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Post by Administrator on Oct 3, 2011 8:04:40 GMT
Luke Bowen - Update
We have received word from Luke's father Kevin in the last few minutes, advising that in addition to bruising to his chest (caused when he was hit by his bike) and second degree concussion, Luke has suffered at least two broken bones in his foot. He will be operated on later this morning.
We are sure that all supporters will join us in wishing the Harlow Flyer a very speedy recovery from this latest setback.
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Post by Administrator on Oct 4, 2011 16:44:26 GMT
Bring ‘Em On: Workington (Sunday, October 9th @ 2pm) The Silver Ski Rockets continue their home run through the final month of the Premier League season with the visit of high flying Workington this coming Sunday (October 9th), and very much hoping they can avoid any further knocks and bangs. At the conclusion of Sunday’s home fixture against Scunthorpe, Rye House were missing no less than FOUR regulars! With No.1 Chris Neath (concussion) and Luke Bowen (broken foot) confirmed non-starters for the Workington match, Adam Roynon has been named as a guest for the meeting. A Redcar Bear this season, the Cumbrian has remained a highly popular visitor to Hoddesdon following his 2007 tenure as a Rocket and 2006 Conference League Riders crown, as well as for his perseverance to rebound from his own injury worries. Sunday’s visitors Workington, meanwhile, are still pushing for third spot in the final table, and despite a recent Knock-Out Cup exit at the Semi-Final stage against much improved Newport, have one remaining shot at gold via the forthcoming re-staging of the Fours Final. Recent results have seen them ease home against Rye at Derwent Park (55-36) and push second placed Sheffield all the way to a 44-46 result in Yorkshire. The Cumbrian team will also be remembered for their strong challenge in a real see-saw encounter when the sides met at Rye House on May 30th, pulling back an early 11 point deficit to draw level at Heat 8 before finally succumbing 51-41. Rusty Harrison will lead their return charge into town, having recently finished a more than respectable 7th in the Premier League Riders Championship at Sheffield. Subject to returns from injury, Harrison will be joined by 2010 U-21 World Cup winner Peter Kildemand, who was the subject of a bizarre Elite League tug of war between Coventry and Poole just over a month ago, and long-time King’s Lynn Star and 2003 Grand Prix Wildcard Tomas Topinka. Also in the mix are fast-developing second generation star Richard Lawson, American Eagle Kenny Ingalls – who blasted the Rockets for a monster paid 17 last weekend - and 21 year old newcomer Simon Nielsen, who joined the Comets last month. The Dane was a winner of the FIM Youth Gold Trophy in 2005 and more recently part of the national U-19 side that claimed the bronze medal in both the 2008 and 2009 U-19 World Cups. The action starts at 2pm. Hawks Finale: Hackney vs Scunthorpe/Sheffield at Lakeside The Hackney Hawks face their final match in that guise this Friday (October 7th @ 8pm) when they host the combined Scunthorpe-Sheffield team in National League action at Lakeside. The fixture was originally allocated to the Essex venue, subsequently switched over to Rye House and has now – after its September postponement – been allocated back to the Arena-Essex Raceway. The six regular Hawks will feature, which means a final opportunity to salute the efforts of Shane Hazelden, Ben Morley, Barrie Evans and the rest of the team. In addition, with Rider-Replacement operating as cover for the injured Ben Hopwood, a No.8 slot will be up for grabs to the winner of an earlier “Vultures Race”. As a special send-off to the Hawks, admission prices will be just £8 for adults and £1 for children, with one of the team’s body colours being given away at the end of the night to the lucky purchaser of a specially signed programme. Although the Hackney name will be no more in 2012, there will be National League speedway at Rye House. Promoter Len Silver has already declared his intention to compete in next season’s competition as the Rye House Raiders, rather than the Hawks, given the much stronger relevance of the former name to the majority of Hoddesdon supporters. (The Raiders were originally Rye House’s National League team from 2002 to 2007, before the side took on the moniker “Cobras” for the period 2008-2010.)
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Post by Administrator on Oct 5, 2011 19:00:59 GMT
Rockets Team Update vs Workington It has been said that a week is a long time in politics. That is also clearly the case in Speedway, as the Silver Ski Rockets’ team has transitioned within mere days from near depletion to a virtually full pack. As of Sunday evening, Rye could only boast three fit riders – Ritchie Hawkins, Steve Boxall and Nelson. And only yesterday, the Rockets were lining up Redcar’s Adam Roynon as a guest for Sunday’s (October 9th) Premier League match against Workington. The scenario has changed again, with Chris Neath receiving the all-clear from his concussion – promoter Len Silver has therefore applied for Management Committee permission to include him in the team as is required by regulations for a non-speedway injury – while Jordan Frampton has declared himself fit following the aggravation of shoulder and wrist injuries, and James Brundle’s wrist injury being diagnosed as a severe sprain rather than broken now that the swelling has subsided. The Rockets will therefore now be near-complete on Sunday, with Rider-Replacement in operation for broken foot victim Luke Bowen, who expects to be fit again just after the end of the season. Workington, meanwhile, will field virtually the same team that eased home against Rye in Cumbria last weekend, with the one change their choice of Emiliano Sanchez as a guest for the sidelined Tomas Topinka. Sunday’s teams are therefore: Rye House: Chris Neath, Ritchie Hawkins, Luke Bowen R/R, Steve Boxall, Jordan Frampton, James Brundle, Nelson Workington: Rusty Harrison, Peter Kildemand R/R, Simon Nielsen, Richard Lawson, Emiliano Sanchez (guest), Jamie Courtney, Kenny Ingalls The action starts at 2pm.
