MATCH REPORT: Newport clinch SSW League Championship

Report by Lee Galley

A much welcomed return to league racing this season came down to this title decider where a win for the so far unbeaten team from South Wales would see them crowned as champions. Concerns about the heavy rain forecast to fall through the night and into the day of the match meant that an early track inspection was scheduled, fortunately the weather gods proved to be cycle speedway fans and by mid-morning the immaculate looking track was resplendent under azure blue skies and the scene setfor a great day’s racing.

The prospective champions brought a full strength side to Harbourside Park led by World and European champion Ben Mould while the home side unfortunately depleted by injury and absences that denied them three of their top riders but still boasted some serous talent including Welsh International Will Bristowe.

The match started with a shared heat with Mould taking an easy looking win which was replicated by Bristowe in heat two as the home side took 6-4 win and an early lead. The track showed itself to be more tricky than it looked in the third heat when some slipping and sliding lead to Allan Nation taking an early lead before a quick fire switch from British number three Carmichael along the back straight forced Nation to inadvertently bring Carmichael down leaving the referee with no choice but to make the exclusion and re-run the race where Newport made no mistake and took a 7-2 win that
set them up nicely.

Further wins from Mould, Carmichael and two from Rider-Manager Lee Galley gave the Welsh side a 12 point half time lead that effectively ended the competition but did not do anything to dent the enthusiasm of the younger Poole riders or reduce the quality of the entertainment on offer.

Newport riders Callum Goward and Sean Bennett were involved in more than their share of spills as was the exciting Kenzie Bennett who managed to tumble twice along with Goward in an action packed heat 5. The visitors continued their dominance of the scoreboard into the second half although the racing continued to be as frantic as it was before the break. Good rides from Adam Bennett and captain Dan Bock kept Newport in charge, they always had the upper hand and the assurance of the imperious Mould ensured that no come back was possible.

In the end a comfortable 81 – 96 win was recorded, the league title was secured at the Newport boys were able to start their celebrations. Congratulations go to both teams however who put on a great show in the early autumn sunshine.

Poole: Josh Nottle 11, Fez Langoo 15+1, Jay Briggs 10+2, Will Bristow 16+2, Allan Nation 6 (4), Kenzie Bennett 13, Lexi Curtis 6 (4), Scott Rowles 4 (3)​

Newport: Ben Mould 20, Dan Bock 7, Lee Galley 9 (4), Callum Goward 14+1, Mark Carmichael 18+1, Chris Davies 11 (4), Adam Bennett 13+4, Sean Bennett 4 (4)

Following the success of the First team Newport’s youngsters took on Poole in the BLSW Development League. Bolstered by the return of Sam Marsh the Newport riders put on a great display that resulted in an unexpected 2 point away win.
In an incredibly tight match 6 of the first 8 heats were drawn, it was the Newport pairing of Esmae Lewis and Luie Lewis that broke the pattern by recording maximum 7-3 wins in heats 9 and 12. The fast improving Harry Marsh turned in his best performance of the season while top scoring with an impressive 17 points. Ellie George provided another solid performance and was ably supported by Tyler Davies and Kaitlin Jenkins both of whom gave everything deserved more than their points tally on the day.

Newport scorers: Sam Marsh 16, Tyler Davies 4 + 1, Ellie George 9 + 1, Harry Marsh 17, Luie Lewis 15, Esmae Lewis 11 + 4
Kaitlin Jenkins 4 + 1