MATCH REPORT: Newport successfully defend title in Devon
Newport (Dig It Landscapes) Cycle Speedway team successfully defended their South and South Wales Division One title, after recording a comfortable 82-95 victory at Exeter.
The home team gave their welsh visitors a difficult first half, with Herbert, Croal and Nethercott to the fore, but Newport had much more strengh down the order. The excellent Devon track was producing good fast racing on a glorious Autumn afternoon. Maximum heat wins from Newport’s Rudman/Sidwick and Carmichael/Rudman pairings stretched their lead to 14 points after 14 heats, and try as they did the aces just could not match Newport’s all round racing strength. The welsh team ran out winners by 13 points to lift the league title once again, a fine achievement considering they suffered from a few rider retirements and also had their minds on Elite League racing.
Aaron Herbert scored a fine maximum and young Rob Croal impressed for the home team, for Newport Shaun Rudman remained unbeaten with both Oli Sidwick and new dad Mark Carmichael dropping just 1 point in a fine team effort.
Exeter 82
Aaron Herbert 20, Sam Riddle 5, Craig Nethercott 15+1, Jack Herbert 5, Rob Croal 17, Will Tidball 8+2, Joe Avery 4, Dan Winchester 8.
Newport 95
Colin Simmons 8+1, Chris Davies 14+1, Nicky Evans13+1, Oli Sidwick 17+2, Mark Carmichael 19, Dan Bock 7+2, Mathew Davis 7+1, Shaun Rudman 10+2.