MATCH REPORT: Crowd deprived of close encounter as Poole walk it
Track and weather conditions were near perfect for the first Elite match of the season at Harbourside but the crowd were deprived of the close and competitive encounter they anticipated as Newport failed to arrive with a fully competitive side due to the non-availability of a number of their squad riders. The comfortable winning margin was scant compensation for the home club who had promoted the event as a high profile and potentially close match-up.
Two race wins for Mark Carmichael and one for Nicky Evans kept the home side honest before the break when the margin stood at 54 – 36 and these two visitors continued to do well after the break with the Welsh side taking inside grids throughout but with four riders unable to pick-up a single point against the home team, the die was cast.
Aaron Smith and Greg Gluchowski dropped their only points to Carmichael but this was hardly the rehearsal that Poole needed for the visit of league leaders Wednesfield in a fortnight’s time.
Poole 105
Greg Gluchowski 18+1, Aaron Smith 17+2, Leyton Glover 16, Gavin Wheeler 15+2, Steve Harris 13+3, Arron Morgan 10+1, Hayden Chant 9+2, Dean Hook 7+1
Newport 74
Nicky Evans 17, Mark Carmichael 16+1, Oli Sidwick 10+1, Chris Davies 9, Colin Simmons 7, Joe Sidwick 6, Andrew Baker 5, John Brosnan 4
Elite League Combination
Poole 105 (64+41)
Pete Chant 12+2 Chris Blundell 11+2 Callum Albin 11+2 Callum Smith 10 Jordon Bradford 9+1 Ben Tinsdale 9 Bethany Briggs 2.
Newport 66
Oli Sidwick 16 Chris Davies 16 Colin Simmons 10+2 Andrew Baker 9 Joe Sidwick 9 John Brosnan 6.