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Post by Administrator on Oct 9, 2011 19:35:12 GMT
Rockets Fly Past Comets Rye House 54 Workington 39 (Premier League, Sunday October 9th 2011) A week ago, the Silver Ski Rockets had just three fit riders. Seven days on, and a near complete side was able to ease past Workington, with all three returning stars shining brightly. Chris Neath – back from a three week absence through concussion – was the pick of the bunch, rattling off his sixth maximum of the season and winning Heat 1 from the back in a time (55.7) just 0.6 seconds outside of his own track record. At the other end of the riding order, reserve James Brundle, who had been sidelined for eleven days with a wrist injury, produced just as valuable a contribution, boasting two wins in his 10 point total. It was his best score of the season, surpassing his previous high of paid 8 against Redcar. Finally, Jordan Frampton returned from his absence with aggravated shoulder and wrist injuries to pop in a couple of victories. If a tad fortunate to be re-instated at Emiliano Sanchez’s expense in Heat 4 after falling on the third bend, he was doubly unlucky himself later on. In both Heats 13 and 15, Frampton looked set for a 5-1 alongside Neath, only to grind to a halt each time. On the first occasion, he simply ran out of fuel; on the second it was a snapped chain that saw him a non-finisher. It also proved another strong afternoon for Nelson - whose three race wins ensured another double figure haul - and Ritchie Hawkins, who rebounded from a non-productive opening to finish with two unbeaten rides. The Comets threatened only briefly, as an 8-1 in Heat 8 from the Tactically nominated Kenny Ingalls and Emiliano Sanchez brought them to within 3 points, at 27-24. That result proved a wake-up call for the Rockets, who denied them a further heat advantage and would have exacted full revenge for their 19 point defeat in Cumbria eight days earlier but for Frampton’s problems. Having said that, the visitors were highly entertaining opponents, committed throughout and pressuring their hosts into a number of very tight race finishes. American Ingalls was their key inspiration, powering to nearly half their points total, while guest Sanchez joined him in double figures and second generation star Richard Lawson deserved more for his efforts than his 4 point tally. The Comets were glad, though, just to get another match out of the way. Having endured no less than ten rain-offs at Derwent Park, they still need to shoehorn another six home matches into their season before the end of October! Talking after the meeting, the Rockets’ James Brundle was quick to stress the importance of his best total to date. “I definitely needed today’s score. It’s been a while coming and I’ve been struggling recently. I don’t mind blaming myself when it’s down to me, but I have really struggled with engines. I’m riding with one engine and one bike at the moment. “It worked out pretty well for me today. The conditions were really grippy at the start, so the power was going down on the track well. I found it a bit harder toward the end, but I managed to make enough adjustments to get me by and grab a few more points. But, all in all, it’s going in the right direction. “The wrist was fine. The week and a half off have done me good; it was nice to chill out, forget about stuff for a little while, and come back fresh. Especially after having a bad spell, it felt like I was starting again, really. “I know I can do it at this level. I feel I’ve got the potential to do it. Most of the time, I’ve had the equipment to do it. It’s only lately that I’ve been struggling financially, and that’s held me back. But I’ve got a whole winter to get that stuff sorted out for next year, and hopefully I can carry on with the form I’ve got off to today, start banging in some scores and – fingers crossed – be back here next year.” Rye House scorers: Chris Neath 14+1 (5 rides, maximum) Ritchie Hawkins 6+1 (5) Luke Bowen R/R Steve Boxall 4+2 (4) Jordan Frampton 7 (5) James Brundle 10 (5) Nelson 13 (6) Workington scorers: Rusty Harrison 5+2 (5) Peter Kildemand R/R Simon Nielsen 1 (4) Richard Lawson 4 (5 rides, inc 0 as a TR) Emiliano Sanchez (guest) 9+2 (6) Jamie Courtney (guest) 2 (3) Kenny Ingalls 18 (7 rides, inc 6 as a TR) Match Points: Rye House 3 Workington 0 Raiders Start Planning For 2012 Following Sunday’s Premier League action at Rye House, 16 year old Brad Tokeley was handed his first public appearance in a post-meeting practice session. The Essex-born teenager has transitioned onto the shale from junior grass-track and impressed during the Training Days staged at Rye. Promoter Len Silver has already earmarked a spot for Tokeley in next season’s Raiders National League squad, and was hoping to unveil two other Training Day targets for the Raiders on Sunday. Unfortunately, both prospects were unable to ride due to injuries…. so watch this space. Bring ‘Em On: