MATCH REPORT: Newport dominate in regional Playoff

Newport head to Coventry to contest the National CS Cup Playoff Grand Final after an easy 22 point win over second place Horspath, 27 ahead of Poole and 43 ahead of Exeter.

All competitors are to be commended on producing a fine meeting on such a wet day. The home team dropped just 14 points after the mammoth 32 race formula, with all 10 riders impressing and the go into the final full of confidence, looking to add another British title with their open 4s earlier in the year.

Horspath rode well with Nowacki unbeaten, Payne and Neighbour gave strong support. Poole kept involved through the skills of Tinsdale and Gancarek. Unfortunately, Exeter struggled to get to grips with the wet conditions.

Newport 107
M.Carmichael, 16 B.Mould 15, S.Bennett 14, D.Bock 13, J.Soper 12, C.Davies 11, A.Bennett 10 C.Goward 0.

Horspath 85
L.Nowacki 16, Z.Payne 15, J.Neighbour 13, D.Liebermann 11, W.Jeffrey 10,  J.Ellis 9, A.Johnson 7, A.Neighbour 4.

Poole 80
B.Tinsdale 15, M.Gancarek 13, D.Hook 11, C.Smith 11, F.Garnett 8, M Schmidt 8, W.Bristowe 8, J.Briggs 6.

Exeter 44
R.Geach 9, B.Stanbury 7, C.Tucker 5, D.Murphy 5, A.Collett 5, L.Hookway 5, A.Herbert 4, D.Winchester 4.

A minutes applause was observed by all before the racing as a tribute to former Newport rider of the 60s and 70s, Jeff Lloyd.

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Report by Colin Simmons