Sheffield 'Star' Tigers Match Reports 2001

Saturday 27th October: Challenge
Workington Comets								49		Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								41
Carl Stonehewer (c)	3	3	3	3	3			15		Sean Wilson (c)	2	2	2'	3	1'			10	2
Lee Smethills	1	1	0	2'				4	1	Andy Moore	0	1'	3	2'				6	2
Neil Collins	3	3	1'	2	1			10	1	Simon Stead	r	3	1	3	3	2		12
Rusty Harrison	2'	0	2	2				6	1	Lee Hodgson	1	0	0					1
Peter Karlsson	3	2	1	0				6		Garry Stead (g)	2	2	3	2	0			9
David McAllan	2	1'	0	1'				4	2	Adam Allott	3	0	0	0				3
James Mann	1'	1	1	1'				4	2	Chris Collins	0	0	0					0

 1. 65.4 (4-2) ( 4-2 ) Stonehewer, Wilson, Smethills, Moore
 2. 67.4 (3-3) ( 7-5 ) Allott, McAllan, Mann, C.Collins
 3. 67.4 (5-1) (12-6 ) N.Collins, Harrison, Hodgson, S.Stead(r)
 4. 66.6 (4-2) (16-8 ) Karlsson, G.Stead, Mann, C.Collins
 5. 67.5 (3-3) (19-11) N.Collins, Wilson, Moore, Harrison
 6. 66.8 (4-2) (23-13) Stonehewer, G.Stead, Smethills, Allott
 7. 67.2 (3-3) (26-16) S.Stead, Karlsson, McAllan, Hodgson
 8. 67.5 (1-5) (27-21) Moore, Wilson(t/s), Mann, Smethills
 9. 67.9 (3-3) (30-24) S.Stead, Harrison, N.Collins, Allott
10. 67.6 (5-1) (35-25) Stonehewer, Smethills, S.Stead, Hodgson
11. 67.8 (1-5) (36-31) Wilson, Moore, Karlsson, McAllan
12. 67.6 (3-3) (39-33) S.Stead, N.Collins, Mann, Allott
13. 67.3 (3-3) (42-36) Stonehewer, G.Stead, Wilson, Karlsson
14. 67.9 (3-3) (45-39) S.Stead(t/s), Harrison, McAllan, C.Collins
15. 67.7 (4-2) (49-41) Stonehewer, S.Stead, N.Collins, G.Stead

Thursday 25th October: Premier League
Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								61	97	Newcastle Diamonds								29	83
Sean Wilson (c)	3	3	3	3	2'			14	1	Bjarne Pedersen	2	2	3	3	2	1		13
Andy Moore	1	2'	2	2'				7	2	Richard Juul	0	2	0	1	1	0		4
Simon Stead	3	3	r	3				9		André Compton (c)	1	1	2	2	1	2	0	9
Lee Complin	2'	1	3	3	3			12	1	Kevin Little	0	0	r	0				0
Garry Stead (g)	1	3	2	1				7		Jesper Olsen	rider replacement							(5)
Adam Allott	3	1	0	1	2'			7	1	Rob Grant	0	0	0					0
Lee Redmond	2'	3	fx					5	1	Rory Schlein	1	0	1'	1				3	1

 1. 63.2 (4-2) ( 4-2 ) Wilson, Pedersen, Moore, Juul
 2. 63.9 (5-1) ( 9-3 ) Allott, Redmond, Schlein, Grant
 3. 62.4 (5-1) (14-4 ) S.Stead, Complin, Compton, Little
 4. 63.6 (4-2) (18-6 ) Redmond, Juul(r/r), G.Stead, Schlein
 5. 62.2 (4-2) (22-8 ) S.Stead, Pedersen, Complin, Juul
 6. 62.9 (5-1) (27-9 ) Wilson, Moore, Compton(r/r), Grant
 7. 63.5 (4-2) (31-11) G.Stead, Compton, Allott, Little
 8. 63.1 (2-4) (33-15) Pedersen(t/s), Moore, Juul, Redmond(fx)
 9. 64.6 (3-3) (36-18) Complin, Compton(t/s), Schlein, S.Stead(r)
10. 63.9 (5-1) (41-19) Wilson, Moore, Compton, Little
11. 62.9 (2-4) (43-23) Pedersen, G.Stead, Juul, Allott
12. 64.2 (4-2) (47-25) S.Stead, Compton, Allott, Grant
13. 62.6 (4-2) (51-27) Wilson, Pedersen, G.Stead, Little(r/r)
14. 64.4 (5-1) (56-28) Complin, Allott, Schlein, Juul(t/s)
15. 63.7 (5-1) (61-29) Complin, Wilson, Pedersen, Compton

Another mountain to climb, an 18 point defecit from the first leg. Whether it was the Tigers who got the bit between their teeth, or the Diamonds who were just party'd out I don't know, but the won bonus point hoisted the Tigers into 3rd place in the League.

Andy Moore was the only Tiger who didn't claim a win, despite sterling efforts, whilst for the Diamonds Bjarne's only wins were ahead of second strings, reserves and guest Garry Stead. Bjarne's clashes with Sean were the highlights of the meeting but the race of the night was their epic four lap battle in heat 13. The lead changed hands so many times I'm unable to recall them all, but the writing was on the wall when Sean squeezed through a non-existent gap on the outside of turn 2 on the last lap, and both riders received tumultuous applause on their victory laps.

The currently unbeaten Lee Redmond attempted a brave wide line into turn four in heat 8, only to slide ungainly into the fence and collect a badly broken ankle for his troubles. André struggled with machine problems all night, despite the best efforts of Glyn Taylor back in the pits, and even Rory Schlein looked subdued on his Conference League home strip.

A whopping big win to conclude the home season, but at the expence of Lee's ankle injury. Best wishes to him for a good winter down under and fingers crossed that nothing untoward happens at Derwent Park in the end-of-season challenge on Saturday.

Thursday 18th October: Young Shield Semi Final - 2nd leg
Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								52	78	IOW Islanders								37	101
Sean Wilson (c)	3	3	3	3				12		Jan Stæchmann (g)	2	1	1	1'				5	1
Andy Moore	1	0	0	0				1		Davey Watt	0	r	0					0
Simon Stead	2	2'	3	1'	3			11	2	Danny Bird	3	2	3	2	3	2		15
Lee Complin	1'	3	2'	3	0			9	2	Scott Swain	rider replacement							2	2
André Compton	3	3	3	x				9		Adam Shields	1	2	1'	1	2	1'		8	2
Adam Allott	2	0	2'	ef				4	1	Sebastian Tresarrieu	3	0	1'	2'	1'	0	fx	7	3
Lee Redmond	1'	2'	1	2				6	2	Glen Phillips	0	0	0	2				2

 1. 62.7 (4-2) ( 4-2 ) Wilson, Stæchmann, Moore, Watt
 2. 64.7 (3-3) ( 7-5 ) Tresarrieu, Allott, Redmond, Phillips
 3. 62.4 (3-3) (10-8 ) Bird, Stead, Complin, Tresarrieu(r/r)
 4. 63.9 (5-1) (15-9 ) Compton, Redmond, Shields, Phillips
 5. 63.0 (5-1) (20-10) Complin, Stead, Stæchmann, Watt
 6. 64.6 (3-3) (23-13) Wilson, Shields, Tresarrieu, Moore
 7. 63.5 (3-3) (26-16) Compton, Bird, Shields(t/s), Allott
 8. 64.2 (1-5) (27-21) Bird(t/s), Tresarrieu, Redmond, Moore)
 9. 65.1 (5-1) (32-22) Stead, Complin, Shields, Phillips
10. 65.0 (3-3) (35-25) Wilson, Bird, Tresarrieu, Moore
11. 66.1 (5-1) (40-26) Compton, Allott, Stæchmann, Watt
12. 64.1 (3-3) (43-29) Bird, Redmond, Stead, Tresarrieu
13. 66.4 (3-3) (46-32) Wilson, Shields, Stæchmann, Compton(x)
14. 66.2 (3-2) (49-34) Complin, Phillips, Allott(ef), Tresarrieu(fx)
15. 65.1 (3-3) (52-37) Wilson, Bird, Shields, Complin

The mountain was too steep, and after the torrential rain in the morning track preparation was compromised resulting in the grip moving out very w---i---d---e. Sean went unbeaten, although he looked to be struggling in the first attempt to run heat 13. Andy battled away but didn't get any easy rides, and even Simon was not not the force he normally is around his own strip. Lee C flew from the start to win heat 5 convincingly and was well worth a nomination in heat 15 even if that proved to be a step too far. André stood in for the recuperating Robbie and was unbeaten before being adjudged the guilty party when Jan fell in heat 13. It looked like a typical 3rd bend dive to me and a lot less naughty than the maneouvre Jan had pulled on André the lap before. It was probably more to do with the track conditions than anything else. Adam looked shit hot when he gated, and just as bad as his dad did when he (they) didn't. Lee R will have been happy to finish ahead of fellow countyman Adam Shields and has improved tremendously since he first joined us.

Danny was the pick of the Islanders although their hard worked frenchman was entertaining, especially when he went just a bit too wide looking for grip in heat 14 and tested the safety fence to its extreme. He walked away, but will be nursing the bruises for a while. If that looked bad it was nothing compared to David Speights attempts in the juniors additional races. He accomplished the rare feat of clearing the fence, with his bike in tow! Even more improbable was that he was straight on his feet and walking back to the pits.

Tuesday 16th October: Jack Young Shield Semi-final 1st leg
IOW Islanders								64		Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								26
Ray Morton	3	3	2	f				8		Sean Wilson (c)	1	2	2	2	2	1		10
Davey Watt	2'	2'	2'	3	1'	2'		12	5	Andy Moore	0	0	0					0
Danny Bird	3	1	3	3	3			13		Simon Stead	1	2	3	1	1	ef		8
Scott Swain	rider replacement							(9)	(1)	Lee Complin	0	0	fx	0				0
Adam Shields	3	3	3	3	3			15		Shaun Tacey (g)	1	1	0	1'				3	1
Sebastian Tresarrieu	2	3	1	1	2'	2'		11	2	Adam Allott	3	0	2	tx				5
Glen Phillips	1'	2'	1	1				5	2	Lee Redmond	ef	ef	0	0				0

 1. 70.6 (5-1) ( 5-1 ) Morton, Watt, Wilson, Moore
 2. 71.5 (3-3) ( 8-4 ) Allott, Tresarrieu, Phillips, Redmond(ef)
 3. 70.6 (5-1) (13-5 ) Bird, Watt(r/r), Stead, Complin
 4. 71.9 (5-1) (18-6 ) Shields, Phillips, Tacey, Redmond(ef)
 5. 71.4 (4-2) (22-8 ) Tresarrieu(r/r), Wilson, Bird, Moore
 6. 71.7 (5-1) (27-9 ) Morton, Watt, Tacey, Allott
 7. 71.2 (3-3) (31-11) Shields, Stead, Tresarrieu, Complin
 8. 72.0 (4-2) (35-13) Watt, Wilson(t/s), Phillips, Redmond
 9. 70.5 (4-2) (39-15) Bird, Allott, Tresarrieu(r/r), Tacey
10. 71.2 (3-3) (42-18) Stead, Morton, Watt, Complin(fx)
11. 71.2 (4-2) (46-20) Shields, Wilson, Phillips, Moore
12. 70.8 (5-1) (51-21) Bird, Tresarrieu, Stead, Redmond, Allott(tps)
13. 72.0 (3-3) (54-24) Shields, Wilson, Tacey, Morton(f)
14. 72.1 (5-1) (59-25) Shields(r/r), Tresarrieu, Stead(t/s), Complin
15. 71.7 (5-1) (64-26) Bird, Watt, Wilson, Stead(ef)

The Tigers collapsed big-time against the powerful Islanders with Sean and Simon both suffering with their machines. Adam Allott won heat 2, but his five points was the total score from the second-strings as none of his colleagues opened their accounts.

Ray Morton fell as he tried to pass Sean on the last bend of heat 13 suffering a dislocated collar-bone and cracked ribs. Even if he doesn't make the second leg at Owlerton it looks as if the Tigers have left themselves quite a mountain to climb...

 1. 69.8 (3-3) ( 3-3 ) Birkinshaw, Barney, Horton, Wilson(ef)
 2. 69.8 (3-3) ( 6-6 ) Norton, Schlein, Hodgson, D.King
 3. 68.5 (0-5) ( 6-11) J.King, Prior, Priest(f/rem, x lapped), Moore(ef)
 4. 69.0 (4-2) (10-13) Schlein, D.King, Speight, Schramm(f/rem)
 5. 70.7 (4-2) (14-15) Moore, Barney, Priest, Horton
 6. 71.5 (3-3) (17-18) Birkinshaw, D.Norton, Schramm(f/rem), Wilson(x)
 7. 70.0 (2-4) (19-22) J.King, Speight, Prior, Hodgson
 8. 69.4 (3-3) (22-25) Schlein, Horton, D.King, Wilson
 9. 69.4 (5-1) (27-26) Moore, Birkinshaw(r/r), Schramm, Norton
10. 69.9 (3-3) (30-29) Birkinshaw, King, Prior, Wilson
11. 70.6 (5-1) (35-30) Schlein, Speight, Barney, Horton
12. 68.9 (2-4) (37-34) J.King, Schlein, Norton, Moore(ef)
13. 69.0 (5-1) (42-35) Schlein, Birkinshaw, Schramm, Barney, Speight(tps)
14. 68.9 (2-4) (44-39) Prior, Schlein(ef), J.King(t/s), Moore(ef/x)
15. 68.7 (3-3) (47-42) Prior, Birkinshaw, Moore, Schramm

The fast starting Pumas adapted to the tricky conditions more quickly than the Prowlers and thanks to falls and engine failures the champions trailed by 5 after three heats. After a long slog the Prowlers were back in front after heat 9 and went on to open a five point lead, but this was the sternest test they have faced all season on their own turf.