Ipswich (Sunday, October 16th @ 2pm) The Silver Ski Rockets face their penultimate Premier League match of the 2011 campaign when they host their closest rivals – both geographically and in terms of rivalry – the Ipswich Witches next Sunday (October 16th). While the Witches have failed to match their pre-season billing as favourites for the League title, a second half surge that has seen them win at Plymouth, Berwick and Newcastle has pushed them into late contenders for at least third – and conceivably second - spot in the final table. Their assault team is set to include former King’s Lynn star Kevin Doolan, plus fast-rising teenagers Lasse Bjerre – also a doubling-up star alongside brother Kenneth at King’s Lynn - and Taylor Poole. Also set to feature in the mix is former World U-21 Finalist and Grand Prix reserve Morten Risager, while triple French Champion and former World Long-Track bronze medallist Mathieu Tresarrieu’s presence is subject to his clearance from last week’s concussion. Following the cessation of hostilities against the Witches, next Sunday’s extended second half is scheduled to feature a number of the American Touring team that is currently visiting Britain. So expect some additional razzle-dazzle to go with the sparks flying from the Ipswich fixture! The action starts at 2pm. Remaining 2011 Fixtures at Rye House Sunday, October 16th Rockets vs Ipswich (Premier League) 2.00pm Sunday, October 23rd Rockets vs Berwick (Premier League) 2.00pm Sunday, October 30th Ace of Herts + Short-Track + Fireworks 6.00pm
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Post by Administrator on Oct 13, 2011 18:46:52 GMT
Ace of Herts - Latest We are just a fortnight away from the 2011 seasonal close-out here at Rye House, the Ace of Herts individual championship, which will be staged on Sunday, October 30th with a 6pm start. The field for the event is rapidly coming together. In addition to the Silver Ski Rockets, it is set to feature former Rye House star – and current Elite League Wolverhampton Wolf – Tai Woffinden, fellow World Cup star Ben Barker and Eastbourne Eagle Lewis Bridger. Also set to see action – subject to a fall-back Premier League date with Ipswich – is Witches No.1 Kevin Doolan, while we will get our very first look at young Swedish prospect Pontus Aspgren. If you don’t recognise the name, we can tell you that the 20 year old finished a highly creditable 7th in last month’s Swedish U-21 Final at Malilla behind meeting winner Simon Gustafsson and runner-up – and former Rocket – Linus Sundstrom. In addition to the main event, our season finale will also feature the King of Herts Short-Track Championship - which will involve Silver Ski Rocket Nelson – plus a gigantic firework display to officially bring the curtain down on the campaign. Or rather not quite, because following the conclusion of play, there will be final interviews with the Rockets and the presentation of the Mr Rocket Rider of the Year award in the Stadium’s Long Bar.
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Post by Administrator on Oct 16, 2011 20:31:39 GMT
Neath Injury Pushes Rockets Over the Edge Against Witches Rye House 40 Ipswich 50 (Premier League, Sunday October 16th 2011) An uncharacteristic fall – and subsequent ankle injury – for Chris Neath proved the ultimate trigger for the Silver Ski Rockets’ third home defeat of the season, and their first since mid-April. The Rockets were holding tight – at 26-28 – when Neath slid off on the third bend while chasing race leader Matthieu Tresarrieu in Heat 10, but his withdrawal from the remainder of play left a gaping hole in the Rye House attack, as the match quickly unravelled for the home side. Only a consolation 5-1 from Jordan Frampton and Ritchie Hawkins in the final race restored some pride and a slightly better balance to the score-line. It is difficult to judge whether even a Neath-reinstated Rockets would have fully contained the Witches, as the home side managed just five race wins all day. As things transpired, Frampton – with three of those successes – and Hawkins were left to carry much of the work load, as Steve Boxall struggled for power and Nelson faded after a bright start. It also proved a luckless afternoon for James Brundle – just a week after his seasonal best of paid 10 against Workington – and one typified by a Heat 7 fall when under pressure for second place from Tresarrieu. It was the Frenchman who was the visitors’ man of the match, returning from ten days on the sidelines with concussion to miss out on a full house only in Heat 15. Taylor Poole and Jerran Hart were also in hot form, as the Witches could afford a quiet match from fast-rising star Lasse Bjerre. Ultimately, five different Ipswich riders collected race wins, with a sixth paid for success, to ensure four vital match points in their quest for a rostrum spot in the final Premier League table. Rye House captain Chris Neath was still hobbling around the pits after the match, unable