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Post by Administrator on May 14, 2011 23:02:42 GMT
Cup Tie Ends in Stalemate…. and Rain Rye House 39 Newcastle 39 (abandoned after Heat 13 – result stands) (Knock-Out Cup, First Round, First Leg) (Saturday, May 14th 2011) A short, but heavy, shower led to the sudden abandonment of this Cup tie, which was delicately poised at 39-39, although the result will stand. The premature end marred an otherwise exciting fixture that matched April’s League match between the two sides for entertainment, with plenty of close racing and even closer finishes. Central to the drama was Luke Bowen, who marked his return from injury with a real stand-out display. After featuring in a 5-1 alongside Jordan Frampton in the opening heat, the Harlow Flyer produced a simply magical race to drive past Steve Worrall on the opening lap - and then Claes Nedermark coming off the very last bend - to win Heat 6. If that wasn’t enough, Bowen then led eventual winner Stuart Robson for three laps in Heat 8 and finished within half a wheel of Derek Sneddon in the dash for third place in Heat 10. Chris Neath proved the most consistent Rocket, points-wise, dropping just one in three starts, while Ritchie Hawkins delivered plenty of excitement, and another race win, in his paid 7. That tally matched the totals of Jordan Frampton and the departing Jason Doyle, while Ben Morley was the Rockets’ sixth different race winner after tasting success in Heat 2. It proved another luckless night for Nelson, however. The 18 year old was on board new machinery, but endured the frustration of a solitary point and another two falls. Although never behind and holding a 6 point advantage at two different stages, the Rockets never really looked like building a strong first leg lead, and were eventually reeled in by a Newcastle team led superbly by former Rye House star Robson, who was beaten only by Frampton in Heat 10. Guest Leigh Lanham picked up after a disappointing start to pop in a couple of victories, while Richie Worrall and newcomer Claes Nedermark chipped in with important points at key times. The Diamonds ultimately drew level with a 5-1 from Lanham and Nedermark in Heat 13. By then, though, it was raining, with the downpour initially causing a delay to the start of the next race due to visibility problems, and then the curtailment of the match as the track rapidly degenerated to an ice rink. The abandonment leaves a winner-takes-all situation in prospect for tomorrow’s (Sunday, May 15th) second leg at Brough Park. Steve Boxall will finally return to the Rockets’ colours after an absence of three years, while the Diamonds will have Redcar’s Jason Lyons in place as their guest for injured No.1 Mark Lemon and welcome back Matej Ferjan, who missed the first leg to compete in the Hungarian Championship. The winners will meet Somerset in the Quarter-Finals after the Rebels completed a comfortable 97-83 aggregate victory over League newcomers Plymouth tonight. Rye House scorers: Jordan Frampton 7 (4 rides) Luke Bowen 7+1 (4) Ritchie Hawkins 6+1 (4) Chris Neath 8 (3) Jason Doyle 7 (4) Ben Morley 3 (3) Nelson 1 (4) Newcastle scorers: Leigh Lanham (guest) 9 (4 rides) Matej Ferjan R/R Derek Sneddon 5+1 (5) Stuart Robson 11 (4) Claes Nedermark 6+1 (5) Kyle Newman 1+1 (3) Richie Worrall 7+2 (5) ENDS
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Post by Administrator on May 16, 2011 10:08:43 GMT
Rockets Exit Cup – But Only Just
Newcastle 50 Rye House 38 (agg: 89-77)
(Knock-Out Cup, first round second leg)
(Sunday, May 15th 2011)
Anyone who expected the Silver Ski Rockets to simply roll over and submit having failed to gain any first leg advantage had a major re-think coming in the return at Byker. Yes, the Rockets ultimately exited this year’s Knock-Out Cup competition, but only after a battling effort that saw them storm back – without the use of Tactical Rides - from a 10 point deficit to lead with just three races of the tie remaining.
After giving their hosts a real fright, Rye finally succumbed to a Diamonds blitz of two 5-1s and a 5-0 in the close-out, to give Newcastle a rather flattering 12 point winning margin. The Cup holders will now meet Somerset in the second round.
Hopes of a visiting success had looked remote earlier on as the Diamonds worked their way to a 23-13 advantage by Heat 6. The Rockets began their comeback in the next race through a 5-1 secured by Chris Neath and Ritchie Hawkins after race leader Matej Ferjan had made a major error on the final lap. A further maximum from the same pair in Heat 10 – again from the back, this time against Derek Sneddon – narrowed the gap right down to 30-29, and a 4-2 from Jordan Frampton and Luke Bowen in the following race edged the Rockets in front.
Although Hawkins outpaced Claes Nedermark and Richie Worrall in Heat 12 to maintain Rye ’s advantage, things unravelled in the closing stages.
Amazingly six different Rockets captured race wins, although it proved a disappointing evening for No.1 Jordan Frampton, who was unable to add to his Heat 11 success. Much more positively, Ritchie Hawkins continued his recent surge to finish with a paid 9 total that could have been bettered but for a tumble in Heat 15, while Chris Neath was beaten only in his final ride and Luke Bowen continued his terrific return from injury with 7 points.