His scorechart doesn't show it, but Chris Schramm fell 3 times in his first two rides. He remounted to trail in last first time out, locked up in front of Ben Wilson in his second (for which Ben was harshly excluded), and fell and remounted again in the rerun! Adam Prior and Jason King made light of the tricky track which was akin to a quagmire following heavy rain early in the evening, and they also took full benefit of three ef's by Andy Moore.

Rory and James took the weight on their shoulders, although David Speight once again showed what progress he has made with an excellent ride ahead of the challenging Ian Barney in heat 11. In my opinion James has demonstrated exactly the progress required to merit a full team place next season and has finished the season with two winners medals to boot.

Well done lads, each and every one of you!

Thursday 11th October: Young Shield Quarter Final - 2nd leg
Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								58	99	Swindon Robins								32	81
Sean Wilson (c)	3	3	3	3	3			15		Claud Kristensen	2	2	2	1	1			8
Andy Moore	0	1	3	2'				6	1	Alan Mogridge	1'	0	1'	3	1			6	2
Simon Stead	3	3	3	3				12		Oliver Allen	0	2	1	1				4
Lee Complin	2'	1	2'	2				7	2	Martin Dixon	1	1'	0					2	1
Robbie Kessler	3	3	3	2'	2'			13	2	Paul Fry	2	2	2	1	0	0		7
Adam Allott	0	f	1	0				1		Alun Rossiter	3	0	0	0				3
Lee Redmond	2	ef	ef	2'				4	1	Lee Hodgson	1	1'	fx					2	1

 1. 63.6 (3-3) ( 3-3 ) Wilson, Kristensen, Mogridge, Moore
 2. 65.7 (2-4) ( 5-7 ) Rossiter, Redmond, Hodgson, Allott
 3. 63.9 (5-1) (10-8 ) Stead, Complin, Dixon, Allen
 4. 63.1 (3-3) (13-11) Kessler, Fry, Hodgson, Redmond(ef)
 5. 62.9 (4-2) (17-13) Stead, Kristense, Complin, Mogridge
 6. 63.0 (4-2) (21-15) Wilson, Fry, Moore, Rossiter
 7. 64.9 (3-3) (24-18) Kessler, Allen, Dixon, Allott(f)
 8. 63.1 (3-3) (27-21) Moore, Fry(t/s), Mogridge, Redmond(ef)
 9. 63.3 (5-1) (32-22) Stead, Complin, Fry, Rossiter
10. 63.6 (5-1) (37-23) Wilson, Moore, Allen, Dixon
11. awd  (4-2) (41-25) Kessler, Kristen, Allott, Hodgson(fx)
12. 63.3 (5-1) (46-26) Stead, Redmond, Allen, Rossiter
13. 63.4 (5-1) (51-27) Wilson, Kessler, Kristensen, Fry
14. 63.6 (2-4) (53-31) Mogridge(t/s), Complin, Kristensen(t/s), Allott
15. 63.4 (5-1) (58-32) Wilson, Kessler, Mogridge, Fry

The Robins looked strong until heat 8 when Moggo and tac-sub Fryer were left trailing behind Andy Moore and Lee Redmond. Even though Lee was to pull up with another ef the psychological damage had been done and the Tigers carded five 5-1's and a 4-2 from the remaining 7 heats to clip the Robins wings.

Sean and Simon recorded full, and Robbie a paid maximum, although all three had at times to work hard for them. Sean had a four lap scrap with Fryer in heat 6, ushered Andy to a 5-1 ahead of the challenging Ollie Allen in heat 10, displayed inch perfect team riding with Robbie in heat 13, and followed Robbie past Moggo for yet another maximum in heat 15. Hopefully he will display the same form in Slovenia (Good luck Sean). Simon and Lee(R) made a beautiful synchronised pass of Rosco exiting the second bend on lap 2 of heat 12, Simon on the inside and Lee out wide, while Robbie displayed his return to fitness as he scythed under Moggo into turn 3 in heat 15.

Andy started slowly but trumped Paul Fry, Moggo, Dicko and Ollie Allen in his last two. Lee Complin celebrated his elevation to the team propper with a paid 9, beating all the Robins heat leaders at some stage, and passing Claus (or Claud as the programme would have us believe) on the last turn in heat 14. Adam had yet another mare and even when he made a lightening start to romp away to lead heat 7 leaving Robbie in his trail, sadly it was not to be as his chain broke on the last lap as he entered turn 2 and dumped him on his arse. If you think that was unlucky then Lee Redmond must have run over a black cat on his way to the stadium as he pulled up within sight of the chequered flag in heat 4 whilst on a point, and then again in heat 8 whilst comfortably ahead of both Fryer and Moggo.

I'll spare the blushes of the Robins fans by glossing over the Swindon performance, but would just say that despite the scoreline it was a good match with some excellent racing, principle of which was the four lap scrap between Sean and Fryer in heat 6 which Sean resolved on the last lap. Brilliant racing with both riders giving their all and worth every penny of the admission money all by itself.

The Sheffield juniors defeated the Belle Vue Colts 22-14 in the second half, Speight 9(max), Wilson 8+1(max), Compton 5+1, Priest 0. Colts: Ashworth 7, Hughes 4, Furniss 2+2, Hartley 1.

 1. 65.1 (3-3) ( 3-3 ) Birkinshaw, McAllan, Priest, Wilson(r)
 2. 64.9 (5-1) ( 8-4 ) Hodgson, Schlein, Stephenson, Mallett
 3. 66.0 (1-5) ( 9-9 ) McAllan, Hollingworth, Speight, Moore(fx)
 4. 64.8 (5-1) (14-10) Complin, Schlein, Stephenson, Garrod
 5. 64.3 (5-1) (19-11) Moore, Speight, McAllan, Priest
 6. 66.9 (5-1) (24-12) Wilson, Birkinshaw, Garrod, Mallett
 7. 66.5 (3-3) (27-15) Complin, Hollingworth, Stephenson, Hodgson(ef)
 8. 64.5 (3-3) (30-18) Schlein, McAllan, Hollingworth(t/s), Wilson
 9. 64.9 (3-3) (33-21) Moore, Stephenson, Garrod, Speight(f)
10. 66.7 (5-1) (38-22) Birkinshaw, Wilson, McAllan(t/s), Hollingworth
11. 64.8 (3-3) (41-25) Hodgson, McAllan, Priest, Complin(ef)
12. 64.6 (5-1) (46-26) Schlein, Moore, Mallett, Hollingworth
13. 66.7 (5-1) (51-27) Birkinshaw, Complin, Mallett, Garrod
14. 66.6 (5-1) (56-28) Speight, Hodgson, Mallett, Stephenson
15. 64.6 (5-1) (61-29) Schlein, Moore, McAllan, Hollingworth

Some good racing this evening, despite the scoreline, although the Barracuda-Braves were expected to put up a braver challenge than this having won all their previous away matches! David McAllan threw down the gauntlet in heat one and kept James at bay for three laps before the Prowlers skipper blasted arond him. Out again in heat 3 David took Andy very W--I--D--E into turn 1 leaving Andy trailing at the back out of turn 2. A very determined Andy wound on handfulls of throttle and had taken the lead by the third turn of lap 2, but was travelling so fast and so wide that he overslid and had to pick himself out of the fence.

Number 8 David Speight showed some real progress in heat 5 as he rounded David McAllan out of turn 2 and then rode a perfect line to claim a big scalp. Ben Wilson then followed suit by moving from last to second on the 3rd & 4th turns on the first lap of heat 6, before pipping James on the line to claim his win. David Speight, confidence visibly growing, grabbed too much throttle at the start of heat 9 and looped at the start, but made amends in style as he sped to his first home heat win in heat 14, with Lee Hodgson recovering from a poor start to pick his way past both the Braves and follow his partner home for the maximum.

James and Rory both picked off David McAllan in heat 15 to break the 60 point margin and notch a massive 120-60 aggregate win in a brilliant team effort. Every one of the Prowlers claimed a heat win in what must be their best all-round team effort of the season. This must put the title virtually in the Prowlers pockets, but I'm sure they will enjoy taming the Pumas next week...

Thursday 4th October: Jack Young Shield Quarter-final 1st leg
Swindon Robins								49		Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								41
Claus Kristensen	1	3	2	1'				7	1	Sean Wilson (c)	2'	3	3	f	3	2'		13	2
Martin Dixon (c)	0	2'	2'	1'				5	3	Andy Moore	3	0	1	1				5
Oliver Allen	3	2	2	2	0			9		Simon Stead	2	2	3	3	2	3		15
Alan Mogridge	fx	1'	1'	3				5	2	Lee Complin	1'	0	0					1	1
Paul Fry	3	3	3	2	1			12		Robbie Kessler	2	fx	0	0				2
Alun Rossiter	2	1	3	2'	1'	1		10	2	Adam Allott	3	1	0					4
Ritchie Hawkins	0	1						1		Lee Redmond	1	0	fx	r				1

 1. 68.4 (1-5) ( 1-5 ) Moore, Wilson, Kristensen, Dixon
 2. 68.7 (2-4) ( 3-9 ) Allott, Rossiter, Redmond, Hawkins
 3. 67.9 (3-3) ( 6-12) Allen, Stead, Complin, Mogridge(fx)
 4. 66.7 (4-2) (10-14) Fry, Kessler, Hawkins, Redmond
 5. 67.7 (3-3) (13-17) Wilson, Allen, Mogridge, Moore
 6. 70.0 (5-1) (18-18) Kristensen, Dixon, Allott, Kessler(fx)
 7. 68.1 (4-2) (22-20) Fry, Stead, Rossiter, Complin
 8. 68.6 (5-1) (27-21) Rossiter, Dixon, Moore, Redmond(fx), Hawkins(ns)
 9. 68.3 (3-3) (30-24) Wilson(t/s), Allen, Mogridge, Kessler
10. 67.6 (3-3) (33-27) Stead, Kristensen, Dixon, Complin
11. 68.5 (5-1) (38-28) Fry, Rossiter, Moore, Wilson(f)
12. 68.0 (3-3) (41-31) Stead, Allen, Rossiter, Allott
13. 69.0 (3-3) (44-34) Wilson, Fry, Kristensen, Kessler
14. 69.4 (4-2) (48-36) Mogridge, Stead, Rossiter, Redmond
15. 68.5 (1-5) (49-41) Stead, Wilson, Fry, Allen

The Tigers led by 6 points after two heats but their next heat advantage was to come in heat 15 as the Robins fought their way back into the match. A lot of first bend fallers as both teams gave their all. When Lee Redmond caught Ritchie's back wheel in heat 8, also bringing Dicko down, it was Ritchie who came off worst catching the fence a big whallop. This was actually to the Robins advantage as Alun Rossiter took Ritchies remaining rides.

After his fall Robbie failed to add to his account (has anyone told him the Young Shield matches do not count towards his average?) and after winning their first rides both Andy and Adam could only finish last. One point each from the two Lees meant it was left to Sean and Simon to keep the Tigers in with a shout. Sean would have been unbeaten but for a first bend slip in heat 11 and his 5-1 with Simon in heat 15 should leave us with every chance of progessing to the semi-finals...

 1. 67.2 (2-4) ( 2-4 ) Mann, Birkinshaw, Painter, Wilson   
 2. 66.0 (5-1) ( 7-5 ) Hodgson, Schlein, Burnett, Collins        
 3. 65.1 (5-1) (12-6 ) Moore, Birkinshaw, Branney, Felton     
 4. 65.2 (4-2) (16-8 ) Complin, Taylor, Schlein, Collins      
 5. 64.6 (5-1) (21-9 ) Hodgson, Moore, Mann, Painter
 6. 66.5 (2-4) (23-13) Taylor, Wilson, Burnett, Birkinshaw(fx)
 7. 64.8 (5-1) (28-14) Schlein, Complin, Felton, Branney(r)     
 8. 64.2 (3-3) (31-17) Hodgson, Mann(t/s), Painter, Wilson           
 9. 65.4 (3-3) (34-20) Moore, Taylor, Burnett, Priest             
10. 65.7 (3-3) (37-23) Birkinshaw, Felton, Branney, Wilson 
11. 65.8 (5-1) (42-24) Complin, Hodgson, Mann, Painter
12. 65.5 (5-1) (47-25) Moore, Schlein, Felton, Burnett        
13. 66.0 (4-2) (51-27) Complin, Mann, Birkinshaw, Taylor
14. 66.2 (4-2) (55-29) Hodgson, Branney, Priest, Collins
15. 65.6 (4-2) (59-31) Moore, Mann, Complin, Taylor

Racing highlights included heat 1 when Buxton shocked the home side to lead from the gate. Birkinshaw overhauled Painter on the 3rd lap with a sweet inside pass on turn 3 and very nearly repeated the move on Mann on the final bend, but the Buxton No 1 just held on for victory.

