whose record in 2015 speaks for itself: big points in both leagues, a World Cup spot and a reserve role at Cardiff. I’ve tried to get him as a guest twice before, but he was unavailable, so now it really is third time lucky.” Finally, there is Sunday’s Fours Finals, when the Rockets will finally be at full strength with a quintet of their own resources when they compete at Peterborough. Edward Kennett, Danish GP reserve Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen, Anders Mellgren and Kasper Lykke will form the main body of their team, while Luke Bowen will be at reserve. Says Sampford of that major event, “We’ve got a good top four, and Luke has shown in the past what he can do at the Showground if we call on him at reserve. “It’s all about what happens on the day. We’re looking forward to it, and we’ll simply go there and give it our best shot.”
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Post by Administrator on Jul 30, 2015 21:55:09 GMT
Tiger, Tiger (Part II) Five nights on from their dazzling Cup success at Berwick, the Restart Rockets were brought back down to earth with a 55-37 defeat at play-off contenders Sheffield. The Rockets actually stole an early advantage when Tigers guest Brady Kurtz fell during a thrilling battle with Rye’s own one night stand Josh Grajczonek to hand Grajczonek and Anders Mellgren an awarded 5-1, and Grajczonek also took the chequered flag ahead of Kurtz in Heat 15, but in between times it was the home side that took a grip on the proceedings. Five different Tigers were paid for at least two race wins, with reserves Josh Bates and Arthur Sissis leading the way with a combined total of 23+1. The Rockets, meanwhile, relied heavily on Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen (12+1), double race winner Grajczonek (11), and the resurgent Robin Aspegren (8+1), whose joint contribution accounted for 31 of the visitors’ 37 point total. Speaking afterwards, Rye House team manager John Sampford summed up the match as “A hard night at the office, although we achieved a fairly respectable score-line in the end, thanks to our guest Josh, Nikolaj and Robin chipping away. “You have to consider that Kasper (Lykke) was feeling his way back in his first match since breaking his collarbone two months ago. It would have been unfair to expect too much from him, although he did finish with a second place that was gained from the back in the same race that Luke pulled off a similar manoeuvre to finish third. “But full credit to Sheffield. They were very much on-song tonight, and their two reserves were something else. “We can’t change this one, but the focus now is very much on Saturday and making sure we bounce back with a win at home against Newcastle.” Rye House scorers: Nicolaj Busk Jakobsen 12+1 (inc 4 as a TR), Josh Grajczonek (guest) 11, Robin Aspegren 8+1, Luke Bowen 3+2, Kasper Lykke 2, Danny Maassen 1+1, Anders Mellgren R/R Sheffield scorers: Josh Bates 16, David Bellego 11+2, Brady Kurtz (guest) 11, Jason Garrity 8+1, Arthur Sissis 7+1, Paco Castagna 2, Andre Compton R/R Match Points: Sheffield 3 Rye House 0
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Post by Administrator on Aug 1, 2015 21:43:20 GMT
Saturday, August 1, 2015 PREMIER LEAGUE. RYE HOUSE 55: Robert Lambert 15, Nikolaj B Jakobsen 8+2, Luke Bowen 7+1, Kasper Lykke 7, Robin Aspegren 6+3, Danny Maassen 6+2, Anders Mellgren 6+1. NEWCASTLE 38: Ludvig Lindgren 13+1, Lewis Kerr 10, Steve Worrall 5, Rafal Konopka 5, Anton Rosen 4, Connor Mountain 1+1, Christian Henry r/r.
