MATCH REPORT: Squad depth key for Comets against Vikings
Both sides were missing top men, current top of Northumbria averages and third in the league Jason Keith for the home side, while Ben Scranage was still recovering from a motorcycle spill for the visitors.
It was no surprise that Bury were in the better position to cope, they having plenty of strength in depth throughout their young squad. Gavin Parr and a much bolder riding Dan Redshaw offered the most resistance, Chris Parish dropping his only point to Parr, while Danny Taylor and James Elston put in plenty of fast rides to back up their own number one.
Northumbria did well during the first half, going into the break only four down, but the later heats belonged to Bury, they taking five 7-3’s from heat 10 onwards. The match was the last in Northumbria colours for a while for Dan Wharrier, he off to spend time working in the USA, with I am sure all his friends and fellow riders wishing him well.
NORTHUMBRIA 76
Gavin Parr 17+2, Dan Redshaw 14, Michael Parr 11+1, Dan Wharrer 9+1, Terry Kirkup 9+1, Dan Thompson 7, Paul Thompson 6, Bradley Stansfield 3
BURY 103
Chris Parish 18+1, Danny Taylor 18, James Elston 16+1, Neil Howarth 12+4, Adam Taylor 12+2, Adam Turnbull 11+2, Kaysor Mohammedi 11, Steve Mann 5
If Northumbria had any title ambitions at division two level, then this was surely one they had to win, they set to be severely tested by a top of the table Bury. It was a test the visitors instead passed with aplomb, the very rapid Kaysor Mohammedi starring with a max, while James Elston was also unbeaten.
Shane Gray ended up top scorer for the home side, despite an unlucky fall in his first ride, with Dean Douglas also battling away well. The races involving newcomer Eryk Motala certainly proved interesting, the Bury ride no doubt pleased with his excellent win in heat eight.
NORTHUMBRIA 62
Shane Gray 11+2, Dean Douglas 11+1, Keith Oldham 11, Andy Knowles 10+1, Dan Redshaw 10, Dan Thompson 7, Lee Redshaw 2, Paul Thompson 1
BURY 87
Kaysor Mohammedi 20, James Elston 18+2, Adam Taylor 16, Adam Turnbull 14+5, Eryk Motala 8, Louis Turner 3, Alan Plimley 3
The division three encounter saw a brilliant turn out of 14 riders in the field, Bury having the edge with an impressive total of 8 youngsters willing to make the long journey to race in the north-east. Louis Turner went unbeaten for the visitors, with Josh Neath also impressing.
Lee Redshaw was only beaten by Turner, Northumbria more pleased to see debuts for Ellis Carr and Bradley Whitfield go without a hitch, while Bradley and Sam Stansfield got stuck in as usual also.
NORTHUMBRIA 75
Lee Redshaw 19, Bradley Stansfield 16, Sam Stansfield 14, Samantha Crane 11, Ellis Carr 8, Bradley Whitfield 7
BURY 114
Louis Turner 20, Josh Neath 18, Harry Radford 16, Dewar Mohammedi 15, Holly Quinn 13, Duncan Whalley 12, Louis Roberts 11, Hermione Whalley 9