MATCH REPORT: Phillips shines for Coventry against Horspath

Coventry Cycle Speedway pulled off a strong victory over Elite League side Horspath on Sunday afternoon as the Godiva City club fought to a 99-80 victory in their final challenge match in Oxfordshire.

Without club skipper Myke Grimes, the experienced Dave Frith and youngster Kyle Roberts, Coventry called upon new signing Jim Bailey and local racer Mark Winwood to fill in the gaps. The meeting got off to the perfect start as Mason Phillips and Bobby McMillan guided the Devlins Newsagents side to an early 7-3.

There was more joy for Coventry in heat 5 as this time McMillan paired up with McLaughlin to score a second 7-3 of the meeting and extend the visitors lead to 8 points. New recruit, and Australian international superstar, Bobby McMillan then raced through the card with an immaculate paid maximum.

Matt Lawrence and Charlie Barnett were rewarded for their senior team efforts with race wins for themselves and Josh Marsh chipped in with a 5+1 score from his three rides.

Coventry wrapped up victory in heat 15 when Charlie Barnett and Josh Marsh earned the three points required to ensure they were mathematically certain of victory.

After the match, Coventry boss Lee Marsh said “After a nail biting defeat to the hands of Bury last week it was great to beat as side as historic as Horspath today. Mason Phillips rode incredibly well to total 16 points and seemed to race well with our new signing Bobby.

“It was good preparation for the season ahead and given we tracked four youngsters I was very impressed with the teams performance.”

Next up for Coventry, an away tie with Midland rivals East Park on Sunday (22nd) March.