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Post by Administrator on Aug 2, 2015 7:43:07 GMT
Lambert Breaks Record, Rockets Break Diamonds Rye House 55 Newcastle 38 (Premier League; Saturday, August 1st 2015) A stunning five ride maximum from guest Robert Lambert – that also saw the teenager break the long-standing Rye House track record, not once but twice – was the highlight of the Restart Rockets’ 55-38 demolition of Newcastle. The 17 year old – guesting for Edward Kennett – was in simply unstoppable form, reeling off five victories from as many rides, as Chris Neath’s five year old track record also fell in the same manner as the Diamonds. Lambert gave a clear taster of what was to come when he equalled Neath’s mark of 55.1 secs in Heat 6, before setting a new time of 55.0 in Heat 10 and then lowering it even further to 54.7 in the final race of the night. Rye House co-promoter Len Silver was astounded at the manner in which the record fell. “Track record or not, I have never seen anyone ride with, and control, that much speed around this circuit, especially out in the dirt by the fence throughout Heat 15. And you have to ask: when was the last time anyone broke a track record anywhere in the very last race of the night?” Answers on a postcard, please, statisticians. Lambert’s statistics weren’t the only positive ones for the Rockets, however. Nikolai Busk Jakobsen eased into double figures (8+2), while the resurgent Robin Aspegren (6+3) dropped his only points when locking up and shedding a chain on the second bend of Heat 6.Elsewhere there were solid scores from Danny Maassen, who collected a race win in his best home performance to date (6+2), the returning Kasper Lykke (7) and Anders Mellgren (6+1), while stand-in captain Luke Bowen had much to enthuse about after storming to two early victories in a paid 8 haul that was only blighted by a third bend tumble in Heat 11. The Bowen 747 said afterwards, “I feel brilliant about tonight, and I am definitely on a roll. I was too hot-headed when I went into the bend too hard in my third one – I should really have bided my time but I let the hunger take control – but apart from that everything went well and it felt good to get fresh air behind me in my races. “The track was nigh-on perfect tonight. It looked a little slick when we walked it before the meeting, but it turned over in practice. “Robert Lambert was on fire, and so were the rest of us.” They were, indeed, as consecutive 5-1s to open the match at 10-2 quickly took the fixture beyond the visitors’ reach and the Rockets proceeded to systematically and methodically dismantle their opposition for a final winning margin of 17 that was even more comfortable than it looked. It was difficult not to feel just a little sympathy for a Newcastle outfit that failed to get anything out of Rider-Replacement for the injured Christian Henry, and rued the absence of both new signing Tero Aarnio, who was riding in the Finnish Championship, and Simon Nielsen, who has been hospitalised with complications from gastroenteritis. But the Rockets have been there themselves this season, and you get the feeling that no matter what had been thrown at them, this was always going to be their night. Rye House scorers: Robert Lambert (guest) 15 (5 rides, max), Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen 8+2 (5), Luke Bowen 7+1 (4), Kasper Lykke 7 (4), Robin Aspegren 6+3 (4), Danny Maassen 6+2 (4), Anders Mellgren 6+1 (4)
Newcastle scorers: Ludvig Lindgren 13+1 (5 rides, inc 6 as a TR), Lewis Kerr 10 (5), Steve Worrall 5 (4), Rafal Konopka (guest) 5 (7), Anton Rosen 4 (5), Connor Mountain (guest) 1+1 (4), Christian Henry R/R Match Points: Rye House 3 Newcastle 0
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Post by Administrator on Aug 4, 2015 16:34:37 GMT
Kennett Targets Gold in PLRC Edward Kennett will be the Restart Rockets’ representative in this year’s Premier League Riders’ Championship, which is being staged at Sheffield on Sunday September 6th. Kennett has been drawn at No.16, which will bring him out against Josh Grajczonek, Ryan Douglas and Kyle Newman in his opening ride. The Rockets’ captain will be aiming to become the third rider, after Tai Woffinden (2008) and Olly Allen (2013), to lift the crown.
The top rider from each of the thirteen PL clubs, subject to fitness, has been included, along with the next three qualifying riders, for the Owlerton showpiece.
The full draw is: 1 Robert Lambert (Peterborough), 2 Richard Lawson (Glasgow), 3 Nick Morris (Glasgow), 4 Danny King (Ipswich), 5 Steve Worrall (Newcastle), 6 Craig Cook (Edinburgh), 7 Ricky Wells (Workington), 8 Sam Masters (Edinburgh), 9 Matej Kus (Redcar), 10 Thomas Jorgensen (Berwick), 11 Brady Kurtz (Somerset), 12 Jason Garrity (Sheffield), 13 Josh Grajczonek (Somerset), 14 Ryan Douglas (Scunthorpe), 15 Kyle Newman (Plymouth), 16 Edward Kennett (Rye House). Rockets vs Workington – Now 3pm Please note that the Restart Rockets’ home Premier League fixture against Workington on Sunday, August 16th, has been moved to a 3pm start time from its originally scheduled 5pm slot. There is NO Saturday meeting at Rye House that weekend. The time switch follows a similar move for the Restart Raiders’ home match against Mildenhall this coming Sunday (August 9th), which also now has a 3pm start. Before all of that, the Rockets are set to tackle reigning League, Cup and League Cup holders Edinburgh at Rye House on Saturday (8th), with a 7pm start time. A full preview of that meeting will follow later in the week.
