MATCH REPORT: Phillips and Pollitt are positives in A&T loss
Astley & Tyldesley welcomed the Northumbria Vikings to Gin Pit on Sunday for a Northern League fixture. On a hot day, the new track watering system was used to good effect to produce an excellent racing strip.
In the Division 1 match, A&T had no less than six squad members missing for various reasons, so knew they faced an uphill task. This was made worse with two gate exclusions in the opening three heats, allowing the visitors to open up an 8 points lead. Having done this, Northumbria’s tactics were straightforward – hang on to this lead by sharing the points in each race. With ten of the last thirteen races drawn, the Vikings came away with the spoils, 96-82, after securing two late heat wins.
Adam Phillips was in great form for A&T, losing only to Dan Redshaw in an incident packed heat 7, which saw Northumbria’s Gavin Parr fall and drop his only points of the match. Reece Pollitt also starred for A&T, losing only to Gavin Parr in heat 3 and Jason Keith in heat 9. Team manager Paul Graham, riding at reserve, put in a solid showing. Northumbria were solid scoring throughout the team and were good value for their win.
Northern League Division 1 match result
Astley & Tyldesley 82 Northumbria 96
A&T: Adam Phillips 18 (1), Reece Pollitt 18, Paul Graham 14 (1), Luke Jamson 9 (2), Max Evans 9, Gareth Paine 8, Mark Graham 4, Matt Snell 2.
Northumbria: Gavin Parr 17, Jason Keith 16 (1), Daniel Wharrier 14 (2), Mark Mulvey 13, Michael Parr 12 (3), Dan Redshaw 11, Terry Kirkup 7 (2), John Wilson 6 (2).
Referee – Bill Phillips.
Northumbria took the points in the Division 2 match as well. The first two races were drawn, before the Vikings took two successive 7-3 heat wins and were always in control after that. Reece Pollitt rode to a fine maximum for A&T, with Adam Phillips also unbeaten up to a last heat gate exclusion. Northumbria once again were solid scoring throughout the team, with just two last places in the fifteen heats.
Northern League Division 2 match result
Astley & Tyldesley 64 Northumbria 85
A&T: Reece Pollitt 20, Adam Phillips 15 (1), Gareth Paine 8, Matt Snell 7, Ben Dickinson 5, Max Evans 5, Emily Burgess 3, Joe Quarmby 1.
Northumbria: Dan Redshaw 16 (1), Jim Graham 15 (1), Scott Latimer 14 (4), Daniel Wharrier 12, Neil Magee 10 (1), Andy Knowles 7 (3), John Wilson 6 (2), Terry Kirkup 5.
Referee – Bill Phillips.
Ten riders lined up for A&T in the Division 3 match, but unfortunately Northumbria were unable to field any riders. Max Evans raced unbeaten, with strong scores from Matt Snell and Ben Dickinson. The younger riders enjoyed some good races between themselves.
Northern League Division 3 match result
Astley & Tyldesley 110 Northumbria 0
A&T: Max Evans 16, Matt Snell 14, Ben Dickinson 13, Charlie Burgess 11, Joe Quarmby 11, Charlie Dickinson 10, Jack Murray 9, Kieran Fallon 9, Emily Burgess 9, Max Quarmby 8.
Referee – Bill Phillips.