to leave for a precautionary x-ray until that point as he had been lending his machinery to his colleagues after his withdrawl. “My right ankle is sore at the moment, but I’m confident it is just twisted or badly sprained. I’ve broken the same ankle before, and I remember what that felt like - and this doesn’t feel as bad.” As for the fall, “I think I was just trying to do it all in one lap. I should have taken my time, but instead I just came in too fast and just lost my traction. “It was already a hard match for us before then. They (Ipswich) were trapping so well, and we were working hard to stay with them. But hopefully I will be OK in a few days’ time, and we can bounce back against Berwick here next Sunday.” Rye House scorers: Chris Neath 5 (3 rides) Ritchie Hawkins 8+3 (6) Luke Bowen R/R Steve Boxall 6 (4 rides, inc 1 as a TR) Jordan Frampton 13 (5) James Brundle 1 (5) Nelson 7+1 (7) Ipswich scorers: Kevin Doolan 10 (5 rides) Taylor Poole 7+1 (4) Matthieu Tresarrieu 11+1 (5) Morten Risager 6+2 (4) Lasse Bjerre 3 (4) Jerran Hart 10 (5) Kyle Howarth (guest) 3 (3) Match Points: Rye House 0 Ipswich 4 Bring ‘Em On: Berwick (Sunday, October 23rd @ 2pm) The Silver Ski Rockets complete their Premier League campaign next Sunday, aiming to bounce back from their defeat against East Anglian rivals Ipswich by taking the available match points against long distance travellers the Berwick Bandits. Although nuzzling a bottom-half finish, the Bandits have been beaten just twice at home – and against newly crowned champions Glasgow and Ipswich - and have picked up a win (57-36 at Plymouth) and draw (Leicester) on their travels. They also featured in those two “Déjà Vu All Over Again” meetings against the Silver Ski Rockets at Shielfield Park. Both saw early Rye House leads despite the absence of key riders, and both produced last race heartbreak for the Hertfordshire side as each match was shortened by curfew. The first League fixture at Hoddesdon proved a more decisive affair, as six consecutive 5-1s launched the Rockets to a 31-17 advantage at Heat 8. The match was much more even over its second half, with the Rockets only able to extend their lead by a further 2 points, for a final 54-39 score-line. Heading the visitors into Hertfordshire next week will be former three year Swindon Robin Sebastian Alden, who recently won the Bordernapolis individual meeting at Berwick and finished 5th in the Premier League Riders Championship. The Swede was responsible for 14 points when the Bandits visited in June. Also in the Bandits’ mix is former King’s Lynn Star Linus Eklof - who arrived at the club last month to replace the sidelined Kozza Smith - and fellow Swede Alex Edberg, who was injured in July’s clash between the two sides at Shielfield Park, but now appears set to return as a late replacement for the unfortunate Ludvig Lindgren, who escaped with a foot injury from a nasty smash last night (Saturday, October 15th) that reportedly took out four fence panels. Additionally, the Bandits feature original Sheffield and Stoke mainstay Lee Complin and former Grand Prix Wildcard Josef “Pepe” Franc. The action starts at 2pm. The following Sunday – October 30th @ 6pm – brings the 2011 season climax, the Ace of Herts individual championship, which will also include the King of Herts Short-Track title, a gigantic firework display, and the post-meeting presentation of the “Mr Rocket” Rider of the Year and other awards in the Long Bar.
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Post by Administrator on Oct 17, 2011 15:07:39 GMT
PRESS RELEASE::: :::::: Neath a “Maybe” For Bandits Hospital x-rays today have thankfully confirmed no break in Chris Neath’s right ankle, but the ligament damaged sustained places the Rye House No.1 as only 50/50 for the Silver Ski Rockets’ final Premier League match of the season, at home to Berwick on Sunday (October 23rd). The Rockets are provisionally looking at their guest coverage options should the captain be unable to take his place.
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Post by Administrator on Oct 17, 2011 20:19:14 GMT
Howe on Standby Further to today’s earlier release, the Silver Ski Rockets have lined up David Howe as their guest against Berwick on Sunday (October 23rd) should captain Chris Neath be ruled out with his current ankle ligament injury. Rye House supporters will need little reminding that former Grand Prix Wildcard Howe scorched to a five ride maximum against the Rockets at Hoddesdon just a fortnight ago when representing regular club Scunthorpe. Neath a “Maybe” For Bandits Hospital x-rays today have thankfully confirmed no break in Chris Neath’s right ankle, but the ligament damaged sustained places the Rye House No.1 as only 50/50 for the Silver Ski Rockets’ final Premier League match of the season, at home to Berwick on Sunday (October 23rd). The Rockets are provisionally looking at their guest coverage options should the captain be unable to take his place.