Oh, and last but by no means least, the Boxmeister is definitely on the way back! Despite finally starting his 2011 season a full two months after his colleagues, Steve Boxall worked his way to a very solid 8 points, with a win in Heat 9 thrown in for good measure, and was very unlucky to hit mechanical problems when appearing alongside Hawkins in the nominated heat, as the Diamonds were gifted a 5-0.
Team manager John Sampford was highly upbeat after the meeting. “In some ways, you could argue that we lost the tie by not gaining an advantage from hour home leg, but to come here, trail by 10 points and then fight back to lead with just three races remaining says a lot about the character of the team.
“Everyone got stuck in, some to better scoring effect than others, but everyone tried hard. Jordan (Frampton) had a night to forget, although not for want of effort, but Luke (Bowen) balanced out things by coming from the back for most of his points, and Ritchie (Hawkins) rode incredibly well after an unproductive opening ride. Chris (Neath) could well have featured in the nominated race, but for suffering a crack in his bike frame, which also contributed to him only getting third place in Heat 14. And Steve (Boxall) quickly shook off his race rust in what was a very competent performance, and can only get better over time.
“Despite the result, it’s been a strong confidence booster for our clash with top of the League Somerset on Saturday.”
Rye House scorers:
Jordan Frampton 3 (4 rides)
Luke Bowen 7 (4)
Ritchie Hawkins 8+1 (5)
Chris Neath 9+1 (4)
Steve Boxall 8 (5)
Ben Morley 0 (3)
Nelson 3 (5)
Newcastle scorers:
Jason Lyons (guest) 8+1 (4 rides)
Derek Sneddon 5 (4)
Claes Nedermark 8+1 (4)
Stuart Robson 11+2 (5)
Matej Ferjan 11+1 (5)
Kyle Newman 4+1 (4)
Richie Worrall 3+2 (4)
Bring ‘Em On: Somerset
The Silver Ski Rockets revert their focus back to the Premier League this Saturday (May 21st) when they tackle the team that is currently standing tall at the top of the table. The Somerset Rebels have lost just once in the League all season, achieving four away wins to date, at Newport, Sheffield, Leicester and raising the most eyebrows – 51-42 at Ipswich.
A look down their roster confirms just why they are so strong. Former Elite League star Travis McGowan has been sidelined since April 25th with a broken wrist, with the Rebels employing guest coverage ever since, but double German Champion and 2008 Grand Prix Wildcard Christian Heffenbrock is due back in action following a nasty tumble at Poole earlier this month.
Elsewhere, 19 year old Dakota North has risen rapidly through the ranks to double his starting average to around the 9 point mark (including bonus points), and there is further Aussie evidence in the form of 2010 Rebel of the Year – and also just 19 – Sam Masters and Cory Gathercole.
Second year Rebel James Holder, who guested with 3 points for the Rockets on Bank Holiday Monday, fills one of the visitors’ reserve berths, with the other to be decided at the time of writing following 2010 Rocket Kyle Hughes’ sudden withdrawal from the sport at the weekend.
The action starts at 7pm.
Forthcoming Fixtures at Rye House
Saturday, May 21st Rockets vs Somerset (Premier League) 7.00pm
Saturday, May 28th NO MEETING AT RYE HOUSE
Monday, May 30th Rockets vs Workington (Premier League) 2.00pm
Saturday, June 4th Rockets vs Edinburgh (Premier League) 7.00pm
ENDS
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Post by Administrator on May 19, 2011 22:39:05 GMT
Frampton Through to British Final British Championship Semi-Final (Sheffield, Thursday May 19th 2011) 1st Scott Nicholls 14 2nd Ben Barker 13 3rd Richard Hall 11 Rye House No.1 Jordan Frampton ensured a repeat visit to the British Final, when his 7th placed finish at Sheffield was enough to take him through to the big night at Wolverhampton on Monday, June 6th. 5 points from a possible 6 gave the Silver Ski Rocket – already a 2010 Finalist with Rye - a strong start, and although he dropped a certain second place with last lap engine problems in Heat 10, two more second spots – including a battling Heat 20 against former Grand Prix star Scott Nicholls – left him on a decisive 9 points. Fellow Rockets Ritchie Hawkins and Luke Bowen unfortunately failed to make the cut, although Hawkins produced three second places for his final tally of 6 points and Bowen delivered points in four of his five outings for a score of 5. The meeting’s “Mr Unlucky” was Josh Auty, who dropped a point with mechanical problems in Heat 11, and then shed a chain while out in front in his final ride, to leave himself just 2 points shy of the qualification mark. Rye House captain Chris Neath will be aiming to join Frampton at Monmore Green when he appears in the second Semi-Final at Scunthorpe tomorrow (Friday) night. Meeting scorers (all from 5 rides unless stated): Scott Nicholls 14, Ben Barker 13, Richard Hall 11, Danny King 11, Chris Harris 10, Ricky Ashworth 9, Jordan Frampton 9, Josh Auty 7, Ritchie Hawkins 6, James Wright 5, Luke Bowen 5, Kyle Newman 5, Derek Sneddon 4, Andrew Tully 4, Ashley Birks 3 (reserve, 1 ride), Paul Cooper 3, Craig Cook 1 (4 rides) ENDS
