MATCH REPORT: Northumbria hit three figures against Hull

Andy Angell smashed the Northumbria track record in the final heat, lowering Pawel Idziorek’s previous best from 42.1 seconds to just 40.8, completing a classy performance from the former British Champion.

However, with only Nathan Everett able to fire up in support and several juniors drafted in, Hull were soon up against it, as Northumbria reached 100 points for the first time in their history. The Vikings two Dan’s responded to a call for more committed performances on track and both posted the required heat leader scores they should more often be capeable of, Gavin Parr the only man to defeat Angell, while Mick Parr and Jason Keith would have scored more but for exclusions.

Unluckiest rider of the meeting had to be Lewis Aylmer of Hull, dropping it several times when in scoring positions, which only added to the home teams advantage.

NORTHUMBRIA 100
Daniel Wharrier 18, Gavin Parr 17+2, Dan Redshaw 15+2, Jason Keith 14, Michael Parr 12+2, Terry Kirkup 11+2, John Wilson 9+1, Andy Knowles 4+2

HULL 77
Andy Angell 19, Nathan Everett 17, Josh Bellis 10+1, David Cooper 10, Lewis Aylmer 7, Katie Greaves 7, Libby Steward 4, Laura Steward 3

An excellent heat two 7-3 from Northumbria top scorer Dean Douglas and partner Keith Oldham proved decisive, they gaining the Vikings a lead they would never relinquish, despite the scores remaining close throughout.

The three top Hull riders were otherwise on top, Nathan Everett unbeaten, Bellis also thereafter first to the flag every time and David Cooper only losing out to an eventually crucial tape exclusion. So with that good start and a little bit of luck, the Vikings were able to hang on, Dan Thompson wrapping things up with a fast win in his final ride.

NORTHUMBRIA 76
Dean Douglas 16+1, Shane Gray 14, Dan Thompson 13, Liam Robinson 9+1, Keith Oldham 8+3, Paul Thompson 8+2, Andy Knowles 6+3, Malcolm Douglas 2+1

HULL 72
Nathan Everett 19+1, Josh Bellis 18, David Cooper 16, Libby Steward 5, Katie Greaves 4, Izzy O’Neil 4, Laura Steward 3, Lillie O’Neil 3

Northumbria would have made it a hat-rick of wins, with Lewis Petre completing his first maximum in the sport and Sam Stansfield capping his debut with some fine passing, but sadly lost latest recruit Samantha Crane to injury after just one ride.

Samantha had gated to lead her second ever outing and looked like she would also go unbeaten on the day, but crashed heavily with a wrist injury forcing her out of the contest. That left Libby Steward to lead the way for Hull, she taking two late wins to earn her side a narrow win.

NORTHUMBRIA 32
Lewis Petre 16, Sam Stansfield 12, Samantha Crane 4

HULL 34
Libby Steward 14, Izzy O’Neil 11, Lillie O’Neil 9