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Post by Administrator on Oct 20, 2011 6:55:07 GMT
From Neath to Howe to Lanham… and Maybe Back After initially being put on stand-by to guest for the Silver Ski Rockets this Sunday should Chris Neath fail a late fitness test on his injured ankle, Scunthorpe’s David Howe has been forced to withdraw his original offer. The Rockets’ opposition, Berwick, are now definitely missing their own No.1 Sebastian Alden, and have booked Howe to ride for them in their southern tour at Plymouth (Friday), Newport (Saturday)…. and Rye House! Howe’s decision is understandably based on the financial certainty of a guaranteed extra meeting, rather than the possibility of a shot with the Rockets, but has left Team Manager John Sampford scrambling for a substitute replacement. Now filling the breach – still subject to Neath’s withdrawal – will be Leigh Lanham of Knock-Out Cup winners Newport.
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Post by Administrator on Oct 21, 2011 14:33:42 GMT
Neath to Start Against Bandits Chris Neath has confirmed today that he will ride in the Silver Ski Rockets’ Premier League finale against Berwick at Hoddesdon on Sunday (October 23rd @ 2pm). The Rye House captain will have his right ankle heavily strapped following ligament damage suffered in a fall during the home defeat against Ipswich. The Rockets will more than welcome Neath back to the fold. Not only has he been a key inspiration to the team in 2011, as reflected by his 6th place standing in the national averages, but they are up against a Berwick side that will be fielding David Howe as a guest for the injured Sebastian Alden. The Scunthorpe No.1 was a 5 ride maximum man when the Scorpions visited Hertfordshire just three weeks ago.
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Post by Administrator on Oct 23, 2011 19:35:43 GMT
350 Up For Neath; Rockets Forced to Settle For 6 Up Rye House 49 Berwick 43 (Premier League, Sunday October 23rd 2011) Always expect the unexpected. That edict has become the general rule for matches between the Silver Ski Rockets and Berwick this season. The Rockets coasted to a 15 point victory when the teams last met at Hoddesdon in June, but the other three fixtures have gone against the historical grain of sides struggling to adapt to each other’s very different track lengths and shapes. Twice the Rockets have been to Shielfield Park – last a scene of visiting success in 1977 – to force a last heat decider despite key rider absences. This time it was the turn of the Bandits to cause final race disappointment, as a last ditch 5-1 stole them a rather unexpected match point. The overall victory should, though, still guarantee Rye 8th place out of 14 in the final Premier League table. Although lacking the top-end firepower of Berwick guest David Howe – who has now dropped just a single point across two Hertfordshire visits in the space of three weeks – and Josef Franc, it looked as though the Rockets had enough strength in depth to claim all three match points. Chris Neath, Jordan Frampton and Nelson – who dropped just a single point from completed rides – were all paid for double figures, with Ritchie Hawkins not far off that mark. Elsewhere, Steve Boxall and James Brundle steadily popped in points in each of their rides, while young Ben Morley contributed via a third place ahead of former World U-21 Finalist Linus Eklof. It was Hawkins and Nelson who slammed home a 5-1 in Heat 8 to put the Rockets clear at 27-21. The Aussie reappeared to capture the next race, with Boxall just two bike lengths down on Lee Complin as the lead widened to 8 points, while a further 4-2 from Neath – who surged from third to first inside a lap – and Hawkins over Eklof and Franc pushed the score to 35-25. When Jordan Frampton held off the otherwise unbeaten David Howe – who was nominated for double points as a Tactical Rider – in Heat 11, the Rockets seemed home and dry. Successive wins for Eklof, Howe and Franc kept the Bandits hanging in there, however, to set up that last race shot at a match point. Howe and Franc duly shot from the gate, and although under constant pressure from Neath and Frampton, held their advantage for the critical 5-1. In some ways, it was perhaps no less than the visitors deserved. The powerful Howe and Franc aside, they might have run their hosts even closer but for two early pointless rides from the highly rated Eklof and a last lap stoppage for Mitchell Davey while leading Heat 2. Soldiering back from injury, with his right ankle heavily strapped following last week’s crash against Ipswich, the match represented Rye House captain Chris Neath’s 350th as a Silver Ski Rocket. He is firmly established as third in the Rockets’ all-time appearance list, behind Bob Garrad (421) and Kelvin Mullarkey (406). Neath said afterwards, “I’m absolutely stoked to reach the 350 appearance mark for Rye House. It’s a brilliant club and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of the set-up. To have the captaincy here as well is such a privileged role. Yes, there have been some tricky matches along the way, but I have enjoyed so many