Report by Rob Mawhood,

Sheffield Stars travelled to West Yorkshire rivals Heckmondwike Saints for a Division Two match in the North and Scotland League, knowing that Heckmondwike were the last team to defeat the Stars, a 2023 win at the Graves track. Despite some watering the track remained very dry in the warm, sunny conditions.


Heckmondwike were without Pat Beacock, but gave debuts to former Sheffield riders Joe and Adrian Brownell. Sheffield were without injured captain Lizzie Rigley, promoting 11 year old Lincoln Ackroyd into the team (and going with just the six riders).
Sheffield handed the captains armband to 13 year old Oliver Banyard. The youngster thriving under the responsibility as he raced to a 20 point maximum score from his five races, some wins achieved by blistering starts, some with clever well timed passes. Keeping it very much in the family his Dad (Wil) also finished unbeaten by an opponent, winning four of his five races.
Sheffield dominated the match, taking an 89-61 victory, providing the race winner in 14 of the 15 races. Darren Kent’s win in heat 13 over Laura Watson and Matt Parrott being the Saints only success.

Sheffield managed to record six maximum seven point heat scores, four featured Parrott (who finished with five assists). Sheffield are still unbeaten and have now completed all their away fixtures for 2025. A repeat with the home fixtures would send the South Yorkshire club to the play off final for a second successive season.


Scores


Heckmondwike Saints 61
Darren Kent 12+1, Lee Warhurst 8+1, Elliott Long 12, Dave O’Callaghan 8+3, Justin Naylor 5+1, Joe Brownell 14, Adrian Brownell 2.

Sheffield Stars 89
Wil Banyard 19+1, Lincoln Ackroyd 5, Matt Parrott 14+5, Laura Watson 18+1, Oliver Banyard 20, Lacey Ackroyd 13.


Referee – Stuart Hardaker

Earlier in the afternoon Lincoln Ackroyd won all four of his races in the Division Three match against Heckmondwikes Joseph Green. Sheffield winning the match 16-12 to get their first victory of 2025.


Scores


Heckmondwike Saints 12: Joseph Green 12


Sheffield Stars 16: Lincoln Ackroyd 16.


Referee – Justin Naylor.