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Post by Administrator on May 22, 2011 8:14:26 GMT
Rockets Shoot Down League Leaders Rye House 54 Somerset 39 (Premier League, Saturday May 21st 2011) Clearly buoyed by their spirited Cup performance at Newcastle just six days earlier, the Silver Ski Rockets became only the second team to defeat Somerset in League action this season when they claimed all three match points against the table toppers. It proved a triumphant homecoming for Steve Boxall, who dazzled the Rebels with three straight race wins before dropping his only point of the night to Ty Proctor in Heat 13. A beaming Boxall said afterwards, “I’m just so happy at the moment. To be honest I didn’t fully expect it, but it was what I wanted to do tonight, not only for me but for the fans. We’ve had such a good replacement in Jason Doyle, and it’s left me with a lot to step up to in order to fill his shoes. I am really glad to be back, and I’ve got some good equipment behind me this year, which will hopefully help me carry on from here and put my average up to where I want it to be.” Boxall’s exhilarating performance was matched by newly qualified British Finalist Jordan Frampton, who was beaten only in the same race, although both stars had to admit top billing to Chris Neath, who went right through the card for a superb maximum. Lower down the riding order, Nelson bounced back to his very best form with a paid 14 haul that included two full wins and a paid success, garnered from a full complement of seven rides. The Australian’s busy night was necessitated by the early and painful end to Luke Bowen’s evening. The Harlow Flyer – only recently returned from the sidelines – lifted coming out of the second bend of Heat 6, and although he bailed off his machine just before it disappeared into the safety fence, he landed heavily on his left elbow. With the blow causing difficulties of grip in his hand, he was withdrawn from the remainder of play as a precautionary measure. More positively, however, the Rockets’ top-ended firepower restricted Somerset to just two race wins all night, and not a single on-track heat advantage. The Rebels did prove adept at packing the minor places, with no less than nine heats being shared on the track, but ultimately three Rye 5-1s pulled the home side clear. All three came at pivotal points in the match. The first, from Boxall and Nelson in Heat 4, ended an early deadlock. The second, involving both the Aussie and Ritchie Hawkins in Heat 12, effectively cinched the overall victory at 42-30, while the third, from Frampton and Neath in the final race, rounded the fixture off on a high by ensuring the Rockets’ skipper his maximum. Rye House scorers: Jordan Frampton 14 (5 rides) Luke Bowen 0 (2) Ritchie Hawkins 2+1 (3) Chris Neath 14+1 (5 rides, maximum) Steve Boxall 10+1 (4) Ben Morley 2 (4) Nelson 12+2 (7) Somerset scorers: Ty Proctor (guest) 12 (5 rides, inc 6 as a TR) Dakota North 6+4 (5) Christian Heffenbrock R/R Sam Masters 8+1 (5) Cory Gathercole 5 (5) Alex Davies 5+2 (5) James Holder 3 (5) Rockets on the Road The Silver Ski Rockets are set to undertake their second Northern tour in quick succession. Following their rained-off fixture at Berwick and what became a one shot trip to Glasgow a fortnight ago, they are at defending Premier League champions Edinburgh on Friday (May 27th), before heading back over the border to face Workington at Derwent Park the following night. That second clash means that there is NO fixture at Rye House on Saturday, but the Comets will head to Hoddesdon the following Monday – that’s Bank Holiday Monday – for a quick-fire return as detailed elsewhere. Hawks at Home The Hackney Hawks are next in action on Friday (May 27th) when they take flight against pre-season title favourites Dudley at Lakeside. They will be facing a Heathens side that includes World U-21 competitor Kyle Newman, former League Riders Champion Jon Armstrong and 2010 British U-21 Grasstrack titlist Tom Perry, who was also voted Dudley’s Rider of the Year last term. The meeting at the Arena-Essex Raceway starts at 8pm. The Hawks’ next home action at Rye House is set for Saturday, June 11th, when they clash with arch-rivals Mildenhall in the Knock-Out Cup. Bring ‘Em On: Workington As stated elsewhere, there is NO meeting at Rye House on Saturday (May 28th) – the Silver Ski Rockets are up in Cumbria – but the Workington Comets will return the favour when they venture south on Bank Holiday Monday (May 30th) for Premier League action that starts at 2pm. Eight consecutive victories – including away successes at Scunthorpe, Newport and Plymouth – have driven the Comets right up the League table. At the time of writing, they are third in the standings, level on points with League leaders Somerset and second placed Ipswich. They are also safely through to the quarter-finals of the Knock-Out Cup, following their home and away assault of Redcar. Who’s got them there? Well, 2007 Premier League Riders Champion James Wright