There was a scare in heat 6 when Birkinshaw had a high speed crash on the back straight, hitting the fence and falling. He was soon sitting up and walked gingerly back to the pits having been excluded.

Another excellent race in heat 11 where Hodgson found himself in last place. He tried an outside pass of Painter on lap 2 but was nearly put into the fence, unintentionally. He then cut back to power under Painter on the 3rd lap and repeated the move on Mann on the last bend to follow Complin home for an excellent 5 - 1.

Heat 12 saw Rory Schlein clash with Paul Burnett shortly after the tapes went up. The referee immediately put on the red lights and ordered a restart. As Schlein rode round towards the pits it was obvious he was in some pain and slid off his bike onto the track where he received treatment. He was well enough to take his place in the rerun where he beautifully picked off Felton round the outside off turn 2 of the 2nd lap.

Heat 13 saw another great race when Birkinshaw and Mann renewed their first heat battle. Mann held the advantage as they raced closely as he held the favourable outside line and cut across Birkinshaw into turn 3 of the last lap. Birko moved wider and narrowly failed to pass on the outside on the run in to the line.

The meeting finished off with another neck and neck duel with Moore and Mann locked together for 3 3/4 laps before Moore sneaked the win off the final turn.

Some excellent racing on an unusually dry and dusty track. Obviously the warning of inclement weather affected the track preparations.

Match report by Mike Kokins.

Monday 24th September: Premier League
Newcastle Diamonds								54		Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								36
Bjarne Pedersen	3	3	3	2	2'			13	1	Sean Wilson (c)	ef	2'	1	2	3	1		9	1
Richard Juul	1	2'	2	1				6	1	Andy Moore	2	3	3	1'	0			9	1
André Compton	1'	1	3	2				7	1	Simon Stead	3	1	2	3	0	0		9
Kevin Little	2	x	2'	3				7	1	Adam Allott	0	0	0					0
Brent Werner (g)	3	3	3	1'	3			13	1	Robbie Kessler	2	0	1	1				4
Rob Grant	3	2'	0	1'	2'			8	3	Lee Complin	1'	1	0					2	1
Chris Collins	0	0	0					0		Lee Redmond	2	1'	r					3	1

 1. 65.1 (4-2) ( 4-2 ) Pedersen, Moore, Juul, Wilson(ef) 
 2. 67.4 (3-3) ( 7-5 ) Grant, Redmond, Complin, Collins
 3. 66.0 (3-3) (10-8 ) Stead, Little, Compton, Allott        
 4. 66.4 (3-3) (13-11) Werner, Kessler, Redmond, Collins
 5. 66.0 (1-5) (14-16) Moore, Wilson, Compton, Little(x)   
 6. 67.0 (5-1) (19-17) Pedersen, Juul, Complin, Kessler                   
 7. 66.4 (5-1) (24-18) Werner, Grant, Stead, Allott       
 8. 65.4 (2-4) (26-22) Moore, Juul, Wilson(t/s), Collins
 9. 66.2 (5-1) (31-23) Compton, Little, Kessler, Complin           
10. 65.7 (4-2) (35-25) Pedersen, Stead, Juul, Allott       
11. 66.2 (3-3) (38-28) Werner, Wilson, Moore, Grant          
12. 65.5 (3-3) (41-31) Stead, Compton, Grant, Moore(t/s)     
13. 66.1 (3-3) (44-34) Wilson, Pedersen, Werner, Stead(t/s)     
14. 66.5 (5-1) (49-35) Little, Grant, Kessler(t/s), Redmond(ef)       
15. 66.1 (5-1) (54-36) Werner, Pedersen, Wilson, Stead

The Tigers went into the lead after Kevin Little was excluded from heat 6 for a silencer infringement, but the Diamonds hit back with 5-1's in 5 of the remaining 10 heats. Sean was suffering from motor malaise, Simon slumped after a lively start but Robbie once again didn't have his 'racing head' on. Shame the team didn't share Andy Moore's attitude as he was in determined mood and put on his best Brough Park display to date.

With a home match against the Scottish Tigers still to come the Diamonds have all but tied up the championship so the bonus point from the return match at Owlerton on Thursday is not vital. It would however do the Tigers a world of good so expect a determined effort by the Tigers to put one over on the new champions...

 1. 62.2 (3-3) ( 3-3 ) Wilson, Evans, Pearson, Birkinshaw  
 2. 60.0 (2-3) ( 5-6 ) Schlein, Rowlett, Hodgson(f), Hedge(fx)   
 3. 56.3 (1-5) ( 6-11) Moore, Schlein, Knowles, Evans, Priest(2mins)
 4. awd  (2-4) ( 8-15) Hawkins, Camden, Schlein, Rowlett(fx)
 5. 56.8 (4-2) (12-17) Hedge, Birkinshaw, Knowles, Wilson          
 6. 54.3 (3-3) (15-20) Hawkins, Evans, Pearson, Hodgson           
 7. 55.4 (5-1) (20-21) Hedge, Camden, Hawkins, Moore(ef)         
 8. 56.8 (3-3) (23-24) Schlein, Pearson, Rowlett, Wilson(ef)    
 9. 55.3 (5-1) (28-25) Camden, Knowles, Hawkins, Hodgson          
10. 54.6 (2-4) (30-29) Moore, Hedge, Birkinshaw, Evans     
11. 55.3 (3-3) (33-32) Camden, Birkinshaw, Schlein, Hedge        
12. 55.7 (1-5) (34-37) Moore, Schlein, Knowles, Hedge(fx)     
13. 55.4 (3-2) (37-39) Camden, Hawkins, Evans(ef), Birkinshaw(x)
14. 56.5 (1-5) (38-44) Moore, Schlein, Knowles, Rowlett       
15. 55.9 (3-3) (41-47) Camden, Birkinshaw, Hawkins, Evans(fx)

 1. 61.3 (3-3) ( 3-3 ) Birkinshaw, Cockle, Wolstenholme, Priest
 2. awd  (2-4) ( 5-7 ) Schlein, Giffard, Hodgson, Ambrose(fx)   
 3. 60.0 (3-3) ( 8-10) Moore, Andrews, Mason, Wilson                
 4. 59.7 (3-3) (11-13) Schlein, Courage, Giffard, Hodgson
 5. 60.1 (3-3) (14-16) Mason, Birkinshaw, Priest, Andrews          
 6. 60.1 (3-3) (17-19) Schlein, Wolstenholme, Cockle, Hodgson     
 7. 60.1 (3-3) (20-22) Moore, Ambrose, Courage, Wilson           
 8. 60.2 (3-3) (23-25) Schlein, Giffard, Cockle, Priest         
 9. 60.0 (4-2) (27-27) Mason, Birkinshaw, Andrews, Hodgson        
10. 60.2 (1-5) (28-32) Schlein, Moore, Wolstenholme, Cockle
11. 59.9 (3-3) (31-35) Courage, Schlein, Birkinshaw, Ambrose     
12. 59.6 (4-2) (35-37) Mason, Moore, Giffard, Hodgson         
13. 60.2 (3-3) (38-40) Wolstenholme, Birkinshaw, Moore, Courage 
14. 60.4 (4-2) (42-42) Giffard, Schlein, Ambrose, Wilson      
15. 60.0 (4-2) (46-44) Mason, Birkinshaw, Wolstenholme, Moore(r)

Thursday 20th September, Elite League Riders Championship
1. Dean Barker	Eastbourne	2	0	0	1	1		4
2. Ryan Sullivan	Peterborough	3	1	1	1	3		9
3. Krystof Cegielski	Poole	1	0	1	0	1		3
4. David Norris	Eastbourne	0	0	0				0
5. Scott Nicholls	Ipswich	3	1	3	2	3		12	2ND
6. Leigh Adams	Oxford	1	2	1	1	3		8
7. Sam Ermolenko	Wolverhampton	2	1	1	2	1		7
8. Craig Boyce	Ipswich	0	1	3	2	3		9	5th
9. Lee Richardson	Coventry	2	3	2	2	0		9
10. Tony Rickardsson	Poole	3	3	2	1	0		9	6th
11. Nicki Pedersen	Kings Lynn	1	3	2	3	2		11	3RD
12. Mark Loram	Peterborough	0	2	0	3	2		7
13. Jason Lyons	Belle Vue	1	2	3	0	r		6
14. Steve Johnston	Oxford	0	0	0	0	0		0
15. Mikael Karlsson	Wolverhampton	2	2	2	3	2		11	4th
16. Jason Crump	Kings Lynn	3	3	3	3	2		14	1ST

 1 61.8 Sullivan, Barker, Cegielski, Norris
 2 62.6 Nicholls, Ermolenko, Adams, Boyce
 3 62.6 Rickardsson, Richardson, Pedersen, Loram
 4 62.7 Crump, Karlsson, Lyons, Johnston
 5 61.9 Richardson, Lyons, Nicholls, Barker
 6 61.5 Rickardsson, Adams, Sullivan, Johnston
 7 62.9 Pedersen, Karlsson, Ermolenko, Cegielski(r)
 8 63.2 Crump, Loram, Boyce, Norris       
 9 61.5 Crump, Pedersen, Adams, Barker
10 63.4 Nicholls, Karlsson, Sullivan, Loram
11 63.5 Boyce, Richardson, Cegielski, Johnston
12 64.1 Lyons, Rickardsson, Ermolenko, Norris     
13 62.7 Loram, Ermolenko, Barker, Johnston      
14 63.1 Pedersen, Boyce, Sullivan, Lyons
15 62.1 Crump, Nicholls, Rickardsson, Cegielski
16 63.7 Kalrsson, Richardson, Adams, Paul Lee(res)
17 62.2 Boyce, Karlsson, Barker, Rickardsson 
18 62.7 Sullivan, Crump, Ermolenko, Richardson
19 63.4 Adams, Loran, Cegielski, Lyons(r)
20 63.4 Nicholls, Pedersen, David Howe(res), Johnston

Semi-Final 62.5 Pedersen, Karlsson, Boyce, Rickardsson

Final 62.2 Crump, Nicholls, Pedersen, Karlsson              

Jason took the honours after a hard fought final with the impressive Scott Nicholls. Scott surprised Jason on the 3rd turn to take the lead on lap 1 and soaked up all of Jason's challenges until he squeezed past around the outside of turn 4 on lap 3. Nicki got the verdict in a photo finish with Mikael for 3rd place in an excellent final. Mikael deserved more than 4th place after some excellent racing picking up more than the odd point with some determined riding.

 1. 64.4 (3-3) ( 3-3 ) Birkinshaw, Wolstenholme, Cockle, Priest   
 2. 66.7 (1-5) ( 4-8 ) Ambrose, Giffard, Wilson, Hodgson(+15, fx)
 3. 64.5 (4-2) ( 8-10) Moore, Mason, Compton(r/r), Andrews
 4. 63.2 (5-1) (13-11) Complin, Hodgson, Courage, Giffard(ef)
 5. 62.2 (5-1) (18-12) Moore, Birkinshaw(r/r), Cockle, Wolstenholme
 6. 66.7 (1-5) (19-17) Courage, Ambrose, Priest, Birkinshaw(f/rem)
 7. 63.5 (3-3) (23-19) Complin, Mason, Wilson, Andrews(r)        
 8. 65.0 (3-3) (26-22) Hodgson, Cockle, Ambrose, Priest         
 9. 63.0 (5-1) (31-23) Moore, Complin(r/r), Courage, Ambrose      
10. 64.9 (5-1) (36-24) Birkinshaw, Hodgson, Mason, Andrews 
11. 64.9 (4-2) (40-26) Complin, Wolstenholme, Wilson, Cockle(+15)
12. 65.1 (5-1) (45-27) Moore, Hodgson, Mason, Ambrose         
13. 64.8 (5-1) (50-28) Complin, Birkinshaw, Courage, Wolstenholme(r)
14. 64.7 (4-2) (54-30) Moore(r/r), Mason(t/s), Hodgson, Giffard
15. 65.8 (5-1) (59-31) Complin, Birkinshaw, Mason, Courage

Bronze Helmet: 64.1 Andy Moore(holder) beat David Mason(challenger)

Lee Hodgson having taped, went from a 15m handicap to 2nd place by the 3rd turn, only to rear and fall! James Birkinshaw also fell on turn 2 at the start of heat 6, and these led to the Rockets only heat wins. When the Prowlers stayed on 2 wheels they made it look easy and hopefully they will at least take the bonus point when they visit tricky Hodensdon on Saturday.

