WEEKEND PREVIEW: Under 10s take the stage in Hull
Apologies for the delay in this weekend’s preview. Here’s what’s going on this weekend in Cycle Speedway.
British Under 10 Club Championship, Hull
It’s the turn of the under 10s in the British Club Championship, this time taking place in Hull sponsored by Co-operative Funeralcare. Hull, Wednesfield, Sheffield, Leicester, Ipswich, Astley & Tyldsley and Kesgrave all battle it out in two Semi-Finals with the final taking place at 3:30pm. Good luck to all riders and teams involved.
Eurovets – Round 4, Sheffield
The TLI Orchid Eurovets moves to Sheffield this afternoon. The Birmingham trio of Mark Winwood, Paul Timms and Bob Prince have been doing well in the series in the over 40s, 50s and 60s respectively. Local boy Jason Burke, second last time out at Poole, will be hoping to use his local track knowledge to go one step further in the over 40s.
Midland League
Birmingham v East Park
It’s second versus top in the Midland League. East Park have taken no prisoners this year and will be looking to maintain their 100% record at Perry Bar. Captain Chris Timms is missing for the home side, which could swing the balance in the Wolves favour, expect a close match though as the Monarchs are also unbeaten in the league so far this year.
Wednesfield Aces v Coventry
The Aces’ title challenge took a hit with two losses to Wednesfield Dragons and East Park. They won’t want a slip up against Coventry, even without Paul Heard, after breaking his hand a few weeks ago (get fit soon Paul!). The Godiva City side are yet to get off the mark and will hope to learn from past mistakes to grind out a win against the odds.
Northern League
Bury v Hull
Hull need a win away at Bury to keep the pressure on Sheffield above them in the table. Bury, likewise need to prevent the Humberside team from extending their lead over them in the table, a win for the away side would probably be too much for the Comets to pull back.
Heckmondwike v Edinburgh
Edinburgh have part one of a double header of Cycle Speedway, starting against Heckmondwike. Mikey Hewitson looks rapid at the minute so he will lead the charge for the Falcons down in a Yorkshire.
Heckmondwike v Astley & Tyldesley
Heckmondwike are pointless at the bottom of the league, they will see this match as an opportunity, should they not win or draw against Edinburgh, to get off the mark against A&T who are only just above them in the league. A&T will be no pushovers though so any points for Hecky this weekend will be well earned.
Northumbria v Sheffield
Northumbria welcome Sheffield to Cramlington. The Vikings lost out to Edinburgh last time out and will want to get some points back on the board. It will be an uphill battle against the Rockets, led by Damian Zareba and Bobby McMillan, who themselves are chasing down Stockport to take advantage of any slip ups. Radek Handke looks certain to miss the clash after injuring his knee in last weekends Elite League match against Poole.
Stockport v Edinburgh
Part two of Edinburgh’s adventures brings them to league leaders and unbeaten power house Stockport. It will be a big ask to come away with any result for the Falcons, who are unbeaten at home for a few years now. The Lush brothers, Jake Read, Ben Higham and former British Champion Terry Norman have been in unrepentant form for the home side this year.
Stockport v Glasgow
After the dust has settled in NL1, Glasgow bring their NL2 side to face Stockport’s division two side. It’s great to see Glasgow back in action and although results may not be going their way, we hope they’re enjoying being back on the bike.
South East League
East London v Great Blakenham
East London need to get some points on the board, Great Blakenham are yet to win away from home. The Londoners, missing stalwart and the class of Dennis Hubble after his retirement, are thread bare. Nicky Gunkel and Steve Woodruff will lead the charge, with the Osbourne brothers leading the way for the away side, who’s 94-85 win is their only victory so far this season.
Ipswich Whirlwinds v Norwich
Unbeaten league leaders Ipswich Whirlwinds host Norwich at home. It’s going to be a tough match for anyone facing the Suffolk team, as they have been in majestic form all season. Norwich could use the points to keep in touch with Kesgrave above them.
Kesgrave v Hethersett
Hethersett have had a great season so far and currently sit in second place. If Kesgrave can muster a win, they will move up a place to third with Ipswich Eagles not riding this weekend. Ollie Riley has been going well this season and will hope to continue the form that saw him take the Norfolk U19 title earlier in the week for the Hawks.
South and South Wales League
Hellingly v Newport
Hellingly have had some close matches this year with the result not always going their way. Neil Hollebon has been in good form and will need a big performance from himself and his team against Newport if they are to come away with any points, the Port have been a real force to be reckoned with again this year, only dropping a few points.
Poole v Swindon
Poole put in a big performance against Horspath last time out, they welcome Swindon to Baiter Park. Swindon have been solid this year, taking an early season scalp at home to Newport. This is sure to be a real close encounter and certainly one to watch.
DMP Polish League Round 5
Torun v Świętochłowice
Częstochowa v Leszno
Ostrów v Gniezno
League leaders Ostrow and Torun are both at home this weekend, any slip up from either side opens up the door for the other team. Częstochowa are also perfectly placed to take advantage at home to Leszno, should the leaders lose out.