wonderful moments in the eight years that I have been here. “To achieve this milestone in a year when I have bounced back on-track to finish 6th in the national averages is a double plus. Regarding his return from injury: “My ankle has been a lot better the last couple of days. I pretty much knew straightaway after the accident that I hadn’t broken it; it was more like when you roll it. It was pretty stiff in the days immediately after the crash, but once I started to move it again during the latter part of the week it improved significantly. It’s not been a problem today. To be honest, once you get back on a bike, the adrenalin kicks in pretty quickly and you forget about it.” Rye House scorers: Chris Neath 10+1 (5 rides) Ritchie Hawkins 8+1 (5 rides) Luke Bowen R/R Steve Boxall 7 (4) Jordan Frampton 10 (5) James Brundle 4+2 (4) Nelson 9+2 (5) Berwick scorers: David Howe (guest) 15+1 (5 rides, inc 4 as a TR) Alex Edberg 2 (4) Linus Eklof 5 (4) Josef Franc 12 (5) Lee Complin 6 (4) Mitchell Davey 0 (4) Jade Mudgway 3+1 (4) Match Points: Rye House 2 Berwick 1 Bring It On: The Ace of Herts (Sunday, October 30th @ 6pm) The clock is now ticking toward the 2011 seasonal close-out at Rye House, the Ace of Herts individual championship, which will be staged next Sunday, October 30th with a 6pm start. The field for the main event is now put to bed. In addition to the six Silver Ski Rockets and Ben Morley, no less than four Elite League stars are set to feature. Former Rye House star – and current Elite League Wolverhampton Wolf – Tai Woffinden has already won two British U-21 titles and the Premier League Riders crown, and featured in both the Grand Prix and World Cup. Fellow World Cup star Ben Barker has enjoyed his best season in the sport, representing Birmingham in the Elite League Riders Championship and Plymouth in the PLRC. Former British U-21 and U-18 champion Lewis Bridger has helped propel Eastbourne into the Elite League Play-Off Final. Young Swedish prospect Pontus Aspgren is unfortunately now a non-starter, opting out due to the accumulation of a number of injuries, but his spot will now be filled by a fourth top flight star, Olli Allen, who has captained King’s Lynn to third place in the table. Also due in town is Ipswich No.1 Kevin Doolan, who bagged 10 points in the Witches’ recent win at Hoddesdon. In addition to the main event, our season finale will also feature the King of Herts Short-Track Championship - which will involve Silver Ski Rocket Nelson – plus a gigantic firework display to officially bring the curtain down on the campaign. Or rather not quite, because following the conclusion of play, there will be final interviews with the Rockets and the presentation of the Mr Rocket Rider of the Year award in the Stadium’s Long Bar.
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Post by Administrator on Oct 30, 2011 15:29:10 GMT
Ace of Herts Update
Rye House promoter Len Silver and team manager John Sampford have been forced into a last minute scramble to fill two spots in the season ending Ace of Herts championship at Hoddesdon following the late withdrawal of two competitors. Former Rocket Tai Woffinden had been aiming to return from the sidelines for the event, but has been forced to admit defeat in his recovery. Plymouth star Ben Barker, meanwhile, has been taken to hospital for an operation, with no additional details available at time of writing.
The 12 rider field otherwise includes Lewis Bridger, Olli Allen, Kevin Doolan, the 6 Silver Ski Rockets and Ben Morley.
Additional to the main event, the night will feature the King of Herts Short-track event, a giant fireworks display and the Me Rocket award in the Longbar at the conclusion of play.
The action gets underway at 6pm tonight.
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Post by Administrator on Oct 31, 2011 4:37:31 GMT
Doolan Wins Ace of Herts Season Finale Ace of Herts Championship (Sunday, October 30th 2011) 1st Kevin Doolan (Ipswich) 2nd Jordan Frampton (Rye House) 3rd Olli Allen (King’s Lynn) Ipswich No.1 Kevin Doolan has certainly enjoyed an October to remember. Earlier this month, the Aussie contributed 10 points as the Witches won at Hoddesdon en route to finishing third in the Premier League table. He has since led them to success in the Premier Fours Final, and now added a solo crown via the Rye House season finale, the Ace of Herts Championship. While greasy conditions meant that passing was at a premium, the late withdrawal of Tai Woffinden (extended recovery from illness) and Ben Barker (sudden hospital treatment) actually made for a more level playing field, with all four of the Grand Finalists very much in with a shout of taking the crown. It was Doolan who took the run-off victory, saying with a big smile afterwards that “It’s just a shame that the season is finishing now. I’ve had a bit of a dip in my form this year, and I wasn’t really happy mid-way through the season. Fortunately, everyone at Ipswich rallied around me and really got me going again, and I’ve put in some great meetings in the last month. This is just the icing on the cake.” The Silver Ski Rockets’ Jordan Frampton took the