Sunday 16th September: Premier League
Workington Comets								46	83	Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								44	97
Carl Stonehewer (c)	3	3	3	ef	ef			9		Sean Wilson (c)	2	3	3	3	2	3		16
Lee Smethills	0	1	2	1				4		Andy Moore	1'	0	1					2	1
Neil Collins	1'	1'	1	2				5	2	Simon Stead	3	2	3	2	3	2'		15	1
Rusty Harrison	2	2	0	3				7		Adam Allott	0	0	0					0
Peter Karlsson	3	3	2	3	1			12		Robbie Kessler	0	2	2'	1'				5	2
David McAllen	2'	1	0	2'				5	2	Lee Complin	0	0	1					1
James Mann	3	1	0	0				4		Lee Redmond	1	2	1	1	fx			5

 1. 65.5 (3-3) ( 3-3 ) Stonehewer, Wilson, Moore, Smethills 
 2. 70.2 (5-1) ( 8-4 ) Mann, McAllen, Redmond, Complin
 3. 68.0 (3-3) (11-7 ) Stead, Harrison, Collins, Allott      
 4. 66.9 (4-2) (15-9 ) Karlsson, Redmond, Mann, Kessler           
 5. 68.1 (3-3) (18-12) Wilson, Harrison, Collins, Moore    
 6. 66.1 (4-2) (22-14) Stonehewer, Kessler, Smethills, Complin            
 7. 67.2 (4-2) (26-16) Karlsson, Stead, McAllen, Allott   
 8. 67.8 (2-4) (28-20) Stead(t/s), Smethills, Redmond, Mann          
 9. 68.5 (1-5) (29-25) Wilson(t/s), Kessler, Collins, Harrison     
10. 67.3 (4-2) (33-27) Stonehewer, Stead, Smethills, Allott
11. 67.8 (2-4) (35-31) Wilson, Karlsson, Moore, McAllen      
12. 69.0 (2-4) (37-35) Stead, Collins, Redmond, Mann         
13. 67.6 (3-3) (40-38) Karlsson, Wilson, Kessler, Stonehewer(ef)
14. 69.2 (5-1) (45-39) Harrison, McAllen, Complin, Redmond(fx)        
15. 69.2 (1-5) (46-44) Wilson, Stead, Karlsson, Stonehewer(ef)

The Tigers rallied from being 10 points down after 7 heats and were in with a shout with 2 heats remaining. Lee Redmond fell while trying to keep us in the match in heat 14 and the scoreline was only so close because Stoney lost a chain while leading the nominated last race. The odd point from Adam would have made all the difference, but he reverts to reserve next month so expect a resurgence of form. I wonder how Lee Complin will fare when he is promoted into the team?

Friday 14th September: Premier League
Edinburgh Monarchs								40	68	Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								49	110
James Grieves (g)	2	3	3	3	1			12		Sean Wilson (c)	3	3	3	2	3			14
Blair Scott	1'	2	0	3	1			7	1	James Denholm (g)	0	r	r					0
Dalle Andersson	1'	1'	1	1'	2			6	3	Simon Stead	3	2'	2	3	2'			12	2
Robert Eriksson	2	2	2	2	3	fx		11		Adam Allott	0	3	0					3
Jan Andersen	rider replacement							(3)		Robbie Kessler	3	1'	3	1'				8	2
Rory Schlein	1'	0	0	0				1	1	Lee Complin	0	2	1'	0	1	2		6	1
Christian Henry	2	fx	x2	1'	0	fx		3	1	Lee Redmond	3	x	2	1'				6	1

 1. 58.2 (3-3) ( 3-3 ) Wilson, Grieves, Scott, Denholm 
 2.      (3-3) ( 6-6 ) Redmond, Henry, Shlein, Complin(f/rem)
 3.      (3-3) ( 9-9 ) Stead, Eriksson, Andersson, Allott       
 4.      (2-3) (11-12) Kessler, Scott, Henry(fx), Redmond(f/rem/x)
 5.      (3-3) (14-15) Wilson, Eriksson, Andersson, Denholm
 6.      (3-3) (17-18) Grieves, Complin, Kessler, Scott(f/rem)            
 7.      (1-5) (18-23) Allott, Stead, Andersson, Schlein  
 8.      (3-3) (21-26) Scott, Redmond, Complin, Schlein, Henry(2mins)
 9.      (3-3) (24-29) Kessler, Eriksson, Andersson, Complin(f/rem)
10.      (4-2) (28-31) Grieves, Stead, Scott, Allott     
11.      (3-3) (31-34) Wilson, Eriksson, Henry, Denholm      
12.      (2-4) (33-38) Stead, Andersson, Complin, Henry      
13.      (3-3) (36-41) Grieves, Wilson, Kessler, Schlein 
14.      (3-3) (39-44) Eriksson, Complin, Redmond, Henry(fx)          
15.      (1-5) (40-49) Wilson, Stead, Grieves, Eriksson(fx)

Little or no passing, but plenty of fallers on a track made sodden by rain throughout the day. In the final analysis there was one hungry team and they claimed an uncharacteristic Armadale victory...

Thursday 13th September: Premier League
Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								61		Edinburgh Monarchs								28
Sean Wilson (c)	2	3	3	3	3			14	1	Danny Bird (g)	3	3	fx					6
Andy Moore	1'	1	fx	2'				4	2	Blair Scott	0	0	ef	1	1			2
Simon Stead	2	2	3	3				10		Dalle Andersson	3	2	1	0	2	1'		9	1
Adam Allott	1'	1'	2'	0				4	3	Robert Eriksson	0	0	0	1	1'	2		4	1
Robbie Kessler	3	3	3	2'	fx			11	1	Jan Andersen	rider replacement							(3)
Lee Complin	3	2'	2'	3				10	2	Ben Shields	fx	x2	1	fx				1
Lee Redmond	2'	2'	3	1				8	2	Christian Henry	1	1	0	2	0	0	2	6

 1. 62.9 (3-3) ( 3-3 ) Bird, Wilson, Moore, Scott      
 2. 64.9 (5-1) ( 8-4 ) Complin, Redmond, Henry, Shields(fx)
 3. 66.1 (3-3) (11-7 ) Andersson, Stead, Allott, Eriksson       
 4. 66.6 (5-1) (16-8 ) Kessler, Redmond, Henry, Eriksson(r/r)
 5. 65.6 (3-3) (19-11) Bird, Stead, Allott, Scott      
 6. 65.8 (4-2) (23-13) Wilson, Andersson(r/r), Moore, Henry, Shields(2mins)
 7. 66.5 (5-1) (28-14) Kessler, Complin, Andersson, Eriksson  
 8. 66.3 (3-2) (31-16) Redmond, Henry, Scott(ef), Moore(fx)   
 9. 65.4 (5-1) (36-17) Stead, Allott, Shields, Bird(t/s, fx)
10. 64.2 (5-1) (41-18) Wilson, Moore, Eriksson, Andersson
11. 67.4 (5-1) (46-19) Kessler, Complin, Scott, Henry        
12. awd  (4-2) (50-21) Stead, Andersson, Redmond, Shields(fx)
13. 66.1 (5-1) (55-22) Wilson, Kessler, Scott(r/r), Henry 
14. 65.7 (3-3) (58-25) Complin, Henry, Eriksson, Allott               
15. 64.7 (3-3) (61-28) Wilson, Eriksson, Andersson, Kessler(fx)

Rain throughout the day, and especially just before the start took its toll on the track. With the start delayed for 'drainage' time and dry shale applied to the starting line the meeting eventually got underway at 8:25. Referee Tony Steel then lost the thread completely and instead of running a tight ship he allowed the meeting to meander to its conclusion some two hours later. Several instances of riders falling could so easily have resulted in awarded races, but this was not to be, and the meeting was allowed to drag on with no thought for the paying public.

Dalle Andersson started the meeting with an impressive win over Simon Stead, but soon reverted to the Dalle of old finishing one race a quarter of a lap behind Andy Moore. Danny Bird looked to be a useful replacement for Peter Carr beating both Sean and Simon in his first two rides. Danny took a real purler in heat 9 as his bike tried to clear the fence on turn 3 and he sadly took no further part in the meeting. Christian Henry's score flatters his performance on the track, Ben and Blair's are fair indicators while Robert Eriksson was a pale shadow of the rider we have seen at Owlerton before.

Special mention must go to Lee Complin as he cards another maximum, but Lee Redmond and Andy Moore were also good value on the night. Adam started with a couple of gritty rides to pick up points, but then seemed to lose interest. Sean and Simon were both beaten once by Danny Bird, while Robbie will feel aggrieved that all-four-back was not the decision after he was dumped in the deep stuff on turn 2 in heat 15. A massive 33 point winning margin should surely see the bonus point coming the Tigers way, but after such an inept performance by the Monarchs shouldn't the Tigers be setting their sights a notch higher?

Thursday 6th September: Premier League
Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								57	94	Swindon Robins								33	86
Sean Wilson (c)	3	3	3	3	2'			14	1	Paul Fry	2	1'	2	1	2	0		8	1
Andy Moore	1	0	1	1				3		Alun Rossiter	r	2	r					2
Simon Stead	3	3	3	3	3			15		Oliver Allen	2	0	0					2
Adam Allott	0	0	1	0				1		Claus Kristensen	1'	1	2	2	3			9	1
Robbie Kessler	3	2'	2'	1				8	2	Alan Mogridge	r	2	2	0	2'	1		7	1
Lee Complin	3	2'	3	3	3	1	1	16	1	Martin Dixon (c)	2	1'	r	0				3	1
Lee Redmond	fx							0		Ritchie Hawkins	1'	1	0					2	1

 1. 62.2 (4-2) ( 4-2 ) Wilson, Fry, Moore, Rossiter(r)
 2. 61.5 (3-3) ( 7-5 ) Complin, Dixon, Hawkins, Redmond(fx)
 3. 60.8 (3-3) (10-8 ) Stead, Allen, Kristensen, Allott         
 4. 61.8 (5-1) (15-9 ) Kessler, Complin, Hawkins, Mogridge(r)
 5. 60.9 (3-3) (18-12) Stead, Rossiter, Fry, Allott                   
 6. 60.8 (3-3) (21-15) Wilson, Mogridge, Dixon, Moore    
 7. 61.4 (5-1) (26-16) Complin, Kessler, Kristensen, Allen    
 8. 61.2 (4-2) (30-18) Complin, Fry(t/s), Moore, Rossiter(r)        
 9. 60.7 (4-2) (34-20) Stead, Mogridge, Allott, Dixon(r)        
10. 61.0 (4-2) (38-22) Wilson, Kristensen, Moore, Allen
11. 61.9 (5-1) (43-23) Complin, Kessler, Fry, Hawkins                  
12. 61.4 (4-2) (47-25) Stead, Kristensen(t/s), Complin, Dixon
13. 61.2 (4-2) (51-27) Wilson, Fry, Kessler, Mogridge          
14. 62.0 (1-5) (52-32) Kristensen, Mogridge(t/s), Complin, Allott     
15. 61.0 (5-1) (57-33) Stead, Wilson, Mogridge, Fry

The Robins flew into Owlerton, 2nd in the league, sitting on a massive 16 point advantage and with a team so strong they have a reserve with a 7.23 average. The Tigers showed their character by rising to the occasion on a blisteringly fast surface and turned the 16 point defecit into an 8 point aggregate victory. The fastest time previously recorded at Owlerton this season was bettered no less than 8 times with Simon Stead, Sean Wilson and amazingly 16 year old super-sub Lee Complin all getting in on the act.

Simon and Sean both claimed untroubled maximums, and Lee looked set to emulate them until his last two rides by which time his tyre must have been shot. Andy Moore rode well for some important minor placings but Adam only managed to finish last and surrendered points without contest. Lee Redmond took a high speed dive into the fence as Martin Dixon moved inside him entering turn three, and although he walked from the track he was advised not to take any further rides. A pity as the fast starting Aussie would probably have relished the pacy conditions.

Claus K was the solitary Robins heat winner after trapping in heat 14, but only Paul and Alan gave support. Alun Rossiter and Dicko suffered with mechanical gremlins, Ritchie only finished last, but Oliver Allen was shockingly bad considering his place at the top of the Robins averages.

The 3 points restore the Tigers back to second place in the league and the televised meeting against Newcastle in 2 weeks time should be an interesting clash...

Tuesday 4th September, Premier League
IOW Islanders								56	95	Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								34	85
Ray Morton (c)	2	3	3	2				10		Sean Wilson (c)	3	2	3	r	3	3		14
Davey Watt	1'	2'	1	2'				6	3	Andrew Moore	0	1'	1					2	1
Danny Bird	3	3	3	3	2			14		Simon Stead	1	2	1	2	3			9
Scott Swain	2'	r	2'	1'				5	3	Adam Allott	0	0	0					0
Adam Shields	3	3	3	1'	1'			11	2	Robbie Kessler	2	1	1	0				4
Sebastian Tresarrieu	2	1	2'	2				7	1	Lee Complin	0	0	0					0
Glen Phillips	1'	1	0	1				3	1	Lee Redmond	3	r	2'	0	0	0		5	1

 1. 69.8 (3-3) ( 3-3 ) Wilson, Morton, Watt, Moore
 2. 72.1 (3-3) ( 6-6 ) Redmond, Tresarrieu, Phillips, Complin
 3. 70.1 (5-1) (11-7 ) Bird, Swain, Stead, Allott   
 4. 70.8 (4-2) (15-9 ) Shields, Kessler, Phillips, Redmond(r)
 5. 71.3 (3-3) (18-12) Bird, Wilson, Moore, Swain(r)                 
 6. 71.2 (5-1) (23-13) Morton, Watt, Kessler, Complin             
 7. 71.2 (4-2) (27-15) Shields, Stead, Tresarrieu, Allott     
 8. 72.3 (1-5) (28-20) Wilson(t/s), Redmond, Watt, Phillips             
 9. 72.4 (5-1) (33-21) Bird, Swain, Kessler, Allott(t/s)          
10. 71.8 (5-1) (38-22) Morton, Watt, Stead, Kessler(t/s)          
11. 71.6 (5-1) (43-23) Shields, Tresarrieu, Moore, Wilson(r)     
12. 71.2 (4-2) (47-25) Bird, Stead, Phillips, Complin   
13. 71.9 (3-3) (50-28) Wilson, Morton, Shields, Redmond   
14. 72.2 (3-3) (53-31) Stead(t/s), Tresarrieu, Swain(-15), Redmond
15. 71.3 (3-3) (56-34) Wilson, Bird, Shields, Redmond

The Islanders gave us a lesson in gating on a dry and dusty surface which precluded any chance of racing. Andy, Adam and Lee Complin showed their lack of experience and finished last in all their outings. Lee Redmond was ok when he gated, but the less said about Robbie the better. Simon battled away to little effect and it was left to Sean to fight a losing battle. Will the Robins suffer on Thursday as the tail try to make amends?

