MATCH REPORT: Stoke back in action against Bury

Bury Cycle Speedway opened their 2017 competitive season with a friendly at Stoke’s Etruria Park circuit.

The Potteries’ outfit have returned to action recently after a long lay off and the opportunity to test the competition was much welcomed. First and second team matches were contested using the new Northern League formulae, which offer the opportunity to use up to ten riders, including four reserves without programmed rides.

From the outset the Comets were in control, as the additional experience of the visitors was noticeable, especially from the starting gate. Will Owens and Danny Taylor opened with a heat one 7-3, which was followed by a series of strong races for Bury.

All was going well until heat five when Adam Taylor clashed with Ian Cartlidge, sending both riders tumbling. Neither were to return to the action on this day and we wish them well in their respective recoveries.

Bury continued to dominate despite some vintage racing from Errol Thaw and Simon Munden, which secured a couple of 5-5s for the home side. Chris Plant also showed that in the coming months he will be competitive as the league action starts.

For the northern visitors, Kris Ramsden, Adam Turnbull, Neil Howarth, Louis Turner and Eryk Motala rode unbeaten, with the rest only dropping a point or two here and there as Bury ran out convincing winners.

This match was not about the result though, it was a chance to renew old friendships and strike up a few new ones, emphasising the camaraderie that is evident throughout the sport.

Stoke 60 – 116 Bury
Bury Scorers: Danny Taylor 18+2 (6), Kris Ramsden 17+3 (5), James Elston 17+2 (5), Will Owens 16+1 (5), Neil Howarth 15+5 (5), Adam Turnbull 12 (3), Kaysar Mohammadi 10+1 (3), Eryk Motala 8 (2), Louis Turner 3+1 (1).

The second match continued in a similarly great spirit, with the Stoke riders really having a good workout, having completed, in some cases, eleven rides!

Bury added Alan Plimley and Steve Mann to the earlier side and Will Owens took over refereeing duties full time.

Another powerful performance from the Comets again highlighted the importance of experience, but there was competitive action throughout. The whole day was marked by an air of optimism for the new season, with both sides enjoying the well prepared track and pleasant weather conditions, which contrasted significantly with those further north.

Welcome back to Stoke from all at Bury…

Stoke 51 – 100 Bury
Bury Scorers: Eryk Motala 20 (5), Adam Turnbull 19+1 (5), Alan Plimley 18+2 (5), Kaysar Mohammadi 17+3 (5), Louis Turner 12+3 (5), Steve Mann 11 (4), Kris Ramsden 3+1 (1).

This Saturday morning training for the youngsters continues, before Sunday sees Northern League 2017 action begin, as Sheffield are the visitors to Goshen for three matches (Divisions 1,2 and 3). Start time is 2pm, all are welcome.