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Post by Administrator on Aug 5, 2015 9:45:21 GMT
Rockets Take Aim at Monarchs This Saturday nights brings up another one of the red letter dates of the 2015 Rye House speedway calendar as the Restart Rockets welcome to town defending Premier League Champions the Edinburgh Monarchs. The Monarchs carry more than the weight of just the League gold, as they also collected both the Knock-Out and League Cups in 2014 – and have yet to be dented in their defence of any of those three trophies. Already both Cup and league Cup semi-finalists this time around, they currently top the League table, with just three defeats to date. Saturday’s match sees them led by back-to-back British No.2 and Cardiff Wildcard Craig Cook, who will be joined in their top five by double German Champion Kevin Wölbert and 2015 Grand Prix Qualifier competitor Justin Sedgmen. The Monarchs will be missing Sam Masters (broken hand) and Erik Riss (U-21 European Team Semi-Final), but have a sting in the tail in the shape of Restart Raider Robert Branford. The Rockets, meanwhile, are now within spitting distance of fielding their full declared seven for the first time since way back on April 6th, although they will have to go without Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen, who has been named as a meeting reserve for the same night’s Danish Grand Prix. The Rockets will operate Rider-Replacement as cover. Rye House team manager John Sampford is well aware of the battle in prospect. “Although the Monarchs will be a little weaker on Saturday – they can only replace Erik Riss with a National League guest and Sam Masters is also out – they will still remain a very potent force. Their record this year speaks for itself; they simply don’t lose very many matches home or away. “We’ve also got to deal with an absence - although everyone in the team will be able to take a replacement ride for Nikolaj - but everyone is totally fired up at the moment. There was a really positive atmosphere in the pits during last Saturday’s win over Newcastle, and we will go into this one focused and with the right attitude. “We’ve already proven the potential of this team when things click, and we are absolutely determined to do it again on Saturday. “It will be a real war – there’s no other way to put it – but we are more than ready for the fight.” The Rockets and the Monarchs will burn down the night from 7pm. Rye House team: Robin Aspegren, Luke Bowen, Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen R/R, Edward Kennett (captain), Kasper Lykke, Danny Maassen, Anders Mellgren Edinburgh team: Robert Branford, Liam Carr (guest), Max Clegg, Craig Cook (captain), Sam Masters R/R, Justin Sedgmen, Kevin Wölbert Rockets vs Workington Update – And More! Please note that the Restart Rockets’ home Premier League fixture against Workington on Sunday, August 16th, which was announced yesterday as having a new start time of 3pm, will now switch back to its original 5pm slot. This is to accommodate international travel issues which have arisen for riders with the earlier time. Separately, the Restart Raiders have just agreed a new date with high flying Eastbourne for the Eagles’ visit to Hoddesdon in the City Gearboxes National League after the original rain-off of the fixture back in June. The two sides will collide at Rye House on Saturday, August 15th (7pm) start, now making it an exciting double bill of action at the circuit that weekend.
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Post by Administrator on Aug 9, 2015 7:31:42 GMT
Rockets Bow to Monarchs The Restart Rockets’ up-and-down 2015 season hit a downward trajectory in a 52-40 home defeat against defending League Champions Edinburgh. The Rockets had been on a recent upswing with comprehensive victories over Newcastle (League) and Berwick (Cup), but were decisively beaten here by a Monarchs team clearly on the rebound from its own home defeat the previous week against fellow pace-setters Peterborough. Just as Robert Lambert had proven the solo turn at Hoddesdon seven days earlier, so Craig Cook was the star attraction here, going through the card for a paid 18 point maximum in what was a true tour de force display. Justin Sedgmen was not far behind him, dropping his only points of the night through an opening race tapes infringement, and with Kevin Wölbert adding 12 and reserve Max Clegg a battling 6, the Monarchs made light of the absence of Sam Masters and Erik Riss. On this performance, as well as a quick glance at the League table, Edinburgh are not letting go of any of their silverware in a hurry. The Rockets’ hopes, in contrast, seemed to fall alongside Edward Kennett’s own tumble in a battle with Cook on the third bend of Heat 1. The Rye House No.1 took a painful knock to his back in the crash but bravely battled on through his remaining programmed rides – although his uncustomary haul of just 9 points reflects his visibly subdued nature – before