Sunday 2nd September, Premier League
Swindon Robins								53		Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								37
Paul Fry	2	3	1	2'	1'			9	2	Sean Wilson (c)	3	3	3	2	1	3		15
Alun Rossiter	1'	1	2	3				7	1	Andrew Moore	0	0	1'					1	1
Oliver Allen	3	2	fx	3				8		Simon Stead	2	2	3	2	2	0		11
Claus Kristensen	1	1'	1	3				6	1	Adam Allott	0	0	0					0
Alan Mogridge	3	3	3	3	2			14		Robbie Kessler	2	2	2'	0	0			6	1
Martin Dixon	3	1	f	1	2'			7	1	Lee Complin	2	0	1					3
Ritchie Hawkins	1	1	0					2		Lee Redmond	0	x	1	f				1

 1. 68.5 (3-3) ( 3-3 ) Wilson, Fry, Rossiter, Moore
 2. 68.3 (4-2) ( 7-5 ) Dixon, Complin, Hawkins, Redmond
 3. 67.8 (4-2) (11-7 ) Allen, Stead, Kristensen, Allott   
 4. 68.1 (4-2) (15-9 ) Mogridge, Kessler, Hawkins, Redmond(x)
 5. 67.1 (3-3) (18-12) Wilson, Allen, Kristensen, Moore              
 6. 67.9 (4-2) (22-14) Fry, Stead, Rossiter, Complin              
 7. 68.1 (4-2) (26-16) Mogridge, Stead, Dixon, Allott         
 8. 68.9 (2-4) (28-20) Stead, Rossiter, Redmond, Hawkins                    
 9. 69.8 (1-5) (29-25) Wilson(t/s), Kessler, Kristensen, Allen(fx)
10. 69.3 (4-2) (33-27) Rossiter, Stead, Fry, Allott               
11. 68.1 (3-3) (36-30) Mogridge, Wilson, Moore, Dixon(f)          
12. 70.0 (4-2) (40-32) Allen, Stead, Dixon, Kessler(t/s)
13. 69.2 (5-1) (45-33) Mogridge, Fry, Wilson, Kessler     
14. 70.1 (5-1) (50-34) Kristensen, Dixon, Complin, Redmond(f)
15. 69.8 (3-3) (53-37) Wilson, Mogridge, Fry, Stead

A rejuvenated Robins team reversed the scoreline from the last Blunsdon clash against a two man Tigers team. Complin, Allot, Moore and Redmond managed just 5 points between them, and with Robbie's bikes taking a hammering it could have been even worse. Still it should liven up Thursdays return leg at Owlerton...

Thursday 30th August, Premier League
Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								67	116	Glasgow Tigers								22	64
Sean Wilson (c)	3	3	3	fx				9		James Grieves	1	1	0	r				2
Lee Redmond	2'	2'	2'	2'	3			11	4	Aiden Collins	0	fx	x2	1				1
Simon Stead	2'	3	3	3				11	1	Henning Bager	1	1	0	2	1'	1		6	1
Adam Allott	3	2'	2'	ef				7	2	Emiliano Sanchez	0	0	1	2				3
Robbie Kessler	3	3	2'	3				11	1	Les Collins	2	1	1	2	0			6
Lee Complin	3	2'	3	3	2'			13	2	Simon Cartwright	2	0	1	1'				4	1
Andy Moore	1	1	3	0				5		Derek Sneddon	0	0	0					0

 1. 63.4 (5-1) ( 5-1 ) Wilson, Redmond, Grieves, A.Collins
 2. 63.6 (4-2) ( 9-3 ) Complin, Cartwright, Moore, Sneddon
 3. 64.0 (5-1) (14-4 ) Allott, Stead, Bager, Sanchez
 4. 65.0 (4-2) (18-6 ) Kessler, L.Collins, Moore, Sneddon
 5. 67.1 (5-1) (23-7 ) Stead, Allott, Grieves, A.Collins(fx)
 6. 65.3 (5-1) (28-8 ) Wilson, Redmond, L.Collins, Cartwright
 7. 67.5 (5-1) (33-9 ) Kessler, Complin, Bager, Sanchez        
 8. 67.4 (5-1) (38-10) Moore, Redmond, Cartwright, A.Collins(2 mins)        
 9. 64.9 (5-1) (43-11) Stead, Allott, L.Collins, Sneddon
10. 67.1 (5-1) (48-12) Wilson, Redmond, Sanchez, Bager            
11. 66.4 (5-1) (53-13) Complin, Kessler, A.Collins, Grieves 
12. 65.4 (3-3) (56-16) Stead, Bager, Cartwright, Moore
13. awd  (3-2) (59-18) Kessler, Collins, Wilson(fx), Grieves(r)
14. 66.2 (3-3) (62-21) Complin, Sanchez, Bager(t/s), Allott(ef)
15. 68.1 (5-1) (67-22) Redmond, Complin, Bager, L.Collins

The Scottish Tigers were toothless and contrived to give all 15 heat wins to their southern counterparts. With rain falling from the parade through to heat 12 conditions were not exactly perfect, but the Sheffield lads, in particular the two Lees, made light of the conditions and battled past anyone who had the temerity to outgate them. Sicknote was at his typical Owlerton best taking just one point from his team mate in four outing, but his Fan Club (Sheffield branch) members were rewarded with the wonderful spectacle of seeing him lead heat one, for all of 50 yards, before reverting to norm.

Even Les Collins wasn't at the races although he received an ovation from the crowd for the speedy way he avoided the stricken Sean Wilson when he fell just in front of him. Henning Bager took the award for the leathers most in need of internal cleaning after the hairiest of fence scrapers all around the first and second turns, but otherwise failed to impress. With Potty, Aiden and Derek all off the pace and Simon Cartwright only beating Andy Moore the only question was could the home team break the 70 point barrier. With Sean falling in heat 13 and Adam retiring in heat 14 the answer was no.

There were a few raised eyebrows when Lee Redmond and Lee Complin were nominated for heat 15 as they were both sitting on maiden maximums. Obviously they were supremely confident as they both breezed past Les Collins by the second bend to cement their clean sheets to the delight of the home fans.

Thursday 23rd August, Premier League
Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								57	89	Hull Vikings								34	92
Sean Wilson (c)	3	3	3	3	3			15	1	Paul Thorp (c)	2	2	2	2	2	0		10
Lee Redmond	0	1	2					3		Ross Brady	1	ef	0	4*				5
Simon Stead	3	3	2	2'				10	1	Paul Bentley	1'	0	fx	0				1	1
Adam Allott	0	1	1'					1	1	David Walsh	2	1	0	1				4
Robbie Kessler	ef	3	3	1	2'			10	1	Garry Stead	2	2	3	3	0	1		11
Lee Complin	3	2'	1	f	ef			6	1	Jamie Smith	1	0	1					2
Andy Moore	2'	3	1'	3	3			12	2	Mike Smith	0	1'	0					1	1

 1. 61.9 (3-3) ( 3-3 ) Wilson, Thorp Brady, Redmond
 2. 64.2 (5-1) ( 8-4 ) Complin, Moore, J.Smith, M.Smith
 3. 63.0 (3-3) (11-7 ) S.Stead, Walsh, Bentley, Allott
 4. 64.7 (3-3) (14-10) Moore, G.Stead, M.Smith, Kessler(ef)
 5. 62.1 (4-2) (18-12) S.Stead, Thorp, Allott, Brady
 6. 62.2 (4-2) (22-14) Wilson, G.Stead, Redmond, J.Smith      
 7. 63.5 (5-1) (27-15) Kessler, Complin, Walsh, Bentley        
 8. 62.2 (3-3) (30-18) G.Stead(t/s), Redmond, Moore, Brady                  
 9. 62.3 (3-3) (33-21) G.Stead, S.Stead, Allott, M.Smith
10. 61.5 (4-2) (37-23) Wilson, Thorp(t/s), Complin, Walsh         
11. 62.6 (3-2) (40-25) Kessler, Thorp, Complin(f), Brady(t/s, fx) 
12. 62.7 (5-1) (45-26) Moore, S.Stead, Walsh(t/s), Bentley     
13. 62.1 (4-2) (49-28) Wilson, Thorp, Kessler, G.Stead
14. 64.7 (3-5) (52-33) Moore, Brady(GD), J.Smith, Complin(ef)
15. 62.6 (5-1) (57-34) Wilson, Kessler, G.Stead, Thorp

A scintillating night of action as the Tigers make a fist of chasing the bonus point against the champions elect. After the comprehensive stuffing the night before the Tigers must have been given a stern talking to, and suddenly riders who couldn't gate for toffee were flying from the start!(?). Reserves Andy and Lee were transformed into real speedway riders for whom nothing was impossible, and even Lee Redmond made a pass. The bonus point was lost thanks to untimely engine failures by both Robbie and Lee Complin (both leading at the time), and by the tactics of the Vikings team manager who introduced the woeful Ross Brady as a golden double in heat 14 just to get the extra point for beating his team mate. When Lee pulled up in the lead Ross's resulting four points sank the Tigers. The Tigers may also argue that Lee Complin was ahead of Paul Thorp in heat 11, and looking good when Paul Bentley fell at the back. Whether he deliberately stayed down we will never know, but Paul and Louis Carr had a heated difference of opinion about it in the pits.

The difference between the two days was dramatic, as were the track conditions, just! When the riders got to the track there was a near revolt when the Tigers found a track prepared to perfectly suit the visitors. By the time the meeting started it had been transformed into something like the Newcastle track from the other week, and the Vikings had to stand and watch it happen!

Wednesday 22nd August, Premier League
Hull Vikings								58		Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								32
Paul Thorp (c)	3	3	3	1'	3			13	1	Sean Wilson (c)	2	2	3	3	3	fx		13
David Walsh	1	2'	2	2'				7	2	Lee Redmond	0	0	0					0
Paul Bentley	3	1	3	2	2'			11	1	Simon Stead	2	fx	3	1	3			9
Ross Brady	1	3	0	3				7		Adam Allott	0	ef	0					0
Garry Stead	3	2	2	2				9		Robbie Kessler	2	fx	2	1	0	1		6
Mike Smith	2'	1'	1'	2'				6	4	Lee Complin	0	1	1'	0				2	1
Jamie Smith	3	1	1'	0				5	1	Andy Moore	1	0	1					2

 1. 65.3 (4-2) ( 4-2 ) Thorp, Wilson, Walsh, Redmond
 2. 67.6 (5-1) ( 9-3 ) J.Smith, M.Smith, Moore, Complin
 3. 67.5 (4-2) (13-5 ) Bentley, S.Stead, Brady, Allott    
 4. 66.4 (4-2) (17-7 ) G.Stead, Kessler, J.Smith, Moore 
 5. 67.4 (4-2) (21-9 ) Brady, Wilson, Bentley(f/awd), S.Stead(t/s,fx)
 6.  awd (5-1) (26-10) Thorp, Walsh, Complin, Kessler(fx)         
 7. 67.2 (3-3) (29-13) S.Stead, G.Stead, M.Smith, Allott(ef)
 8. 66.5 (3-3) (32-16) Wilson(t/s), Walsh, J.Smith, Redmond                 
 9. 67.7 (3-3) (35-19) Bentley, Kessler, Complin, Brady
10. 67.4 (5-1) (40-20) Thorp, Walsh, S.Stead, Allott              
11. 67.0 (3-3) (43-23) Wilson, G.Stead, M.Smith, Redmond          
12. 67.6 (2-4) (45-27) S.Stead, Bentley, Kessler(t/s), J.Smith
13. 67.4 (3-3) (48-30) Wilson, G.Stead, Thorp, Kessler      
14.      (5-1) (53-31) Brady, M.Smith, Moore, Complin
15.      (5-1) (58-32) Thorp, Bentley, Kessler, Wilson(fx)

Sean Wilson passed Paul Bentley in a lovely outside swoop on the second lap of heat 5, and Lee Complin passed Ross Brady out of turn 4 in heat 9, just as Paul Bentley was overtaking Robbie at the front. Robbie then gated first and led down the back straight with Sean riding shotgun in heat 13. Robbie went too wide on turn 4 and as Sean sped away Garry Stead went through into second, and to rub salt into the wound Paul Thorp outdragged him from the last turn and passed him on the finish line. First to last!