runner-up position after earlier heading the main programme standings on count-back. Rye’s PLRC and British Finalist stressed the importance of gate positions in the winner-takes-all decider. “It was frustrating that we had the ballot situation. Although I was better off with gate four (in the Final) than with the two I had in the Semi, I wanted three - which Kevin had. I didn’t quite have enough to get round him or to cut back on the first lap, and after that I couldn’t get near enough to do anything, unfortunately.” Defending champion Olli Allen – who took the title the last time the event was staged in 2009 – finished third. He won his first three rides, before being headed by Doolan in Heat 12. A second place behind Frampton in his Semi-Final then followed, before the same two adversaries outpaced him in the Final. Allen spoke in a similar tone to Frampton afterwards, admitting that “I didn’t really want gate one in the Final, but it was a ballot and I ended up with it. Third place is OK, and made for a good end to a very good season.” Nelson finished fourth in the Final after earlier dropping just one point – to Allen in Heat 2 – in his first five races, but enjoyed the consolation of storming home in the King of Herts Short-Track event that accompanied the main Speedway programme. In addition to his six rides in the Ace, he appeared in three Short-Track heats that spanned a total of 24 laps! Staying power wasn’t’ a problem, though. “Stimmo (Craig Stimpson) has been training me up, so… sweet as! It was a bit slick to start out with, and I wasn’t sure how it wasn’t going to hold up with the tyres, but it did. Cool!” Rye House captain Chris Neath had spoken a week earlier about his absolute determination to win the Ace event, only for his night to end with a grazed arm and hand after a third bend tumble in his opening race. Neath did, however, still head home with his share of silverware, collecting the Mr Rocket rider of the year award, plus the Sampford Trophy which was presented by team manager John Sampford in tribute to his parents to the most entertaining rider of the year. Receiving the two awards, Neath was straight to the point in voicing his appreciation for both. On the Sampford Trophy, “John supports us 100% in what we do as riders, and his parents were both staunch supporters of this club, so it’s an absolute honour to win this award.” He was equally emotive about the Mr Rocket nomination. “This one means a hell of a lot to me, because I’ve tried my guts out here for eight seasons, and I am just glad that people have appreciated the effort that I have put in. You guys (the supporters) have voted for me on this, and that means so much. I just hope you are all back next year, because we are going to win some trophies – we are so determined to do just that.” Main event scores (4 programmed rides each): Jordan Frampton 11, Nelson 11, Olli Allen 11, Kevin Doolan 10, Lewis Bridger 7, David Mason 5, Ritchie Hawkins 4, Ben Morley 4, Steve Boxall 3, James Brundle 2, Chris Neath 0 (1 ride) Semi Finals (top two in each to Grand Final): Jordan Frampton, Olli Allen, Lewis Bridger, Ritchie Hawkins Nelson, Kevin Doolan, Ben Morley, David Mason Grand Final: Kevin Doolan, Jordan Frampton, Olli Allen, Nelson
A Big Thank You Rye House Speedway would like to thank all supporters for their backing in 2011, wishing you all an enjoyable winter, a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. We look forward to seeing you all back at Rye House for the first home meeting of the 2012 season, which is scheduled for Saturday, March 17th at 7pm.
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Post by Administrator on Nov 11, 2011 11:41:27 GMT
Friday November 11 2011
Raiders of 2012? The British Speedway Promoters Association annual conference is now just a week away. It is the event that will finalise the rules and structures of the 2012 season, and therefore also determine the Silver Ski Rockets’ team building formation. Meanwhile, it is very much a case of business as usual at the Hoddesdon circuit. Minor amendments are being made to the Rye House track to iron out several issues evident in the recent season, while Rye’s weekly Training School continues to operate every Sunday from 11am to 3pm with former England international Andrew Silver serving as the principal tutor. With Rye House looking to open up spots in their Raiders team for 2012, it is positive to report that a number of very promising young riders are attending on a regular basis and the outlook for newcomers to the National League squad is already excellent. Two riders who have already caught the eye at the Schools are Nick Lee and Jed Collins. The latter is certainly easy to spot in his distinctive bright green kevlars, and at 15 years of age looks to have an exciting future in the sport. Meanwhile, 13 year old whizz-kid Robert Lambert, who produced some remarkable times over four laps around the Rye House circuit in 2011, has unfortunately been refused special permission to ride in the National League under age. Instead, he plans to race in the Junior scene in Germany as well as continue his post-meeting rides at Rye in 2012.
