MATCH REPORT: Excellent racing at Horspath as Newport edge it

The second round of the South West and Wales Spring Cup produced some great racing on a perfect sunny spring day. Newport ran out very narrow winners with 93.5 points to Horspaths 92 and Poole on 82.5.

Many youngsters were on show, along with the more experienced heads, which resulted in some cracking racing and plenty of racing incidents. A race between Newport’s Chris Davies and Dan Bock against Poole’s Will Bristow and Callum Smith gave the match that rare dead heat, where referee Colin Simmons couldn’t split Callum and Dan on the line.

For Newport, Mark Carmichael remained unbeaten by an opponent using his elite knowledge to good effect. Chris Davies and Jack Harrold also raced hard.

Poole’s Fraser Garnett used his ever improving track craft to pick up some valuable points, along with the supportive Dan Hook. Young Danny Byrne belied his young age to save to a very creditable 12 points, including a race win.

Slideshow Gallery by Graham Robins

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Jake Neighbour and another youngster Will Jeffery banged in four maximum hear wins. Ably supported by top home rider Zac Payne, they pushed Newport all the way. Returning Dave Lieberman won two races on his official comeback. Veteran Andy Johnson delivered a more than useful performance, just leaving youngsters Jack Ellis and Alice Neighbour to chip in with some impressive sides to keep the scoreboard moving when called upon.

Others to catch the eye today were Will Bristow for Poole and Callum Goward for Newport. A great showcase for the sport.

HORSPATH 92
Jake Neighbour 21+2, Will Jeffery 17+3, Zac Payne 17, Dave Lieberman 11, Andy Johnson 14+1, Jack Ellis 9, Alice Neighbour 3

POOLE 82.5
Dan Hook 14+4, Fraser Garnett 18+1, Jay Briggs 12, Danny Byrne 12+1, Will Bristowe 15+2, Callum Smith 11.5+1

NEWPORT 93.5
Mark Carmichael 19+1, Adam Bennett 12, Dan Bock 12.5+3, Chris Davies 17+1, Jack Harrold 16, Callum Goward 14+2, Dan Wright 3

Special thanks to Colin Simmons, who stepped in as referee for the day.