As a fitting postscript to a dire Tigers performance Sean got leaned on into turn 1 in heat 15, and even though he forced his way into the turn, front wheel on the rugby pitch, both Vikings went through into the lead. Never say die Sean looked for a way through down the outside only to have the gap shut on him and he fell in an untidy heap as his footrest got caught in the danger fence.

Mechanical mayhem in the Tigers side of the pits does not bode well for the return match at Owlerton with certain riders scratching to put together working machines!

Thursday 16th August, Premier League
Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								51		IOW Islanders								39
Sean Wilson	3	3	ef	3				9		Ray Morton	2	r	r					2
Lee Redmond	1	r	2	2				5		Seb Tresarrieu	rider replacement							(4)
Simon Stead	2	3	3	2	3			13		Danny Bird	3	2	3	3	3	x2		14
Adam Allott	1'	2'	1	2				6	2	Scott Swain (c)	0	1	0	3	0			4
Robbie Kessler	3	3	2	2'	2'			12	2	Adam Shields	2	2	2	1	1	1		9
Lee Complin	2	1	1'	0	1'			5	2	Davey Watt	r	3	1'	3	0	1	0	8	1
Andy Moore	0	1	x2	0				1		Glen Phillips	1	0	1	0				2

 1. 63.5 (4-2) ( 4-2 ) Wilson, Morton, Redmond, Watt(r/r, r)
 2. 65.8 (2-4) ( 6-6 ) Watt Complin, Phillips, Moore  
 3. 64.2 (3-3) ( 9-9 ) Bird, Stead, Allott, Swain         
 4. 65.8 (4-2) (13-11) Kessler, Shields, Moore, Phillips
 5. 66.3 (5-1) (18-12) Stead, Allott, Swain(r/r), Morton(r)
 6. 65.3 (3-3) (21-15) Wilson, Shields, Watt, Redmond(r)          
 7. 66.4 (4-2) (25-17) Kessler, Bird, Complin, Swain     
 8. 67.1 (3-3) (28-20) Watt, Redmond, Complin, Morton(t/s, r), Moore(2 mins)
 9. 64.7 (4-2) (32-22) Stead, Shields, Allott, Watt
10. 66.5 (2-4) (34-26) Swain, Redmond, Phillips, Wilson(ef)       
11. 65.1 (2-4) (36-30) Bird(r/r), Kessler, Shields(t/s), Complin
12. 65.7 (2-4) (38-34) Bird, Stead, Watt, Moore        
13. 65.9 (5-1) (43-35) Wilson, Kessler, Shields, Watt       
14. 66.4 (3-3) (46-38) Bird(t/s), Allott, Complin, Swain
15. 66.0 (5-1) (51-39) Stead, Kessler, Shields, Phillips, Bird(2 mins)

Thursday 9th August, Premier League
Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								55	96	Berwick Bandits								35	84
Sean Wilson	3	1'	3	2'				9	2	Adrian Rymel	1'	1'	x					2	2
Lee Redmond	0	2	0	2'				4	1	Michal Makovsky	2	2	2'	1	1	1'		9	2
Simon Stead	3	3	3	3	r			12		Wayne Carter	1	2	0					3
Adam Allott	2'	0	0	3				5	1	David Meldrum	0	0	1	1				2
Robbie Kessler	3	3	3	3	3			15		Scott Robson	0	3	2	2	0	x2		7
Lee Complin	2	1	2'	2'				7	2	Josef Franc	1	0	1'					2	1
Andy Moore	0	1	1	1				3		Scott Lamb	3	2	3	0	0	2		10

 1. 63.6 (3-3) ( 3-3 ) Wilson, Makovsky, Rymel, Redmond
 2. 65.4 (2-4) ( 5-7 ) Lamb, Complin, Franc, Moore    
 3. 67.8 (5-1) (10-8 ) Stead, Allott, Carter, Meldrum
 4. 67.8 (4-2) (14-10) Kessler, Lamb, Moore, Robson        
 5. 68.5 (3-3) (17-13) Stead, Makovsky, Rymel, Allott      
 6. 68.4 (3-3) (20-16) Robson, Redmond, Wilson, Franc             
 7. 70.1 (4-2) (24-18) Kessler, Carter, Complin, Meldrum 
 8. 70.8 (1-5) (25-23) Lamb, Makovsky, Moore, Redmond                     
 9. 68.0 (3-3) (28-26) Stead, Robson, Franc, Allott  
10. 68.8 (5-1) (33-27) Wilson, Redmond, Meldrum, Carter           
11.  awd (5-1) (38-28) Kessler, Complin, Makovsky, Rymel(fx)     
12. 68.6 (4-2) (42-30) Stead, Robson, Moore, Lamb      
13. 69.2 (5-1) (47-31) Kessler, Wilson, Makovsky, Robson
14. 68.9 (5-1) (52-32) Allott, Complin, Meldrum, Lamb
15. 70.2 (3-3) (55-35) Kessler, Lamb, Makovsky, Stead(r), Robson(2 mins)

Thursday 2nd August, Premier League
Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								58		Stoke Potters								34
Sean Wilson	3	3	3	2'	3			14	1	Paul Pickering	2	f	3	f	r	1'		6	1
Lee Redmond	1	1	1	2'				5	1	Mark Burrows	0	2	2'	2	1'			7	2
Simon Stead	3	3	3	3				12		Tony Atkin	1	2	1	2	2			8
Adam Allott	2'	1	1	0				4	1	Jon Armstrong	0	0	0					0
Robbie Kessler	2	3	3	3	0			11		Jan Stæchmann	3	2	2	1	4*			12
Lee Complin	2'	1	1	3				7	1	Wayne Broadhurst	1	0	0					1
Andy Moore	3	1'	r	1				5	1	Will Beveridge	0	0	0					0

 1. 62.6 (4-2) ( 4-2 ) Wilson, Pickering, Redmond, Burrows
 2. 63.8 (5-1) ( 9-3 ) Moore, Complin, Broadhurst, Beveridge  
 3. 63.3 (5-1) (14-4 ) Stead, Allott, Atkin, Armstrong    
 4. 63.6 (3-3) (17-7 ) Stæchmann, Kessler, Moore, Beveridge
 5. 63.5 (4-2) (21-9 ) Stead, Burrows, Allott, Pickering(f)  
 6. 64.8 (4-2) (25-11) Wilson, Stæchmann, Redmond, Broadhurst
 7. 65.1 (4-2) (29-13) Kessler, Atkin, Complin, Armstrong
 8. 67.0 (1-5) (30-18) Pickering(t/s), Burrows, Redmond, Moore(r)      
 9. 64.1 (4-2) (34-20) Stead, Stæchmann, Allott, Broadhurst
10. 65.7 (5-1) (39-21) Wilson, Redmond, Atkin, Armstrong          
11. 67.1 (4-2) (43-23) Kessler, Burrows, Complin, Pickering(f)
12. 65.6 (4-2) (47-25) Stead, Atkin, Moore, Beveridge
13. 64.9 (5-1) (52-26) Kessler, Wilson, Stæchmann, Pickering(r)
14. 64.4 (3-5) (55-31) Complin, Stæchmann(GD), Burrows(t/s), Allott
15. 64.4 (3-3) (58-34) Wilson, Atkin, Pickering, Kessler

Thursday 26th July: Premier League
Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								58	100	Arena Essex								32	80
Sean Wilson	3	3	3	3				12		Troy Pratt	0	0	0					0
Lee Redmond	1	0	1	2'				4	1	Shaun Tacey	2	1	3	2	2	2		12
Simon Stead	3	2'	3	2'	3			13	2	Colin White	0	2	1	1	2'			6	1
Adam Allott	2'	3	0	0				5	1	Lee Dicken	1	0	0	3				4
Robbie Kessler	3	3	3	2'	1			12	1	Leigh Lanham	2	2	2'	1'	1	0		8	2
Lee Complin	2'	1	1	1				5	1	Andy Galvin	1	1'	fx					2	1
Andy Moore	3	1	0	3				7		Luke Clifton	0	0	0					0

 1. 61.9 (4-2) ( 4-2 ) Wilson, Tacey, Redmond, Pratt
 2. 63.9 (5-1) ( 9-3 ) Moore, Complin, Galvin, Clifton         
 3. 63.8 (5-1) (14-4 ) Stead, Allott, Dicken, White        
 4. 63.9 (4-2) (18-6 ) Kessler, Lanham, Moore, Clifton 
 5. 63.3 (5-1) (23-7 ) Allott, Stead, Tacey, Pratt            
 6. 64.0 (3-3) (26-10) Wilson, Lanham, Galvin, Redmond(f/rem)
 7. 64.1 (4-2) (30-12) Kessler, White, Complin, Dicken  
 8. 63.5 (1-5) (31-17) Tacey, Lanham(t/s), Redmond, Moore              
 9. 62.2 (3-3) (34-20) Stead, Tacey(t/s), Lanham, Allott     
10. 62.0 (5-1) (39-21) Wilson, Redmond, White, Dicken             
11. 62.6 (4-2) (43-23) Kessler, Tacey, Complin, Pratt        
12. 62.2 (5-1) (48-24) Moore, Stead, White, Galvin(fx)  
13. 63.1 (5-1) (53-25) Wilson, Kessler, Lanham, Clifton
14. 63.7 (1-5) (54-30) Dicken, White(t/s), Complin, Allott     
15. 63.2 (4-2) (58-32) Stead, Tacey, Kessler, Lanham

The Tigers performed the ritual slaughter of the Hammers despite a spirited display by Shaun Tacey and to a lesser degree Leigh Lanham. Lee Redmond displayed some sharp gating but needs more track time before we can hope to see what he's capable of...

Tuesday 24th July: Premier League
Trelawny Tigers								48	74	Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								42	105
Kenny Olsson	2'	1'	3	2	2			10	2	Sean Wilson	1	3	3	2	3			12
Brett Woodifield	3	2	2	2'	1'			10	2	Adam Allott	0	0	0					0
Chris Harris	1'	2	1	3				7	1	Simon Stead	3	2	3	1	2			11
Mark Courtney	2	1'	0					3	1	Lee Redmond	tx	0	f					0
Pavel Ondrasik	3	3	3	0				9		Robbie Kessler	2	3	2'	1	3	3		14	1
Graeme Gordon (c)	3	1	ef	1	1			6		Lee Complin	0	0	0	0				0
Simon Phillips	1	0	1'	1				3	1	Andy Moore	2	0	1'	0	2'			5	2

 1. 55.09 (5-1) ( 5-1 ) Woodifield, Olsson, Wilson, Allott
 2. 55.54 (4-2) ( 9-3 ) Gordon, Moore, Phillips, Complin 
 3. 54.81 (3-3) (12-6 ) Stead, Courtney, Harris, Moore, Redmond(tps)
 4. 55.01 (3-3) (15-9 ) Ondrasik, Kessler, Moore, Phillips             
 5. 54.84 (3-3) (18-12) Wilson, Harris, Courtney, Allott
 6. 55.14 (3-3) (21-15) Kessler, Woodifield, Olsson, Complin 
 7. 55.28 (4-2) (25-17) Ondrasik, Stead, Gordon, Redmond   
 8. 54.81 (3-3) (28-20) Wilson(t/s), Woodifield, Phillips, Moore     
 9. 54.84 (1-5) (29-25) Stead(t/s), Kessler, Harris, Gordon              
10.  awd  (5-1) (34-26) Olsson, Woodifield, Stead, Redmond(f)       
11. 54.56 (4-2) (38-28) Ondrasik, Wilson, Gordon, Allott             
12. 54.34 (4-2) (42-30) Harris, Stead, Phillips, Complin                 
13. 54.68 (2-4) (44-34) Wilson, Olsson, Kessler, Ondrasik             
14. 54.67 (1-5) (45-39) Kessler(t/s), Moore, Gordon, Courtney                   
15. 54.58 (3-3) (58-42) Kessler, Olsson, Woodifield, Complin

TRELAWNY JAG Tigers climbed off the bottom of the Premier League table thanks to an impressive 48-42 victory over the Sheffield Star Tigers at the Clay Country Moto Parc on Tuesday evening. The Cornish side never looked back after being given a perfect start by Brett Woodifield and Kenny Olsson, who scored a 5-1 against visiting skipper Sean Wilson in the opening heat. Trelawny picked up points consistently throughout the side while Sheffield relied heavily on their heat leaders with three of their team failing to score.

The meeting provided some exciting racing with Pavel Ondrasik showing the way when he stormed inside Robbie Kessler to win heat four. Ondrasik won his first three races, but missed out on a maximum when he was beaten out of the start by Wilson and Kessler in heat 13.

