NEWS: Spencer storms to maiden win
Spencer Sawbridge underlined his growing reputation by racing to victory in the first round of the Midland British Junior & Youth League at Glover Park, Leicester, last Saturday (11th April).
Sawbridge, the current Coventry junior champion, became the first Coventry rider to win an A final in the British Junior & Youth league since the Hearsall Common based club were revived in May 2011.
He stormed to victory in the 14 and under age classification, ahead of ever pressing team-mate Jimmy Wassall. Sawbridge, aged 14 and a Woodlands school pupil, now moves on to the second round at Birmingham on 25th April in pole position.
British Junior & Youth League debutants Jack Reynolds and Ben Wells scored A final second places as the city whiz-kids racked up their highest ever score in the competition by posting 111 team points, with Charlie Barnett also making his first ever A final appearance.
In a packed weekend of junior action, Coventry Cycle Speedway hosted the opening round of the 2015 Coventry Junior League on Sunday afternoon (12th April) with Coventry Devlins, Earlsdon Hammers and Warwick Royals all looking to take the crown off current defending champions Brandon Bees.
A host of up and coming talent was on show. Vastly improved Charlie Barnett spearheaded Coventry’s attack whilst European Championships semi finalist Dan Drewett featured as number 1 for Earlsdon. Shaun Reynolds made his seasonal debut for Warwick and Matt Hambidge led defending champions Brandon.
Warwick made the perfect start to the meeting when Reynolds held off a hard charging Spencer Sawbridge in heat 1 to put the county side marginally in front in the early stages
However as the meeting progressed, Earlsdon shadowed Warwick and nudged into the lead by the half way stage, with Coventry in third place, with defending champions Brandon struggling in fourth.
Ollie Morris proved the key rider for Earlsdon scoring an impressive 18 points from his five rides as his side confirmed victory, with 56 points, in the penultimate race when Morris himself beat Reynolds in a hotly contested heat.
A win for the speedy Jake Slatter in the afternoon’s last race ensured Warwick finished second on 54 points, whilst Coventry and Brandon shared third on 51 points each.
Coventry League Standings After Round 1: Earlsdon 4, Warwick, 3, Brandon 1 1/2, Coventry 1 1/2.
There is no racing action as Hearsall Common this weekend, however Coventry continue to host their popular ‘clubnight’ track sessions every Wednesday from 6:00pm with any newcomers welcome to join in.
For more information on Coventry Cycle Speedway, including how to get involved, you can visit www.coventrycyclespeedway.co.uk or follow the club on Twitter using @CoventryCSC.