wisely sitting out the nominated race when the match had already been lost. The Rockets also missed Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen – away in a prestigious, but ultimately non-riding, reserve role at the Danish Grand Prix – as fellow Dane Kasper Lykke instead took centre stage for Rye in his best match to date since returning from the broken collarbone. Lykke collected a race win in his paid 10 contribution, with his Heat 14 success one of only three Rye victories on the night. Rye House team manager John Sampford admitted afterwards that “It was always going to be a hard match. Even without Sam Masters and Erik Riss, the Monarchs looked strong before the word go. They are not League, Cup and League Cup winners for nothing. They have retained the nucleus of that side in 2015, and augmented it as well. “You have to realise that on some days you just get beaten by a better team. “Having Nikolaj (Busk Jakobsen) available, and a fully fit Edward (Kennett) after Heat 1, would have made a difference, but whether it would have been enough I really don’t know.” While conceding that the Rockets’ third home defeat has dealt a major blow to their receding hopes of sneaking a Play-Off place, Sampford believes that “Anything can still turn; all it takes is one heat and one match. You only have to look at Plymouth as the obvious example: after that away win at Somerset, they are now off and running. “We are their next visitors on Friday (August 14th), and although we will be without Nikolaj (who is committed to the following night’s World U-21 Final round in Poland), we will go there and give our best show. “We have to move on. Tonight is done and dusted. It’s another day; another match. We won the last time we rode there, and that remains the target again.” Rye House scorers: Anders Mellgren 11+1 (6 rides, inc 4 as a TR), Kasper Lykke 9+1 (6), Edward Kennett 9 (5), Robin Aspegren 6+1 (5), Luke Bowen 3+2 (4), Danny Maassen 2 (4), Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen R/R
Edinburgh scorers: Craig Cook 15+3 (6 rides,max), Justin Sedgmen 15 (6), Kevin Wölbert 12 (5), Max Clegg 6 (6), Robert Branford 3 (6), Liam Carr (guest) 1 (3), Sam Masters R/R Match Points: Rye House 0 Edinburgh 4 The Restart Rockets take centre stage at Rye House this afternoon (Sunday) when they collide with arch-rivals Mildenhall in the City Gearboxes National League. The action starts at 3pm.
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Post by Administrator on Aug 13, 2015 7:30:32 GMT
Getting the Band Back Together!
The Restart Rockets are finally on the brink of being able to field their full declared one-to-seven – with this Sunday scheduled as D-Day! Injuries and international call-ups have meant that the last time the Rockets were able to field their complete preferred side was way, WAY back on Saturday, March 28th, when they entertained Somerset in the League Cup. That was match No.3 of their 2015 programme. Sunday’s home Premier League meeting against Workington will fall a full four and a half months after that fixture as match No. 30! To say that it has been a long time coming would be a major understatement, and accordingly Rye House team manager John Sampford is more than looking forward to the occasion. “We will finally get the chance to show what we are all about – and also to build on the team spirit that has managed to hang on in there throughout all the turbulence.” Sunday’s opposition will come from a Comets team that now holds the only remaining 100% home record in the league, but which also desperately needs points from its road trips in order to sneak a play-off spot. Their side includes American ace Ricky Wells, 2010 U-21 World Cup winner Rene Bach and former Vojens Grand Prix reserve Kenneth Hansen. Kyle Howarth (World U-21 Final, if fit) and Rusty Harrison (recurring shoulder injury) will be absent, with Rider-Replacement in operation for the former and in-form Todd Kurtz called upon as guest cover for the latter. The Rockets saw off the Cumbrians by a comfortable 60-30 margin the last time the sides met in Hertfordshire, in the Travel Plus Tours Knock-Out Cup, as the Comets were caught out by the loss of Hansen (Polish commitment) and Howarth (knee injury). This time around, it is the League points that will be on the table, with Sampford recognising that “They will be fielding a different-looking team, and they have so much at stake given the Play-Offs are all they have to keep their season alive. “We also desperately need the win while we are still in with a chance of making the cut ourselves – and also to build momentum towards our Cup showdown with Somerset next month. “We’ve now put last Saturday against Edinburgh behind us. The Monarchs came, saw and conquered – but to put it into perspective they then went to Peterborough and did the same with eleven race wins, and carried on at Somerset on Tuesday with another eleven. It was like a juggernaut rumbling through, and they are undoubtedly