REPORT BY : Graham Hambly

Monday 23rd July: Premier League
Reading Racers								53	93	Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								37	89
Charlie Gjedde	3	3	2	3	3	fx		14		Sean Wilson	2	1'	3	2	fx	0		8	1
Paul Clews	rider replacement							(5)		Adam Allott	0	1	0					1
Phil Morris (c)	1'	0	3	2				6	1	Simon Stead	3	2	3	3	3	2		16
Dave Mullett	2	3	2	r	3			10		Lee Redmond	f	1	1	fx				2
Armondo Castagna	3	2	3	2'	1			11	1	Robbie Kessler	2	1	2	1	1			7
Chris Schramm	2'	1	0	1	2'			6	2	Lee Complin	1	0	1'					2	1
Tommy Palmer	1	3	2'	0	0	0		6	1	Andy Moore	0	0	1					1

 1. 61.0 (4-2) ( 4-2 ) Gjedde, Wilson, Palmer(r/r), Allott
 2. 63.5 (5-1) ( 9-3 ) Palmer, Schramm, Complin, Moore  
 3. 61.8 (3-3) (12-6 ) Stead, Mullett, Morris, Redmond(f)  
 4. 62.3 (4-2) (16-8 ) Castagna, Kessler, Schramm, Moore              
 5. 62.3 (3-3) (19-11) Mullett, Stead(t/s), Wilson, Morris
 6. 62.2 (5-1) (24-12) Gjedde, Palmer(r/r), Kessler, Complin 
 7. 62.6 (2-4) (26-16) Stead, Castagna, Redmond, Schramm  
 8. 62.3 (2-4) (28-20) Wilson(t/s), Mullett(r/r), Allott, Palmer    
 9. 63.1 (3-3) (31-23) Morris, Kessler, Complin, Mullett(r)             
10. 62.9 (2-4) (33-27) Stead, Gjedde, Redmond, Palmer(r/r)         
11. 62.4 (4-2) (37-29) Castagna, Wilson, Schramm, Allott            
12. 63.5 (2-4) (39-33) Stead, Morris, Kessler, Palmer                   
13. 63.3 (5-1) (44-34) Gjedde, Castagna, Kessler, Wilson(fx)         
14. 63.3 (5-1) (49-35) Mullett, Schramm, Moore, Redmond(fx)                    
15. 63.0 (4-2) (53-37) Gjedde, Stead, Castagna, Wilson

Sunday 22nd July: Premier League
Newport Wasps								41	62	Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								49	100
Anders Henriksson	3	2	2	1'	2	fx		10	1	Sean Wilson	2	3	3	1	3			12
Chris Neath	1	f	1'	2				4	1	Adam Allott	0	0	0	1				1
Glenn Cunningham	2	2	3	3	3	1		14		Simon Stead	3	2						5
Scott Smith	0	1'	2'	2'				5	3	Lee Redmond	1	1'	3	0				5	1
Steve Masters	f	3	2	r				5		Robbie Kessler	3	3	1	3	2'			12	1
Rob Finlow	0	fx	f					0		Lee Complin	2'	1	0	0				3	1
Carl Wilkinson	1	1	1					3		Andy Moore	3	2'	3	0	1	2		11	1

 1. 63.9 (4-2) ( 4-2 ) Henriksson, Wilson, Neath, Allott
 2. 64.8 (1-5) ( 5-7 ) Moore, Complin, Wilkinson, Finlow
 3. 62.9 (2-4) ( 7-11) Stead, Cunningham, Redmond, Smith   
 4. 63.0 (1-5) ( 8-16) Kessler, Moore, Wilkinson(f/rem), Masters(f)   
 5. 62.4 (3-3) (11-19) Wilson, Cunningham, Smith, Allott
 6. 63.4 (2-4) (13-23) Kessler, Henriksson, Complin, Neath(f)
 7. 65.3 (3-3) (16-26) Masters, Stead, Redmond(f/rem), Finlow(fx)  
 8. 64.4 (3-3) (19-29) Moore, Henriksson(t/s), Neath, Allott   
 9. 62.6 (5-1) (24-30) Cunningham, Smith, Kessler, Complin              
10. 64.0 (3-3) (27-33) Redmond, Neath, Henriksson, Moore, Stead(ns)
11. 63.1 (2-4) (29-37) Wilson, Masters, Allott, Finlow(f)           
12. 63.1 (5-1) (34-38) Cunningham, Smith(t/s), Moore, Complin, Stead(ns)
13. 63.7 (2-4) (36-42) Kessler, Henriksson, Wilson, Masters(r)       
14. 64.3 (4-2) (40-44) Cunningham(t/s), Moore, Wilkinson(f/rem), Redmond(f/rem)
15. 63.2 (1-5) (41-49) Wilson, Kessler, Cunningham, Henriksson(fx)

Anders Henriksson powered past Sean down the back straight to win heat 1, but the rejuvenated Sheffield reserves put Sheffield into the lead with a maximum in heat 2, a lead the Tigers would never surrender. Simon won heat 3 with Lee Redmond beating fellow countryman Scott Smith to extend the Tigers lead, and Robbie and Andy took maximum advantage of falls by both Newport riders in heat 4. Sean won heat 5 but Adam was tailed off at the back, and Robbie won heat 6 as the Tigers extended their lead to 10 with Chris Neath falling this time.

Rob Finlow lost control on turn 2 in heat 7 and T-boned Simon who cart-wheeled into the fence. After receiving attention Simon rode in the rerun but then withdrew from the rest of the meeting. Lee Redmond fell at the back in the rerun, but remounted to claim the odd point. Tactical substitute Anders Henriksson and Chris Neath tried every which way in heat 8 but Andy Moore rode his heart out to deny them and maintain the 10 point lead. Robbie however was on the receiving end in the next as the Wasps began their fight-back. Andy Moore came in for the unfit Simon Stead but was unable to reproduce his heat 8 heroics on the dry and dusty track, but Lee Redmond celebrated with his first heat win for the Tigers.

Sean passed Steve Masters to win heat 11 with Adam being gifted a point when Rob Finlow fell (again), but the Wasps took advantage of Simon's absence to claim a 5-1 in heat 12 and reduce the deficit to just 4 points. Robbie won from Anders and Sean in heat 13, and tac-sub Glenn Cunningham took the flag in heat 14 with Carl Wilkinson claiming third place despite falling on the last lap (Lee Redmond having fallen earlier). With Newport requiring a 5-1 to draw the match Anders took Sean right to the fence on turn 2 letting Glenn and Robbie through. Despite his efforts Anders then fell on turn 3 and was excluded. Sean and Robbie took a maximum in the rerun to complete the white-wash.

If they thought the Tigers would be all at sea on a slick dry track they were proved wrong with their own riders suffering the majority of the falls. The Newport fans are deserting the struggling team, and will surely continue to do so while ever the track is maintained in such a disgraceful condition. Fingers crossed that Simon is fit to take his place against Reading and Trelawny in the next two days...

Thursday 19th July: Premier League
Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								52		Reading Racers								40
Sean Wilson	3	3	3	3	2			14		Charlie Gjedde	ef	2	1'	2	3			8	1
Adam Allott	1	0	3	tx				4		Paul Clews	2	1'	2	2	4*	ns		11	1
Simon Stead	3	3	3	3	ns			12		Phil Morris (c)	2	2	r	2	2			8
Lee Redmond	0	0	1	0				1		Dave Mullett	1'	1'	1'	1'				4	4
Robbie Kessler	3	3	3	0				9		Armando Castagna	2	2	2	1'				7	1
Lee Complin	3	0	0	3	1'			7	1	Chris Schramm	0	1'	0	0				1	1
Andy Moore	2'	1	1	0	1			5	1	Tommy Palmer	1	0	0					1

 1. 63.6 (4-2) ( 4-2 ) Wilson, Clews, Allott, Gjedde
 2. 64.1 (5-1) ( 9-3 ) Complin, Moore, Palmer, Schramm  
 3. 62.7 (3-3) (12-6 ) Stead, Morris, Mullett, Redmond      
 4. 62.9 (4-2) (16-8 ) Kessler, Castagna, Moore, Palmer 
 5. 61.8 (3-3) (19-11) Stead, Gjedde, Clews, Redmond          
 6. 63.1 (3-3) (22-14) Wilson, Castagna, Schramm, Allott
 7. 63.5 (3-3) (25-17) Kessler, Morris, Mullett, Complin
 8. 63.1 (4-2) (29-19) Allott, Clews, Moore, Morris(t/s,r)              
 9. 62.1 (4-2) (33-21) Stead, Castagna, Redmond, Schramm     
10. 62.6 (3-3) (36-24) Wilson, Morris, Mullett, Moore, Allott(tps)
11. 62.1 (3-3) (39-27) Kessler, Clews, Gjedde, Complin         
12. 62.6 (4-2) (43-29) Stead, Morris, Moore, Palmer       
13. 62.6 (3-3) (46-32) Wilson, Gjedde, Castagna, Kessler 
14. 63.9 (3-5) (49-37) Complin, Clews(G/D), Mullett, Redmond
15. 63.1 (3-3) (52-40) Gjedde, Wilson, Complin, Schramm, Stead(ns), Clews(ns)

A solid display by the Racers second strings although the heat-leaders found the Tigers top three too much to handle. Charlie Cheddar looked set to win heat 1 until developing some mechanical problem and even Adam Allott from half a lap behind was able to get past for the point. He got his revenge in the rerun heat 15 to inflict the only defeat on Sean Wilson after an electric start. The only other Racer worthy of note was the impressive Paul Clews who was great value for money with his fence scraping style. Well worth a Golden Double attempt in heat 14 he was held up for too long by team mate Dave Mullett and had just the last two bends to challenge Lee Complin for the lead. Paul and Simon Stead locked together into turn one in heat 15 and cartwheeled into the fence. Although both walked from the track neither were able to take their place in the rerun. [Paul suffered a broken right thumb and will be out for approx. 6 weeks].

For the Tigers Simon was unbeatable, Robbie impressed until he was passed by both Racers inside a lap in heat 13, and Sean rode strongly after a gifted win in heat 1. Adam Allott struggled with his new Finn Jensen carburettor and won heat 8 after switching back to his old one. Andy Moore rode well for his points and passed Tommy Palmer in heats 2, 4 and 12! Lee Complin repassed Dave Mullett to regain the lead in heat 14 and went on to keep Paul Clews at bay on the final lap to bring the house down. Lee Redmond showed his inexperience and lack of match fitness on his Premier League debut. He made the starts well but lost track places by going too wide in heat 2, and was far too hesitant into turn 3 in heat 5. Give him a few weeks and we'll see if he has got it in him...

Monday 16th July: Conference League
Owlerton Prowlers								62	102	Newport Mavericks								28	76
Lee Hodgson	3	3	3	3	3			15		Scott Pegler	rider replacement							(6)
David Speight	0	1	2'	1				4	1	Simon Walker	1'	1	0	0				2	1
Lee Complin	3	3	3	3	3	1		16		Rob Finlow	2	2	1	2	1	2	2	12
Luke Priest	1	2'	2'	0	3			8	2	Michael Mitchell	0	fx	0	0				0
Matt Cambridge	rider replacement							(9)		Danny Hodgson	2	ef	2	1	2	1'		8	1
Ben Wilson	1	0	1	1				3		Mark Chillman	0	0	ef					0
Rory Schlein	3	2'	3	3	2'			13	2	Tom Brown	2	1	1'	0	2	x2		6	1

 1. 64.6 (3-3) ( 3-3 ) L.Hodgson, D.Hodgson(r/r), Walker, Speight
 2. 66.3 (4-2) ( 7-5 ) Schlein, Brown, Wilson, Chillman
 3. 66.4 (4-2) (11-7 ) Complin, Finlow, Priest, Mitchell        
 4. 65.2 (5-1) (16-8 ) L.Hodgson(r/r), Schlein, Brown, D.Hodgson(ef)
 5.  awd (5-1) (21-9 ) Complin, Priest, Walker, Mitchell(r/r,fx)
 6. 65.4 (4-2) (25-11) L.Hodgson, D.Hodgson, Speight, Chillman
 7. 66.5 (3-3) (28-14) Complin(r/r), Finlow, Brown, Wilson            
 8. 64.6 (5-1) (33-15) Schlein, Speight, Finlow(t/s), Walker    
 9. 66.2 (5-1) (38-16) Complin, Priest, D.Hodgson, Chillman       
10. 65.1 (4-2) (42-18) L.Hodgson, Finlow, Speight, Mitchell
11. 65.9 (4-2) (46-20) Schlein(r/r), D,Hodgson, Wilson, Walker
12. 67.0 (5-1) (51-21) Complin, Schlein, Finlow, Brown        
13. 66.5 (3-3) (54-24) L.Hodgson, Finlow, D.Hodgson, Priest(r/r)
14. 68.9 (4-2) (58-26) Priest, Brown, Wilson, Mitchell(15m)
15. 66.6 (4-2) (62-28) L.Hodgson, R.Finlow, L.Complin, Brown(2mins)

The Prowlers welcomed Lee, Lee and Ben back from injury and found themselves facing the remnants of the Newport Mavericks, so maverick that Shane Colvin decided he couldn't afford the day off work and refused to ride! They failed to provide a single heat winner and only Rob Finlow took the fight to the rampant Prowlers. Despite resting the impoverished Andy Moore, not to mention Ritchie Hawkins and the otherwise engaged Jamie Birkinshaw, the Prowlers made hay on the slick and dusty track. Luke Priest had his best outing since last years Newport match (they obviously bring out the best in him!) and Ben Wilson had an understandably cautious debut home meeting. Lee Complin dropped his only point in heat 15 while the very impressive Lee Hodgson and Rory Schlein both raced to maximums.

