MATCH REPORT: Wharrier’s return sparks Vikings victory
Northumbria’s Dan Wharrier has spent the last year working in the US, he is now back and in his first meeting dropped just one point.
Sheffield arrived on Tyneside with a weakened side due to holidays, they faced a Northumbria team without Gavin Parr and flu victim Terry Kirkup.
Jason Keith beat Adam Watson in heat 1, which turned out to be the Star’s rider only defeat all afternoon. Northumbria steadily built up a lead and by the interval were leading 51-39.
An almost identical run in the second half saw Northunbria reach 100 points for the first time this season.
Northumbria again shared their rides between ten riders. Jason Keith dropped just one point when Watson got his revenge in heat 10. A rejuvenated John Wilson scored 18, while the strong pairing of Dan Redshaw and Dan Wharrier were paid for 17 and 19. Young Bradley Stansfield was unbeaten in two rides.
For Sheffield Adam Watson was suberb with a paid 23 score. Kielan Burton scored 16+1.
Northumbria 103
Jason Keith 18+1(5), Paul Thompson 9(4), Dan Redshaw 16+1(5), Dan Wharrier 16+3(5), Andy Knowles 6+1(3), John Wilson 18(5).Lee Redshaw 8+1(3), Shane Gray 2(2), Keith Oldham 3+1(2), Bradley Stansfield 7+1(2)
Sheffield 76
Adam Watson 22+1, Sam Haines 9, Kielan Burton 16+1, Laura Watson 10+2, Rob Mawhood 12, Alice Unwin 7
Referee Keith Dyer
In Division 2, Sheffield used Adam Watson and so forfeited 20 points. On track the Stars made a valiant effort, but were just short winning 81-69. Watson and a very impressive unbeaten 20 points from Sam Haines led the way with double figure scores from Laura Watson and Kielan Burton.
For Northumbria the Stansfield brothers were high scorers with Lee Redshaw on top of the scorechart.
Northumbria 89 (69+20pp)
Shane Gray 10+1, Lee Redshaw 13+1(4), Keith Oldham 9(4), Paul Thompson 6(4), Andy Knowles 8+1(4), Bradley Stansfield 13+1, Sam Stansfield 10+3(4)
Sheffield 81
Adam Watson 18+2, Alice Unwin 5, Kielan Burton 17+1, Laura Watson 13+2, Sam Hines 20, Rob Mawhood 8+1
Referee Keith Dyer