MATCH REPORT: Nowacki back as Horspath put hammer down
On a bright but breezy afternoon, Exeter Aces were the latest team to take on the significantly strengthened Horspath Hammers squad around the tight technical track.
From the off the new look Hammers raced in to an early lead with race wins from Jake Neighbour, the returning from exile David Liebermann and ever improving youngster Jack Ellis.
Aaron Herbert was making sure the Hammers didn’t have it all their way, dropping only a couple of points from his first three rides, with Rob Geech Owen Tidball and Connor Tucker mixing it nicely.
As the meeting progressed the home heat leaders of Jake, Zac Payne and the returning from injury, Lukasz Nowacki, showed their class with some lightning gating and speed on the tight corners.
Both sides had plenty of youngsters on show producing tight races but the Hammers began to creep away, with the prolific Andy Johnson and top prospect Will Jeffery banging in paid 33 points between them. Andy and Will produced some quality team riding with their partners, to more than back up the heat leaders.
Exeter’s very own man on the microphone, Dan Winchester, suddenly found out he could get around Horspath with a more than useful 9 points from his final three rides, and with Lauren Hookway showing why she’s so highly rated, it all made for an interesting meeting.
Special mention here to youngsters, Alice Neighbour who was right on the pace with the big boys, Ben Stanbury, who kept the home team alert when he was on track, and Exeter stalwart Andy Collett pushing his body to the limits everytime on track.
All great to watch and both sides proving what a great sport Cycle Speedway is.
Scorers
Horspath 105
Alice Neighbour 2pts, Jake Neighbour 14, Lukasz Nowacki 17+3(max), Dave Liebermann 15, Zac Payne 17, Jack Ellis 9, Will Jeffery 15+2, Andy Johnson 16 (max)
Exeter 74
Aaron Herbert 15pts, Lauren Hookway 8, Owen Tidball 11, Dan Winchester 11, Rob Geech 10, Connor Tucker 10, Ben Stanbury 4, Andy Collett 5
Referee Geoff Gamage. Track announcer Wayne (You’ll never walk alone) Mazey!