WEEKEND PREVIEW: Aces look to stamp authority and U13 Club Championships
It’s Elite League round 5 this weekend, after which, all teams will have ridden each other once in the first half of the campaign. The big match sees Wednesfield take on Horspath at Ashmore Park.
Elite League Round 5
Wednesfield v Horspath
Wednesfield have been nothing short of a powerhouse this year, making light work of the rest of their opponents all season long. Horspath won at Ashmore Park last season, but chances of a similar result is looking slim. Rumour has it that a similar team to the one who lost to Sheffield two weeks ago is travelling to the West Midlands, only minus in-form man Lewis Osbourne, making it an uphill battle against a Wednesfield team who have depth in abundance. The Hammers could always spring a few surprises if Grabowski and Kolata follow Nowacki over, but any weakness in the Hammers team is likely to be exploited by the home side and could leave last years champions lurking in mid table.
Sheffield v Newport
Sheffield will be buoyed by their unlikely victory at the Village in round 4 and will have the same team again for the visit of fifth placed side Newport, as they look to solidify second spot in the table. Consistency has been key for the Stars this year, with all their riders thus far being largely available. Newport on the other hand haven’t travelled so well, fielding an under 13 away at Poole. A far stronger side is expected to turn up to Cookson on Sunday, however they will have to work hard to come away with any points come 3:30pm.
Ipswich v Poole
Ipswich will be hoping this is the match that gets them off the mark after finding themselves at the foot of the table after four rounds. Not through lack of trying either, they’ve just found each team they’ve faced at their best, so in some ways have been unlucky to find themselves where they are. This Sunday offers them a chance to get back in the mix against Poole, in what is likely to be the closest match of the weekend. Poole are led by their experienced three of Gluchowski, Wheeler and Harris, with ever improving back up coming in the form of Arron Morgan, Dean Hook, Aaron Smith and Hayden Chant, the latter two really coming of age this year. The Eagles are a solid unit and we expect this match to stay finely poised throughout, it’s a tough one to call, so tough that we’re not going to offer a prediction!
British Under 13 Club Championship
The British U13 Club Championship takes place tomorrow (Saturday) at Kesgrave and is one of the most popular Club Championships, with eight teams making up two semi finals and a final. Unfortunately, Horspath have pulled out unable to field a team, so we’re left with seven to battle it out for the spoils.
| Under 13’s Club Championship – 13th June | |
| Semi 1 | 12:00:00 – First 2 to Final. Losers to Minor Final |
| 1 | Sheffield Stars CSC |
| 2 | Exeter Aces CSC |
| 3 | Ipswich CSC |
| 4 | Kesgrave Panthers CSC |
| Semi 2 | 13:00:00 – First 2 to Final. Losers to Minor Final |
| 5 | Great Blakenham |
| 6 | Poole CSC |
| 7 | East Park |
| 8 | Horspath |
| Minor Final | 14:30 |
| Final | 15:30 |
Champions Exeter are in Semi Final one, with home favourites and third placed team last season Kesgrave and fourth placed Sheffield. Runners up Poole face Great Blakenham and East Park in Semi Final two. Good luck to all teams!
Other racing this weekend sees the Northern Fours and Northern GP events take place at Heckmondwike.