MATCH REPORT: Sensational Twigg outlines potential as Stars win
The Hessle raceway was the venue for this Northern League One ‘derby’ match between Hull and Sheffield.
Hull’s task was hindered by the unavailability of heat leaders Nathan Everett, Dominic Bent and David Cooper, while Sheffield were able to name an unchanged side from the one successful against A & T last time out.
The first four races were all drawn, with Hull providing the race winners (Lewis Aylmer, twice, Andy Angell and Chris Cooke) while Sheffield filled the minor placings. A Kyle Holland/Ed Morton 7-3 broke the run in heat 5, with Sheffield taking a lead they would not relinquish.
Hull briefly pulled some points back with an Angell/Rich Pawson 7-3 in heat 8. However, Sheffield hit straight back with a 7-3 from Luke & Niall Morton in heat 9, to go into the interval leading by 10 at 50-40.
The vociferous home crowd were rewarded when new signing Rapha Ignacak took his first win in heat 13, but Sheffield led by 14 at this stage. Angell, who had been putting on an exhibition of racing, then had the home fans cheering loudly as he powered round Adam Watson on turn 4 of the second lap in heat 15.
Sheffield confirmed taking the match points in the very next race as Joe Twigg raced away to his fourth successive win, a big difference for the Sheffield youngster who fell in all four of his races last year (on his first visit to Hessle).
Niall Morton and Watson then confirmed a three figure score for Sheffield with a terrific first lap to heat 17, both riders storming past the Hull pairing to take the Stars fifth 7-3 win.
Angell completed his unbeaten score when winning the last race, but all the action was at the back with Ignacak and Luke Morton involved in a hard fought duel for third place. The Hull rider coming out on top.
Andy Angell was untouchable for Hull, but support was fleeting with Lewis Aylmer (2), Chris Cooke, Rich Pawson and Rapha Ignacak winning races.
Sheffield were again solid from 1 to 8, recording only two last places in the 18 heats. Joe Twigg was sensational, losing only to Angell, as he top scored once again for the Stars.
Sheffield move on to Northumbria this weekend in the hope of avenging the four-point loss the Vikings inflicted at Cookson back in the second series of matches.
HULL 79
Andy Angell 19+1, Lewis Aylmer 14, Chris Cooke 12, Rapha Ignacak 11, Rich Pawson 9, Josh Bellis 7, Dave Lister 5, Katie Greaves 2.
SHEFFIELD 101
Joe Twigg 19, Rich Hudson 13+1, Niall Morton 13+2, Adam Watson 13+4, Vicky Brown 12+1, Kyle Holland 12+2, Ed Morton 10, Luke Morton 9+2.
Sheffield made it a double success by winning the League Two match by 80-70.
David Copper was in outstanding form for Hull as he sped to a 20-point maximum. Good support came from Charlie Wade, who had a particular good race in heat 8 as he partnered Laura Steward to Hull’s only 7-3 in heat 8.
For Sheffield, it was Sam Haines who top scored, his total included three race wins. There were also race wins for Joe Twigg (2) and youngsters Joe Brownell and Kielan Burton, who won races in a league two match for the first time. Laura Watson recorded the rarity of gaining an assist in each of her five races.
HULL 70
David Cooper 20, Charlie Wade 16+1, Katie Greaves 11, Laura Steward 8, Ed Lister 6+2, Libby Steward 4, Izzy O’Neill 3, Lilly O’Neill 2.
SHEFFIELD 80
Sam Haines 17+1, Ed Morton 12+3, Joe Twigg 11, Laura Watson 11+5, Kielan Burton 10, Joe Brownell 9, Luke Morton 6, Alice Unwin 4.
Sheffield were unable to complete a hat trick of wins as they fell to defeat by 43-60 in the under 13’s match.
Hull had a numerical advantage of six riders to Sheffield’s three. Jack Brownell raced unbeaten from his four starts, with Kielan Burton weighing in with three wins from his four races.
Ed Lister scored three wins from four races for Hull, with Lilly O’Neill very impressive (including a well-executed pass for her first of two race wins). Libby Steward took a heavy fall in her third race and was unable to complete the match. Hopefully she will be back racing very soon.
HULL 60
Ed Lister 15, Lilly O’Neill 14, Aiden Midgeley 11, Izzy O’Neill 8, Leah Midgeley 7, Libby Steward 5
SHEFFIELD 43
Jack Brownell 16, Kielan Burton 15, Joe Brownell 12.
This Sunday the Stars travel to Northumbria’s Cramlington Astrodome and will attempt to avenge the four point home loss suffered against the Vikings back in early March.