VICTORY for Belle Vue over Armadale on Friday night (August 20) pushed them up to second in the National Development League table, trailing league leaders Berwick by just one single point.
The Cool Running Colts recorded a comprehensive 51-39 win over the Stellar Devils at the National Speedway Stadium as things amongst the table toppers grow more intense.
The visitors made a good choice in calling on former Colts rider Kyle Bickley to deputise for the absent Nathan Greaves, but his presence, albeit a superb score, far from intimidated the home team.
It was expected that Armadale would bring fierce competition with them, and they didn’t disappoint; as it took until the closing staged of the meeting for the Cool Running Colts to take control.
But once the home team had the lead in their grasp and the win in sight, they carried their momentum through to the finish to take the three priceless league points on the night.
Colts No.3 Harry McGurk said: “It was a good win for the boys tonight and we’re in a great position at this point in the season to perhaps even challenge for the title.
“Some clubs below us have matches in hand but we’ve still got a few meetings to get more points and hopefully we can bring that trophy back to Manchester.
“Armadale were challenging us all night. We didn’t expect anything less though, especially with so many ex-Belle Vue riders in their team.
“Danny [Phillips] and Kyle [Bickley] really put up a fight but we managed to get the better of them and we’re just delighted to have repaid Armadale for the narrow defeat we had at their place.”
Meanwhile, Cooper Rushen and Seth Norman both triumphed in the British Youth Championship 125cc A and B Classes respectively, with big wins for both on the night.
The BikeRight Aces have work to do when they return to action on Monday, August 23 against the King’s Lynn Stars as they look to secure their spot in the Premiership Play Offs.
Tickets for all our remaining home fixtures are available online, unrestricted, at bellevue-speedway.com and we encourage all supporters to buy in advance where possible.
RESULT – BELLE VUE V ARMADALE – FRIDAY, AUGUST 20 @ 7:30PM
Belle Vue ‘Cool Running’ Colts 51: Jack Smith 14, Harry McGurk 8+1, Paul Bowen 8+1, Connor Coles 7+1, Sam McGurk 6+1, Jack Parkinson Blackburn 5, Ben Woodhull 3+1
Armadale ‘Stellar’ Devils 39: Kyle Bickley 12, Danny Phillips 10+1, Archie Freeman 6+1, George Rothery 4+1, Tom Woolley 4, Lewis Millar 3+1, Gregor Millar 0
National League points: Belle Vue 3 Armadale 0
BRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS – 125cc A/B CLASS
125cc A CLASS: Cooper Rushen, Stene Pijper, Oliver Bovingdon, Jamie Etherington
125cc B CLASS: Seth Norman, Harry Fletcher, Edward Davison, Jack Franklin