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Post by Administrator on Nov 20, 2011 21:33:29 GMT
BSPA Annual Conference: Key Decisions and News It is “As You Were” in the Elite and Premier Leagues for 2012, with the respective set-ups of 10 teams (Elite) and 14 (Premier) remaining in place for next season. In contrast to last November’s acrimonious AGM, this year’s event, which took place in Coventry , has been described as “positive and harmonious” by BSPA Chairman Alex Harkess. While the Silver Ski Rockets will face the same opposition as they did in 2011, the League programme has been amended following what was considered an unsuccessful 38 match trial schedule this year. The new campaign will, instead, open with the Premier Trophy, which returns to the fold after a 12 month absence. The fourteen teams have been split into two regional round-robin groups, with the two group winners progressing to the national final, which will be contested on a home and away aggregate basis. The Rockets will compete in the Southern section, facing five home and five away fixtures against Plymouth , Somerset , Newport , Ipswich and Leicester . The remaining eight teams will compete in the Northern group, although these clubs will select their opponents on a conference basis to once again produce five home and five away matches. The main League programme will see Rye House face each of their thirteen opponents on a once-at-home and once-away basis, for a 26 match schedule. The top six finishers will then progress to the Play-Off stage, which will initially be run on a group format. The top two seeds will select their opponents for what will be two groups of three teams – again contested on a once-at-home and once-away basis – with the two second stage winners then contesting the Championship Final. Teams finishing seventh to twelfth will enjoy their own end of season Play-Off competition, run on similar lines to the Championship format. The bottom two teams in the League will not be involved. The Silver Ski Rockets have been drawn against Edinburgh in the first round of the Knock-Out Cup, with the full draw as follows: Somerset vs Ipswich, Edinburgh vs Rye House, Plymouth vs Glasgow , Workington vs Scunthorpe, Newport vs Leicester, Newcastle vs Redcar . Sheffield and Berwick have received first round byes. With regards to the three Premier League focused Super 7even events, the Premier League Pairs will once again be staged at Somerset , while the Fours Championship will return to its spiritual home of Peterborough . Sheffield will again host the individual Big Night, the Premier League Riders Championship. Rockets Name Six of Seven For 2012 With the BSPA Annual Conference agreeing to retain a 42.5 points limit for the next three seasons, Rye House promoter Len Silver has been swift to announce nearly all of his proposed 2012 squad. Please note that the line-up below is yet to receive formal ratification from the BSPA but complies with the limit. There will be a highly familiar look to the Silver Ski Rockets’ roster, with no less than five riders returning from 2011. Chris Neath will once again captain the side, having enjoyed a tremendous 2011 that netted him sixth place in the national standings – with no less than six maximums along the way – and a 350th official appearance for Rye that strengthens his position of third in the Rockets’ all-time listing. Not surprisingly, Neath also walked away with the Mr Rocket Rider of the Year award after being voted in by the Hoddesdon club’s supporters. The Rockets will also welcome back the steady hand of Jordan Frampton. The Dorset star will return for a third straight term in Hertfordshire after posting an understated 7.71 average (excluding bonus points) that included a home maximum against Ipswich and an away one in the victory at Newport. He also qualified once again for both the British and Premier League Riders Finals. 18 year old Aussie Nelson turned plenty of heads in 2011 with what began with wild and fearless performances and matured into consistent points gatherings. His tail-end form included scores such as 15 at Workington, 16 against Sheffield and 17 versus Scunthorpe , which built to a 5.33 figure that was nearer the 6 mark when bonus points were included. The Rockets will certainly be expecting him to take that mark to the next level in 2012. 2004 British U-21 Champion Ritchie Hawkins will also be returning to Hoddesdon for a second season. The second generation rider delivered a stable, consistent 2011, with his solid away form peaking with paid 13 at Workington and his home record building as the year progressed to a personal high of 11 against Ipswich in October. Local hero Luke Bowen first rode for Rye House in the 2002 Conference (now National League), and has been a Premier League Rocket since 2006. His 2011 season ended prematurely, with a broken foot coming just as he was finally getting his full confidence back following the previous year’s broken arm. Paid drives of 15 against Sheffield and 14 against Plymouth just prior to his injury demonstrate what he aims to be about in 2012. With Steve Boxall and James Brundle both released for the new campaign, the sixth rider in the squad will be Jason Bunyan. A tough, seasoned campaigner, the former Isle of Wight and Stoke star will arrive on what looks a “steal” average of just 4.74 after an injury-shortened 2011 at Plymouth . A 2007 Pairs Champion with the Islanders, and also a 6-time New Zealand titlist from his winter southern hemisphere tours, Bunyan will also bring a little added marketing potential with his distinctive look as The Man in Black, courtesy of an all-black design for both his kevlars and machine covers. The last remaining place in the Rockets’ squad is yet to be filled, although it can be confirmed that negotiations for one of Britain 's brightest young teenagers are at an advanced stage. Rye House promoter Len Silver is already optimistic about the team's chances in 2012. "I have put together, when all is hopefully confirmed, seven riders who, as a group, should perform both home and away. The emphasis will be on month-by-month improvement so that we will be at our best just as the Play-Offs begin. We’ll have some exciting performers - both young and experienced – to give a good balance to the team, and all of them enjoy personalities which will help them to "gel" as a unit. We’ll be focusing on that element during the team skiing holiday with Silver Ski in January." 2012 team (final 2011 green sheet averages – excluding bonus points – shown in brackets): Chris Neath (8.61), Jordan Frampton (7.71), Nelson (5.33), Ritchie Hawkins (5.18), Luke Bowen (5.03), Jason Bunyan (4.74), TBC
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