and U-21 World Cup winner Peter Kildemand for starters. Both have delivered all-inclusive averages to date which are in excess of 9, although there has been ample support from long-time King’s Lynn Star Tomas Topinka, Rusty Harrison and fast-developing second generation rider Richard Lawson. There is also a buzz at reserve courtesy of Charles Wright and American Eagle Kenny Ingalls, who recently bagged his first ever maximum against Redcar in what was only his fourth ride back from a broken leg. Forthcoming Fixtures at Rye House Saturday, May 28th NO MEETING AT RYE HOUSE Monday, May 30th Rockets vs Workington (Premier League) 2.00pm Saturday, June 4th Rockets vs Edinburgh (Premier League) 7.00pm Saturday, June 11th Hackney Hawks vs Mildenhall (KO Cup) 7.00pm ENDS
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Post by Administrator on May 27, 2011 21:42:11 GMT
Rockets’ Halted By Rain at Edinburgh Edinburgh 4 Rye House 8 (match abandoned after 2 Heats) (Premier League, Friday May 27th 2011) The Silver Ski Rockets face another long haul to Armadale later in the season after persistent rain led to the early abandonment of their match against the defending League Champions. Jordan Frampton had won the opening race, and Nelson and Ben Morley added a 5-1 after Byron Bekker had fallen in the next heat, but that was as far as it got. It had rained on and off before the meeting started, but another heavy shower led, firstly to a delay and then to the abandonment of the fixture. Team manager John Sampford had no qualms with the decision. “It was getting wetter and wetter, and the level of spray meant that any rider not in the lead was quickly getting filled in and unable to see. The decision was made jointly by both sets of riders, and those are the guys who know best. Rider safety has to be paramount, and it was simply too dangerous in terms of visibility to continue.” The Rockets will hope for better weather when they head back over the border to face Workington at Derwent Park tomorrow (Saturday) night. The Comets, in turn, will provide the Rockets’ next home opposition when they travel down to Hoddesdon on Bank Holiday Monday (2pm start). Rye House scorers: Jordan Frampton 3 (1 ride) Luke Bowen 0 (1) Ritchie Hawkins dnr Chris Neath dnr Steve Boxall dnr Ben Morley 2+1 (1) Nelson 3 (1) Edinburgh scorers: Kevin Wölbert 1+1 (1 ride) Matthew Wethers 2 (1) Andrew Tully dnr Kalle Katajisto dnr Craig Cook dnr Lee Dicken 1 (1) Byron Bekker (guest) 0 (1)
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Post by Administrator on May 28, 2011 21:35:06 GMT
Rockets Come Up Short in Cumbria Workington 60 Rye House 34 (Premier League, Saturday May 28th 2011) Having lost the previous night’s fixture at Edinburgh to the weather, the Silver Ski Rockets were left wishing that the wet stuff had also intervened at Derwent Park as the high-riding Comets rained on their parade with a comfortable victory that was cinched virtually from the off. Chris Neath provided the Rockets’ only victory in the first ten races when driving under Rusty Harrison on the second lap to win Heat 3, as at 43-21, the home side had the match wrapped with a full five races to spare. The Rockets did at least restore some pride by stemming the flow in the final third of the fixture. Jordan Frampton began the process by winning Heat 11 and thereby handing Peter Kildemand his only defeat of the match, with Ritchie Hawkins and – despite clear mechanical problems – Nelson following on with a 5-1 over Tomas Topinka and Kenny Ingalls in the next race. Finally, Chris Neath captured his second victory of the evening by powering home in Heat 14 to ensure he finished top of the visitors’ score-chart. Unfortunately, the other two races in the mix – Heats 13 and 15 – both produced 5-1s for Workington, whose final total of eight maximum results ultimately tells much of the story of the match. The Comets’ win also takes them to the top of the Premier League table on race points ahead of Somerset, and they will arrive as League Leaders when the two teams meet again at Hoddesdon on Bank Holiday Monday (start: 2pm). In the interim, Rye House team manager John Sampford was left to reflect on a disappointing night in Cumbria. “There’s no doubt that Workington are a very strong side, particularly at home, and if they can steer clear of injuries they should be right up there going for the championship come the end of the season. For our part, Chris Neath enjoyed his best performance at Derwent Park in a few years, and both Jordan Frampton and Nelson had their moments. But we were too inconsistent overall, and with just four race wins you’re not going to win matches.” Rye House scorers: Jordan Frampton 10 (5 rides, inc 4 as a TR) Luke Bowen 1+1 (4) Ritchie Hawkins 4+1 (4) Chris Neath 11 (5 rides, inc 4 as a TR) Steve Boxall 2 (4) Ben Morley 0 (4) Nelson 6+1 (5) Workington scorers: James Wright 15 (5 rides, maximum) Richard Lawson 6+3 (4) Tomas Topinka 8+1 (4) Rusty Harrison 7+1 (4) Peter Kildemand 12+2 (5) Charles Wright 4+3 (4) Kenny Ingells 8+1 (4) Match points: Workington 3 Rye House 0 ENDS
