MATCH REPORT: Tigers win Kesgrave’s 2021 SPARK League
Report & Photos by Andrew Parr
Once again Kesgrave’s SPARK League has been a resounding success and often quoted by riders as the most anticipated event on Kesgrave’s cycle speedway calendar.
This year, the standings after five of the six rounds were: Tigers 17pts, Leopards 15, Pumas 15, Lions 14, Jaguars 14 and, with 5pts for a win, all five teams still had a chance of being champions.
The sixth and final round took place on Sunday and, having won the previous two rounds, the in-form Jaguars needed a win and other results to go their way in order to claim the title.
Continuing their excellent form, the Jaguars duly claimed victory to finish on 19pts, however, a third place finish for the Tigers was enough to secure the championship by one point.
Round 6 result: Jaguars 5pts, Leopards 4, Tigers 3, Pumas 2, Lions 1
So at the end of an extremely tight and exciting championship, the final standings are:
Tigers 20pts, Jaguars 19, Leopards 19, Pumas 17, Lions 15
Middle Row (L-R) – Theo Case, Harvey Shumake, Ryker Jolly and Amberley Gant
Front Row (L-R) – Archie Rawlings, Sienna Hammond (holding the SPARK League trophy), Leo Greening (guest rider from Ipswich Eagles) and Ryker’s two cousins (who did not race)
At the end of each round three individual trophies are awarded:
Best Move Of The Day
The Best Move Of The Day trophy was won by the Tiger’s Amberley Gant for her stunning pass around the outside of Jaguar’s Connor Jarrett (Norwich rider but affiliated to Kesgrave).
Best Team Mate Of The Day
Connor was rewarded with the Best Teammate Of The Day trophy for a performance belying his age in protecting team mates at the expense of individual glory.
Rider of the Day
Chosen by Torsten Jolly and Charlie Parr, round 6 Rider Of The Day was Puma, Brody Harris. Brody suffered a heavy crash early in proceedings but, after a lengthy delay, recovered to contribute to his team’s score.