MATCH REPORT: Aces triumph over spirited Robins in Spring Cup

Despite a spirited Swindon effort, the Aces started 2017 with an emphatic win over their Wiltshire rivals, for whom only former World Champion Steve Harris offered any major resistance with 4 heat wins. He was well supported by former Aces’ rider Andrew Yard who notched a couple of decent second places.

Aaron Herbert was the first Aces rider to defeat Harris in heat 4 and then the experienced Swindon star was sensationally defeated by young Owen Tidball in heat 16, with Harris later falling whilst attempting to catch and pass the Exeter youngster. This allowed Lauren Hookway to clinch second place as the Aces’ pair inflicted a maximum heat win.

The Aces’ gave a good all-round performance, with all riders contributing, but top scorer of the day was maximum man Craig Nethercott who was unbeaten by an opponent. However, the race card determined that Nethercott avoided meeting Swindon star Harris, which denied the decent crowd with the opportunity to see them dicing for position.

Photos by Lynn Parker.

Final score: Exeter Aces 110 – 69 Swindon Robins.

Exeter scorers: Craig Nethercott 19+1,  Connor Tucker 17+2, Owen Tidball 17+2, Dan Winchester 17+1, Aaron Herbert 14+3, Rob Geach 11+2, Andy Collett 9+1 (3 rides) and Lauren Hookway 6+1 (3 rides).