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Post by Administrator on May 30, 2011 18:44:52 GMT
Rockets Bag Points Against League Leaders Rye House 51 Workington 41 (Premier League, Monday May 30th 2011) For the second weekend running, the Silver Ski Rockets collected a maximum three match points against the team leading the Premier League. Then in pole position, the Somerset Rebels were their first victims nine days ago, while this time new table toppers Workington left Hoddesdon empty handed. But if the Rockets also claimed an element of revenge for Saturday’s beat-down in Cumbria, it was far from plain sailing for them, as the Comets surged back from a 20-9 deficit at Heat 5 to level the score within three races before finally succumbing in the closing stages. Dynamic Dane Peter Kildemand and fast-developing Californian Kenny Ingalls carried much of their workload, with Richard Lawson also exploding in the second half of the meeting, as Workington did remarkably well to cover for the early loss of Tomas Topinka with concussion and a nightmare afternoon for No.1 James Wright, who had been Saturday’s maximum man. That the Rockets eventually pulled clear again owed much to the electric Chris Neath and Jordan Frampton, who racked up seven of their team’s nine heat wins between them. The other two came from 18 year old Nelson, with excellent support also provided by Ritchie Hawkins – who dropped his only point to Kildemand in achieving his best score to date in Rye colours – and Luke Bowen. It proved a frustrating match, however, for both Steve Boxall and Ben Morley, with the latter unfortunate to suffer two falls while challenging for points. It was Frampton and Bowen – who surged around Rusty Harrison coming off the fourth bend for second place – who ultimately set the Rockets on their way with the 5-1 in Heat 10 that snapped a tied score. Nelson and Hawkins followed suit two heats later to push the Rockets 8 points clear. Subsequent wins for Frampton and Neath ensured overall victory, at 47-39, with a race to spare. Workington still had a shot at a match point, needing to gain a heat advantage in the final race to do so. However, it was Rye who achieved the 4-2, with Neath surging around the outside of the field over the first two bends to take the win, closely followed by Kildemand, with Frampton nipping past Lawson early on for third spot. Rye House scorers: Jordan Frampton 12 (5rides Luke Bowen 6+3 (4) Ritchie Hawkins 7+4 (4) Chris Neath 14 (5) Steve Boxall 4+1 (4) Ben Morley 0 (3) Nelson 8 (5) Workington scorers: James Wright 2+1 (4 rides) Richard Lawson 6+1 (5) Tomas Topinka 0 (1) Rusty Harrison 6+1 (4) Peter Kildemand 16 (5 rides, inc 6 as a TR) Charles Wright 0 (4) Kenny Ingells 11+1 (7) Match points: Rye House 3 Workington 0 New Date For Hawks The Hackney Hawks have brought forward their home fixture at Lakeside against the Isle of Wight from its original date of July 8th to Friday, June 17th. Additionally, a new date is still to be confirmed for the Hawks’ home fixture at the same venue against Scunthorpe. Hackney’s amended home fixture list is therefore as follows (all National League, except where stated): Saturday, June 11th Mildenhall (KO Cup) (at Rye House) Friday, June 17th Isle of Wight (at Lakeside) Saturday, July 2nd Newport (at Rye House) Friday, July 29th Buxton (at Lakeside) Saturday, August 6th Mildenhall (at Rye House) TBC Scunthorpe (at Lakeside) Bring ‘Em On: Edinburgh The Silver Ski Rockets return to regular Saturday night action when they tackle defending Premier League champions Edinburgh in just five days’ time (June 4th, at 7pm). Rye House supporters will need little reminding that the Monarchs won twice at Hoddesdon in 2010 en route to claiming the League gold and also reaching the Knock-Out Cup Final, and although shedding Ryan Fisher to Coventry during the winter still retain the core of their title winning side. 2008 German Champion Kevin Wölbert, ninth year Monarch Matthew Wethers, 2010 British Finalist Andrew Tully and Flying Finn Kalle Katajisto – who proved pivotal in last year’s championship success – are all back for more, although the rider currently topping their weekly averages is 2009 NLRC winner Craig Cook, who has joined the club after two successful seasons with Workington. Elsewhere, the much travelled Lee Dicken and Kyle Howarth have been part of the Armadale set-up since the end of April, replacing Jay Herne and Ashley Morris, although Howarth is currently sidelined with a cracked bone in his shoulder which is likely to necessitate a 3 point guest at reserve. Forthcoming Fixtures at Rye House Saturday, June 4th Rockets vs Edinburgh (Premier League) 7.00pm Saturday, June 11th Hackney Hawks vs Mildenhall (KO Cup) 7.00pm Saturday, June 18th Rockets vs Redcar (Premier League) 7.00pm ENDS
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Post by Administrator on Jun 5, 2011 7:03:23 GMT