the team of the moment. We accept that we were beaten by the better side, but now it’s a case of getting on with our next opponents.” Rye House team: Robin Aspegren, Luke Bowen, Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen, Edward Kennett (captain), Kasper Lykke, Danny Maassen, Anders Mellgren Workington team: Rene Bach (captain), Kenneth Hansen, Kyle Howarth R/R, Todd Kurtz (guest), Ricky Wells, Matthew Wethers, Matt Williamson Sunday’s action begins at 5pm sharp. Prior to that fixture, the Rockets are at Plymouth this Friday, aiming to repeat their earlier League Cup victory in Devon when they meet the Devils again, this time in the League. Rye will operate Rider-Replacement for Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen, who will be in Poland preparing for the following night’s second round of the World U-21 Final in which he currently sits third. Sampford appreciates the impact of NBJ’s gap, but counters that “The Devils will also be missing Ryan Fisher, in his case through injury, which will balance out Nikolaj’s absence. “There is no doubt that Plymouth are very confident at this point – they are the team of the moment, after Edinburgh – and it will be tough to go there and repeat our earlier win, but we determined to do just that. “Edward (Kennett) produced an 18 point maximum there back in April, so we know what he can do around the circuit. Anders (Mellgren) and Robin (Aspegren) will be the only other members on the side who rode in that League Cup victory, but Kasper (Lykke) has gone well guesting there for other teams, and Luke (Bowen) was paid for double figures in one of our visits in 2013. We’ll be looking for Danny (Maassen) to chip in a few too.” Make It a Date! The Restart Rockets have now confirmed the dates for their Travel Plus Tours Knock-Out Cup Semi-Final tie with rivals Somerset. The Rockets will visit the Oak Tree Arena on Friday, September 11th, with the Final Four tie being settled the following night when the sides meet again in Hoddesdon. That second leg at Rye starts at the normal time of 7pm. The Rebels clash follows a Premier League visit from Peterborough earlier in the week, with the Panthers in town on Monday, September 6th, for what is a re-arranged fixture following a previous rain-off. Please note that that Monday meeting starts at 7.30pm.
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Post by Administrator on Aug 14, 2015 21:36:57 GMT
Rockets Feel Devils’ Great Drive Plymouth 54 Rye House 38 (Premier League; Friday, August 14th 2015) A near-perfect display by Edward Kennett was not enough to prevent the Restart Rockets slipping to a 54-38 defeat at fast-emerging Plymouth, a result that dents the Rockets’ faint hopes of making the Play-Offs while maintaining the Devils’ own late push towards a top six finish. The Rye House captain was beaten just the once in his six outings – and that by the smallest of margins by Morten Risager in Heat 11 – en route to a magnificent 19 point haul, but with only Danny Maassen (Heat 2) and Robin Aspegren (for his only points of the night in Heat 6) able to add victories, the Rockets fell away from 20-16 to a more emphatic 16 point spread. But if the simple statistics give the impression of a totally one man show and a lopsided contest, then it is a rather unfair one, with passing and tight contests featuring in nearly every race. As Rye House co-promoter Len Silver commented afterwards, “We put up a real fight, and were worth more than the 38 points we got. “Edward was absolutely outstanding, and dropped his only points when he missed the gate entirely in Heat 11, had to come from last place and ultimately only lost out on the victory by a tyre’s width on the line. “I was really pleased with Danny (Maassen), who won his opening race, added another point and then fell while leading Heat 14. “Similarly with Luke (Bowen), who tried so hard for his own 4 points – and that after his bike picked up and threw him off sideways in his first race. “We also didn’t have the decision go our way in Heat 9, when Robin was leading and fell on the last bend when challenged by Jack Holder. “Yes, we were beaten by the better team overall, but we put up a really good fight.” It is a fight that Silver will be looking for his side to continue when they entertain Workington at Rye House on Sunday evening (5pm start). Ahead of that fixture, the Restart Raiders take centre stage at the Hoddesdon raceway tomorrow night when they entertain Cup – and also fellow Trophy - finalists Eastbourne in the City Gearboxes National League. The action gets underway at 7pm. Rye House scorers: Edward Kennett 19 (inc 4 as a TR), Anders Mellgren 4+2, Kasper Lykke 4, Luke Bowen 4, Danny Maassen 4, Robin Aspegren 3, Nicolaj Busk Jacobsen R/R Plymouth scorers: Morten Risager 12+3, Jack Holder 11+1, Kyle Newman 9+4, Todd Kurtz 9, Sam Simota 8+1, James Wright 5+1, Ryan Fisher R/R Match Points: Plymouth 3 Rye House 0
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