MATCH REPORT: Coventry complete double over East Park

Coventry XL Motors Sabres took a predicted win against an inexperienced East Park side in the Midland League Division One match at Hearsall Common on Sunday.

The Sabres rested four first team regulars, Matt Lawrence, Jim Bailey, Dan Drewett and Mike Baldock, allowing first team debuts for Tom Savage and Lee and Owen Gregory. Dominik Rycharski made his return to the side after a lengthy absence.

It was a tough day for the Wolves, with eight of the nine first half races ending in a 7-3 advantage to the Sabres. Charlie Barnett being the only rider to beat an opponent in heat 8 taking second place.

Despite the Wolves’ young side never throwing in the towel, the second half was much the same, although there were reasons to be cheerful for the visitors.

Firstly, in heat 10, Adam Mabberley beat Coventry skipper Myke Grimes, who took no further part after three rides, allowing reserve, Owen Gregory a full programme of rides. Then, Charlie Barnett raced to East Park’s only win of the afternoon and a shared heat over the Gregory brothers.

The match finished 122-58 to the Sabres. The debutants, Lee Gregory, Owen Gregory and Tom Savage all enjoyed their inaugural outing in the first team, and repaid manager Lee Marsh’s faith in them with excellent performances.

East Park’s first team has sadly depleted in recent years, but the club is doing well in all other aspects. Their hungry young side will continue to develop and are getting good results in the British Youth and Junior League. Coventry themselves were in a similar position to East Park not long ago, so there is no doubt the Wolves will be back stronger in time.

PHOTOS: Slideshow by Andy Whitehouse (See more)

COVENTRY 122
Sam Hardie 19+1, Cameron Gill 16+4, Kyle Barlow 13+1, Tom Savage 18+2, Lee Gregory 18+1, Myke Grimes 8+2, Dominik Rycharski 12+4, Owen Gregory 4+1

EAST PARK 58
Charlie Barnett 13, Sam Bishop 7, Bob Prince 7, Adam Mabberley 9, Nathaniel Picor 8, Alex Maslanka 6, Brendan Sidebotham 5, Louise Price 3

The division 2 fixture provided much closer racing, with three points in it at the half way stage, before Coventry managed to edge clear, eventually winning 84-65.

Coventry’s Josh Walters made his home debut and raced unbeaten until an excellent battle with Nathaniel Picor in the final race. Walters has been a regular attendee at Coventry’s training nights and it has certainly paid off with his first taste of team action.

Another beneficiary of hard work midweek was Sammi Marsh, who jetted herself to three out of four wins with impressive starts and speed.

Jony Middleton raced to a fine win over the quick Brendan Sidebotham, to cap off a solid weekend after finishing second in the U14 BYJL the day earlier.

COVENTRY 84
Sammi Marsh 14, Jony Middleton 15+1, Josh Walters 18, Dave Middleton 14+2, Jack Reynolds 8, Amy Baynes 8+1, Lewis Middleton 7+1

EAST PARK 65
Nathaniel Picor 15, Alex Maslanka 13+2, Brendan Sidebotham 17, Louise Price 7, Alicia Gdowska 6, Dominic Price 6, Bethany Price 1

The day opened with the Midland League 3 encounter, which set the precent, as Coventry wrapped up the points in the 8-heat formula by 47-33.

Brendan Sidebotham raced unbeaten for the East Park Cubs, but the Sabres experience paid dividends as they raced to 4 maximum heat advantages, displaying exemplary team riding skills. The Cubs did hit back with their own 6-4 in the final heat courtesy of Sidebotham and Bethany Price.

Lewis Middleton and Lewis Fry raced maturely for the Sabres and always looked out for their team partners.

COVENTRY 47
Lewis Middleton 12+2, Ruary Hughes 12+2, Lewis Fry 13+1, Finn Youson 10+2

EAST PARK 33
Brendan Sidebotham 16, Bethany Price 5, Dominic Price 7, Alicia Gdowska 5

Next week, Coventry XL Motors Sabres welcome the Leicester Monarchs to Hearsall Common, which is sure to be a fiery encounter, not to be missed! Tapes up at 1pm for ML3, with the main event, division one, at 2pm.

Photos by Andy Whitehouse