Rockets Miss out on Maximum Points Against Monarchs Rye House 48 Edinburgh 42 (Premier League, Saturday June 4th 2011) Twelve race wins but only a six point winning margin. That was the haunting statistic from Saturday night’s action at Hoddesdon as the Silver Ski Rockets led throughout against the defending League champions, yet conspired to surrender a match point when Steve Boxall and Jordan Frampton were caught out at the gate by Craig Cook and Kalle Katajisto in the final race. It was an unexpected conclusion to a meeting that had seen Chris Neath rack up a four ride maximum but – feeling unwell – not be risked in the finale. Frampton, however, was also unbeaten to that point, while Boxall had looked determined and a far different proposition to the frustrated rider who struggled five days earlier against Workington. At the other end of the scale, the battling Ritchie Hawkins suffered two falls before finally being rewarded with a victory in Heat 12, while Ben Morley and Nelson also hit the deck – the latter after locking up directly in front of partner Luke Bowen in what could easily have been a far more serious collision. Those developments meant that the Rockets could never quite push on from the eight point advantage they held as early as Heat 5, although the 47-37 lead they took into Heat 15 still looked a safe enough cushion as Frampton and Boxall – with a combined six victories - faced off against an Edinburgh pairing yet to win a race between them. Cook and Katajisto, however, ignored those statistics, as their jet propelled starts snared a match point for the Monarchs right at the death. A frustrated Frampton admitted afterwards that “As far as the team result goes, it was obviously pretty disappointing to drop a match point right at the end. I made a half decent start, but got run up and over the camber, which can happen when you’re off gate four here sometimes. “Beyond that, am I disappointed to miss out on a personal maximum? In one sense, it can be so frustrating around here: I just never seem to get a full maximum. But I guess it’s just one of those things. I’m not too worried about it inasmuch as my consistency home and away is more important than scoring maximums on one track.” Monday (June 6th) sees Frampton competing in the British Final at Wolverhampton. What are his thoughts heading into The Big Night? “I’m really looking forward to it. The pressure’s off because I’m probably not expected to do much by the media, but I feel as though I’m riding quite well at the moment. It’s a track I’ve not been to too many times, and it’s not really my sort of circuit but - like I said - I’ve been riding everywhere home and away quite well. So, at the end of the day a track’s a track, and I’ll just get on it and ride as hard as I can. If everything holds together, I think I can do pretty well.” Finally, Friday (June 10th) sees the Rockets make their first ever Premier League visit to Plymouth. What is the team’s No.1 expecting from that fixture? “I’ve been there before at Conference (National) League level, and it’s a funny place. I’ve had good meetings where I’ve come away with high scores, but I’ve also been there when I’ve had crashes galore. There’s not a lot you can do around that place if you’re not making starts because it’s a tight little place. “Hopefully, though, we can gate well and get in front to make it easier for ourselves. There’s no reason why we can’t do well down there.” Rye House scorers: Jordan Frampton 12 (5 rides) Luke Bowen 5+1 (4) Ritchie Hawkins 3 (4) Chris Neath 12 (4 rides, maximum) Steve Boxall 10 (5) Ben Morley 1 (3) Nelson 5 (5) Edinburgh scorers: Kevin Wölbert 3+1 (4 rides) Matthew Wethers 7+1 (4) Andrew Tully 6+1 (4) Kalle Katajisto 9+1 (5) Craig Cook 10+1 (5) Lee Dicken 4+2 (5) Ashley Morris (guest) 3 (3) Match points: Rye House 2 Edinburgh 1 Rockets Head to Armadale in July The Silver Ski Rockets have re-arranged their away Premier League fixture at Edinburgh for Friday, July 22nd. The new date follows the abandonment of the first fixture at Armadale at the end of last month. The following night will see Rye House play host to the new British U-19 Championship, which has replaced the previous U-18 format. ENDS
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Post by Administrator on Jun 5, 2011 19:07:43 GMT
Forthcoming Fixtures at Rye House
Saturday, June 11th Hackney Hawks vs Mildenhall (KO Cup) 7.00pm
Saturday, June 18th Rockets vs Redcar (Premier League) 7.00pm
Saturday, June 25th NO MEETING AT RYE HOUSE
Sunday, June 26th Rockets vs Berwick (Premier League) 2.00pm
ENDS
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Post by Administrator on Jun 7, 2011 7:28:38 GMT
Big Effort, Small Points For Frampton in British Final British Final (Wolverhampton) (Monday, June 6th 2011) 1st Scott Nicholls 2nd Chris Harris 3rd Tai Woffinden It proved a mixed night for Jordan Frampton in the 2011 British Final at Wolverhampton’s Monmore Green circuit, as the Silver Ski Rockets’ No.1 recovered from a poor start to produce plenty of drama – and claim a major scalp – in his remaining rides. Two frustrating races left the 26 year old pointless, and a third followed when he led throughout Heat 12 only to fall on the very last corner when under pressure from Edward Kennett. Frampton certainly deserved better than that misfortune, and to his credit picked himself up to claim second spot in the very next race with a superb display ahead of defending British Champion and Grand Prix star Chris Harris. A final outing in Heat 18 saw Frampton jostle alongside Lewis Bridger for the lead over the first lap before having to settle for another second placed finish. His four point aggregate total left him in 12th position overall, with only that earlier fall ruling him out of a mid-card finish. Scott Nicholls won the British Championship after storming through forcefully against Chris Harris on the second lap of the winner-takes-all Grand Final. For Nicholls, it was a sixth national crown and also wins him a Wildcard spot in the forthcoming British Grand Prix at Cardiff. Only just back in action from a broken shoulder, former Rocket Tai Woffinden produced a truly outstanding performance to reel off five straight victories in the meeting’s main programme, but was left chasing shadows in the twice re-run Final. The first staging of the race saw all four competitors hit the deck when giving absolutely no quarter on the first bend, while the second saw another former Rocket, Edward Kennett, excluded after causing himself and Woffinden to fall when driving through for the lead. Scorers (5 rides each unless stated): Tai Woffinden 15, Chris Harris 13 (both to Grand Final), Scott Nicholls 13, Edward Kennett 12, Lee Richardson 11, Ben Barker 9 (qualified for Semi-Final), Lewis Bridger 8, Stuart Robson 8, Leigh Lanham 7, Oliver Allen 6, Danny King 5, Jordan Frampton 4, Ricky Ashworth 4, Jerran Hart 2, Richard Hall 2, David Howe 0 (1 ride) Reserves: Tom Perry 1 (2 rides), Ashley Morris (2 rides) Semi-Final (top two finishers to Grand Final): Edward Kennett, Scott Nicholls, Ben Barker, Lee Richardson Grand Final: Scott Nicholls, Chris Harris, Tai Woffinden, Edward Kennet (fex) ENDS
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Post by Administrator on Jun 11, 2011 7:33:56 GMT
Rockets Show Plymouth a Devil of a Time Plymouth 39 Rye House 51 (Premier League, Friday June 10th 2011) It proved a long, but ultimately rewarding, trip to South Devon for the Silver Ski Rockets, whose first ever Premier League venture to the St Boniface Arena netted a maximum four match points. A quick glimpse down the two teams’ respective score-charts tells much of the story. Ben Barker was in unbeatable form for the Devils in racking up a five ride maximum, with Klaus Kristiansen excellent in support, but the Rockets knew how to hit elsewhere… and to hit hard.
No less than three Rye riders – Chris Neath, Steve Boxall and Nelson – rolled into double figures, while Jordan Frampton finished just shy of reaching that mark and there were further solid hauls from Luke Bowen and Ritchie Hawkins. The Rockets were briefly behind after Bowen had fallen in Heat 1, but race wins from Nelson and the fast-starting Neath helped to bring the score level at 9-9. Boxall and Nelson then put Rye in front to stay with a 5-1 from a Heat 4 that was re-run after leader Jason Bunyan had locked up and fallen. A further maximum from Frampton and Bowen over Bunyan in Heat 11 increased the margin to eight points, and another 5-1 looked certain in the next race until Kristiansen produced a remarkable last lap to pass both Hawkins and Nelson.
The Rockets finally got their reward in Heat 14, though, when Nelson – yes, him again - and Neath shut out former Rye man Kyle Hughes for the duration. At 48-36, Rye had the victory – and the full set of available match points – clinched with a race to spare. Rye House team manager John Sampford was clearly a happy man afterwards. “To gain four match points away at any track is a great achievement. This was also an important result to drive us into the second half of the season.
In fairness, Ben Barker was untouchable and Jesper Kristiansen was also impressive, but we banded together as a team to score points across the board, and that’s what got us the win.” Rye House scorers: Jordan Frampton 7+2 (4 rides) Luke Bowen 5+2 (4) Ritchie Hawkins 6 (4) Chris Neath 10+3 (5) Steve Boxall 12 (5) Ben Morley 0 (3) Nelson 11+2 (5) Plymouth scorers: Ben Barker 15 (5 rides, maximum) Lee Smart R/R Jesper Kristiansen 12 (6) Jay Herne 0 (4) Jason Bunyan 6 (5) Kyle Hughes 5+1 (5) James Cockle 2+1 (5) Matt Bates (No.8) dnr Match points: Plymouth 0 Rye House 4 ENDS
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Post by Administrator on Jun 12, 2011 7:37:20 GMT
Bring ‘Em On: Redcar The Silver Ski Rockets return to centre stage on Saturday (June 18th) as the focus swings back to the Premier League with the visit of Redcar. The Bears are currently nudging toward mid-table, having dropped a draw (against front-runners Ipswich) and a defeat (against fellow title-chasers Glasgow) on Teesside but also won at Newcastle. They will be bringing with them a side headed by double Overseas Champion and World Cup winner Jason Lyons, who has headed north following Birmingham’s winter elevation to the Elite League.
Also in the mix are Czech national titlist Matej Kus and 2008 treble winner with Edinburgh, Aaron Summers, plus – of course – Gary Havelock, whose lengthy resume includes the British League Riders crown, two British titles and the little matter of the 1992 World Championship. The action starts at 7pm. Forthcoming Fixtures at Rye House Saturday, June 18th Rockets vs Redcar (Premier League) 7.00pm Saturday, June 25th NO MEETING AT RYE HOUSE Sunday, June 26th Rockets vs Berwick (Premier League) 2.00pm Saturday, July 2nd Hawks vs Newport (National League) 7.00pm ENDS
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Post by Administrator on Jun 13, 2011 12:38:27 GMT
Rockets’ Duo Named For Pairs Jordan Frampton and Chris Neath have been confirmed as the Silver Ski Rockets’ tandem that will compete in this year’s Premier League Pairs Championship, which is being staged at Somerset next Friday, June 24th. The Rye House duo has been drawn in Group 1 alongside pairs from Glasgow, Leicester, Newcastle and Workington. Each side will meet each other on a round-robin basis, with the races scored 4-3-2-0 in order to stress the team element of the competition. The top two finishers in each of the two groups will then progress to the sudden death semi-finals, with the winners of each of those heats then colliding in the final race of the night. Parade time at the Oak Tree Arena will be 7.15, with the first race starting at 7.30. Group 1
Rye House (Jordan Frampton, Chris Neath) Glasgow (Joe Screen, James Grieves) Leicester (Richard Sweetman, Richard Hall) Newcastle (Mark Lemon, Stuart Robson) Workington (riders tbc)
Group 2
Somerset (Sam Masters, Cory Gathercole) Sheffield (Ricky Ashworth, Shane Parker) Plymouth (Ben Barker, Jesper Kristiansen) Edinburgh (Kevin Wolbert, Craig Cook) Redcar (Jason Lyons, Aaron Summers) ENDS
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Post by Administrator on Jun 15, 2011 14:35:57 GMT
Brundle Joins Rockets
James Brundle has been named today to the Silver Ski Rockets team, replacing Ben Morley in the side.
The 24 year old former King's Lynn Star is currently the No 1 at National League Mildenhall, and more than impressed in Saturday's Knock Out Cup clash against Hackney at Rye House. Three trademark lightning starts gave Brundle successive wins, and he was only edged out by Barrie Evans in his final ride.
Brundle's 5.14 average takes him into the main body if the Rockets' team for Saturday's home clash against Redcar, with Luke Bowen dropping to reserve to partner Nelson.
Promoter Len Silver still has high hopes for Morley. "He is still just 17 and has always shown total heart and soul in every ride. Unfortunately his lack of points in the Premier League has led to a loss of confidence, which is also affecting his National League form. He is effectively over-riding, which is also leading to a large number of falls. But he will be back."
Talking about Brundle, Silver added, "James is really keen to get back into Premier League racing, and has invested heavily in new equipment toward that end. He showed us what he is all about in 2011 here last Saturday.
"Plus, there is the added bonus that he will go to the No. 2 position to ride with Jordan, which means that we now have the added weapon of Luke Bowen at reserve."
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Post by Administrator on Jun 19, 2011 7:20:00 GMT
The Silver Ski Rockets will be hoping for better weather – and a positive result – when they trek up to Teesside on Thursday (June 23rd) to face Redcar.
The Rockets bested the Bears 51-42 on their last trip to the venue, after a previous string of near misses, and will clearly be targeting something positive to go with the away wins they have already gained this season at Newport and Plymouth. Jordan Frampton and Chris Neath will remain on the highway – albeit at the other end of the country – for the following night’s Premier League Pairs Championship at Somerset. The Rye House duo will compete in Group 1 alongside pairs from Glasgow, Leicester, Newcastle and Workington. Each side will meet each other on a round-robin basis, with the races scored 4-3-2-0 in order to stress the team element of the competition. The top two finishers in each of the two groups will then progress to the sudden death semi-finals, with the winners of each of those heats then colliding in the final race of the night. Parade time at the Oak Tree Arena will be 7.15, with the first race starting at 7.30. The revised line-up for the event is: Group 1
Rye House (Jordan Frampton, Chris Neath) Glasgow (Joe Screen, James Grieves) Leicester (Richard Sweetman, Richard Hall) Newcastle (Derek Sneddon, Stuart Robson) Workington (James Wright, Rusty Harrison)
Group 2
Somerset (Sam Masters, Cory Gathercole) Sheffield (Ricky Ashworth, Shane Parker) Ipswich – who replaced Plymouth earlier this week (Kevin Doolan, Taylor Poole) Edinburgh (Andrew Tully, Craig Cook) Redcar (Jason Lyons, Aaron Summers) Bring ‘Em On: Berwick There is no action at Rye House next Saturday; instead all roads lead to Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium and the British Grand Prix. However, the Silver Ski Rockets will be back in home action the following afternoon (Sunday the 26th) with a 2pm start time – as they tackle the Berwick Bandits in the Premier League.
The Borders side is currently mid-table, having lost just once at home in a 46-44 squeaker against title-chasing Glasgow, but also snagged a draw from their travels at Leicester. Their roster is centred on former Elite League Swindon Robin Sebastian Alden, who has swooped into the Bandits to replace Charlie Gjedde, and 2003 GP Wildcard and 2004 World Championship Semi-Finalist Josef Franc. But there is also ammunition further down the pack, courtesy of three year King’s Lynn Star Kozza Smith, former Sheffield and Stoke mainstay Lee Complin and Alex Edberg, who has been signed as injury cover for Hynek Stichauer. The Bandits are rounded out at reserve by Anzacs Jade Mudgway and Mitchell Davey. Forthcoming Fixtures at Rye House Saturday, June 25th NO MEETING AT RYE HOUSE Sunday, June 26th Rockets vs Berwick (Premier League) 2.00pm Saturday, July 2nd Hawks vs Newport (National League) 7.00pm Saturday, July 9th Rockets vs Scunthorpe (Premier League) 7.00pm ENDS
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