Adam Allott and Lee Redmond showed up well in after the meeting rides and should both feature in Thursdays match against Reading, not an easy way to break back into racing but if both can convert enthusiasm into points we will be laughing. Andy Moore will surely be relieved that we are returning to a seven man team and that he can concentrate on his taking his own rides after some of the marathon matches he has faced recently with such little reward.

Sunday 15th July: Premier League
Stoke Potters								49		Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								41
Paul Pickering (c)	3	3	2	1'	3			12	1	Ray Morton	2	3	2	2'	3	1		13	1
Mark Burrows	1	2'	3	f				6	1	Adam Allott	rider replacement							(1)
Tony Atkin	1	2	2	1				6		Simon Stead	3	3	3	3	3	ef		15
Grant McDonald	0	1'	0	3				4	1	Davey Watt (g)	0	2'	1	1	2	0	0	6	1
Jan Stæchmann	3	2	3	2	2'			12	1	Robbie Kessler	2	1	x2	0				3
Dean Felton	1	0	0	1				2		Rory Schlein	0	0	1					1
Jon Armstrong	3	1	2'	1				7	1	Andy Moore	2	0	0	0	1	0	0	3

 1. 64.5 (4-2) ( 4-2 ) Pickering, Morton, Burrows, Watt(r/r)
 2. 66.7 (4-2) ( 8-4 ) Armstrong, Moore, Felton, Schlein
 3. 64.3 (1-5) ( 9-9 ) Stead, Watt, Atkin, McDonald        
 4. 63.6 (4-2) (13-11) Stæchmann, Kessler, Armstrong, Moore   
 5. 64.1 (3-3) (16-14) Morton, Atkin, McDonald, Moore(r/r)
 6. 64.3 (5-1) (21-15) Pickering, Burrows, Kessler, Schlein
 7. 64.3 (2-4) (23-19) Stead, Stæchmann, Watt, Felton
 8. 66.6 (5-1) (28-20) Burrows, Armstrong, Schlein(r/r), Moore 
 9. 63.5 (2-4) (30-24) Stead(t/s), Atkin, Moore, McDonald, Kessler(2mins)
10. 63.3 (2-4) (32-28) Stead, Pickering, Watt, Burrows(f)    
11. 64.5 (4-2) (36-30) Stæchmann, Morton, Armstrong, Moore(r/r)
12. 63.9 (1-5) (37-35) Stead, Morton(t/s), Atkin, Felton           
13. 64.5 (3-3) (40-38) Morton, Stæchmann, Pickering, Kessler
14. 65.5 (4-2) (44-40) McDonald, Watt, Armstrong, Moore
15. 64.8 (5-1) (49-41) Pickering,Stæchmann, Morton, Stead(ef)

When Robbie accelerated past Buzz exiting turn 2 it looked good for the Tigers as it seemed Robbie had put his mechanical problems behind him. That Jan went past Robbie within yards wasn't too unexpected. What was unexpected was that Robbie would only add one more point to the Tigers total and fail to finish ahead of any other Stoke rider. Simon made the long journey from Solvenia (by air thanks to the generosity of a supporter, the management having refused to contribute) and was tremendous value even passing Jan in heat 7. Ray Morton was an adequate replacement for Sean Wilson, and Davey Watt gave his all despite losing the lead in heat 14 when he couldn't see turn 1 for the setting sun. Robbie surrendered the lead in heat 6 being passed by Paul and Buzz before the end of lap 1, exceeded the time allowance in heat 9, and went from first to last in heat 13. Rory was outclassed and Andy Moore made one good start in heat 9, but when Simon didn't wait for him he soon fell prey to Tony Atkin on the 3rd bend.

A below par display by Robbie at Newcastle saw us dip out of the KO Cup. A mere 8 points would have won us the match today, but as it is we have all but handed the League to Hull (spit). Lee Redmond will have a trial spin after the Prowlers match on Monday and will likely take over from the injured Scott Smith from Thursday. Luke Priest suffered no serious injuries in his crash last week.

Thursday 12th July: Premier League Knockout Cup
Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								47	81	Newcastle Diamonds								43	99
Sean Wilson	f	3	3	2'	3			11	1	Bjarne Pedersen	3	2	3	1				9
Paul Lee (g)	2	f	1	0	2			5		Richard Juul	1	0	2'	2'				5	2
Simon Stead	3	3	3	3	3			15		André Compton	2	2	2	1	2			9
Scott Smith	rider replacement							(5)		Kevin Little	0	1'	1'	ef				2	2
Robbie Kessler	1	3	3	ef	2'	1		10	1	Jesper Olsen (c)	2	1'	2	r				5	1
Rory Schlein	0	0	1					1		Rob Grant	3	2	0	0				5
Andy Moore	1	1	1	0	1	1'		5	1	James Birkinshaw	2'	0	3	3	0			8	1

 
 1. 63.7 (2-4) ( 2-4 ) Pedersen, Lee, Juul, Wilson(f)
 2. 64.6 (1-5) ( 3-9 ) Grant, Birkinhaw, Moore, Schlein 
 3. 62.2 (4-2) ( 7-11) Stead, Compton, Kessler(r/r), Little 
 4. 63.1 (4-2) (11-13) Kessler, Olsen, Moore, Birkinshaw
 5. 62.5 (4-2) (15-15) Stead, Pedersen, Moore(r/r), Juul      
 6. 62.8 (3-3) (18-18) Wilson, Grant, Olsen, Lee(f)
 7. 63.0 (3-3) (21-21) Kessler, Compton, Little, Schlein 
 8. 62.7 (1-5) (22-26) Birkinshaw, Juul, Lee, Moore                       
 9. 62.4 (4-2) (26-28) Stead, Olsen, Moore(r/r), Grant       
10. 63.0 (3-3) (29-31) Wilson, Compton, Little, Lee      
11. 64.7 (1-5) (30-36) Pedersen, Juul, Schlein, Kessler(ef)    
12. 62.5 (5-1) (35-37) Stead, Wilson, Compton, Grant      
13. 64.9 (5-1) (40-38) Wilson, Kessler, Pedersen, Olsen  
14. 66.5 (3-3) (43-41) Birkinshaw, Lee(r/r), Moore, Little(ef)
15. 64.7 (4-2) (47-43) Stead, Compton, Kessler, Birkinshaw

After tangling with Sean at the start of heat 1, Bjarne made an electric start to take the lead. Sean gave 110% in his efforts to get on terms and ended up picking himself and his bike out of the dirt by the fence on the second turn. When the Diamonds left our reserves standing in heat 2 it began to look as if we would be lucky to win on the night, let alone on aggregate! Rider replacement Robbie trapped in heat 3, but to no avail as the GM he was riding some what slower than my Aunty Glad's moped and he was lucky to hold off Kevin Little! Reverting to his Jawa he won heat 4 with ease, and with Andy Moore passing Eric we were back to 2 points behind.

Heat 5 saw both Andy and Simon blast around the second bend and it looked for a moment as if they might both pass Bjarne. Simon went past with ease and nearly made a big enough hole for Andy to follow through, but Andy had to be conent with third place, albeit right on Bjarne's back wheel. Paul Lee fell on the third turn at the back of heat 6. What has happened to the razor sharp gating he displayed against the Robins? Robbie's Jawa took him to an easy win in heat 7, but Paul Lee tried to pass James B on the outside(!) in heat 8, only to drop to third place in the attempt. Steady and Andy's 4-2 narrowed the deficit in heat 9, but Lee finished last again in heat 10 behind the pedestrian Kevin Little. When Robbie's Jawa gave up the ghost whilst well ahead of Bjarne Pedersen in heat 11 we were again six points behind with just four heats remaining. The resulting tactical substitute ride for Sean had the desired effect, and after Robbie's GM got him out of the gate ahead of Bjarne in heat 13 the Dane caught him with ease but was at a loss how to make the pass.

James Birkinshaw blasted around Andy Moore on the fourth turn to win heat 14, but Kevin Little was tailed off at the back and the Tigers held a slender two point lead into the last heat. Steady completed his maximum in style in the nominated heat with André leaving Robbie trailing and the impressive James Birkinshaw never giving in at the back.

The Diamonds made ease of their progression to the semi-finals thanks to the weak Tigers tail for whom both guests and rider replacement were found wanting. Andy Moore rode his heart out, but young Rory was out of his league and Paul Lee was a shadow of the Premier Trophy winning guest of the Swindon match. Sean's fall and Robbie's mechanical gremlins cost us dearly while Simon will hopefully carry his tremendous form with him to Slovenia this weekend. Good to see the Owlerton faithful being so supportive of James B in his moment of glory. He must surely feature in our plans for next season and looked a much better rider than Paul Lee.

Luke Priest (I think it was him) fell avoiding the fallen David Speight in an after meeting ride and was taken straight to hospital.

Monday 9th July: Premier League Knockout Cup
Newcastle Diamonds								56		Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								34
Bjarne Pedersen	3	3	3	3	3			15		Robbie Kessler	2	0	0	2'	0			4	1
Richard Juul	1	1	2	1				5		Scott Lamb (g)	0	1	0	1				2
André Compton	2	3	2	2	2'			11	1	Simon Stead	3	2	3	2	3	ns		13
Kevin Little	1'	2'	x2	3				6	2	Scott Smith	rider replacement							(1)
Jesper Olsen	3	1	fx	1				5		Sean Wilson (c)	2	2	3	3	2	x		12
Rob Grant	3	3	1'	1	1'	2'		11	3	Rory Schlein	0	0	0					0
James Birkinshaw	2'	0	1'					3	2	Andy Moore	1	1'	0	0	0	1		3	1

 1. 64.6 (4-2) ( 4-2 ) Pedersen, Kessler, Juul, Lamb
 2. 67.4 (5-1) ( 9-3 ) Grant, Birkinshaw, Moore, Schlein
 3. 65.1 (3-3) (12-6 ) Stead, Compton, Little, Schlein(r/r)
 4. 65.4 (3-3) (15-9 ) Olsen, Wilson, Moore, Birkinshaw   
 5. 65.3 (5-1) (20-10) Compton, Little, Lamb, Kessler   
 6. 64.9 (4-2) (24-12) Pedersen, Wilson, Juul, Schlein
 7. 66.1 (4-2) (28-14) Grant, Stead, Olsen, Kessler(t/s)
 8. 65.2 (3-3) (31-17) Stead(t/s), Juul, Birkinshaw, Lamb      
 9. 64.1 (3-3) (34-20) Wilson, Compton, Grant, Moore, Little(2 mins)
10. 65.1 (4-2) (38-22) Pedersen, Stead, Juul, Kessler(r/r)    
11. 66.4 (1-5) (39-27) Wilson(t/s), Kessler, Grant, Olsen(fx)
12. 64.3 (3-3) (42-30) Stead, Compton, Grant, Moore                
13. 65.2 (4-2) (46-32) Pedersen, Wilson, Olsen, Kessler
14. 66.5 (5-1) (51-33) Little, Grant, Lamb, Moore
15. 66.3 (5-1) (56-34) Pedersen, Compton, Moore, Wilson(x), Stead(inj)

Sheffield tracked essentially a 2 man team and could not live with the determined and forceful riding by the Diamonds. Robbie was passed by Bjarne in heat 1, threw away 2 places in heat 5, trapped last in heat 7, was passed by Juul in heat 10, was gifted 2nd in heat 11, and lost out to Olsen in heat 13. With a long tail and rider replacement in operation you just cannot afford that kind of display from a heat leader. Scott Lamb was the perfect argument against the use of guests. Andy Moore tried hard enough but just needs a bit more experience and Rory made up the numbers. Simon and Sean battled valiantly and had a violent coming together in heat 15 after Sean was helped onto the wide line by Bjarne entering the third turn.

It will be a real test of character for the second strings on Thursday if we are to progress to the next round, especially considering André and Jesper's Owlerton form, and don't forget who top scored for them on their last visit!

Thursday 5th July: Premier League Knockout Cup
Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								58	101	Berwick Bandits								32	79
Robbie Kessler	2'	3	3	2'	3			13	2	Adrian Rymel	0	2	3	1'	1	0		7	1
Davey Watt (g)	3	1	2'	0	2'			8	2	Michal Makovsky	rider replacement							(7)
Simon Stead	3	3	3	3	3			15		Wayne Carter	ef	1'	r	1'				2	2
Scott Smith	rider replacement							(4)		David Meldrum (c)	2	fx	2	1	2	1	1	9
Sean Wilson (c)	3	3	3	3	2'			14	1	Scott Robson	0	1	2					3
Danny Hodgson	0	0	r	0				0		Josef Franc	1'	1'	1'	2	0			5	3
Andy Moore	3	2'	1	0	0	2'		8	2	Scott Lamb	1	2	1	2'	0			6	1

 1. 63.0 (5-1) ( 5-1 ) Watt, Kessler, Lamb(r/r), Rymel
 2. 63.4 (3-3) ( 8-4 ) Moore, Lamb, Franc, Hodgson       
 3. 62.7 (4-2) (12-6 ) Stead, Meldrum, Watt(r/r), Carter(ef)
 4. 63.5 (5-1) (17-7 ) Wilson, Moore, Lamb, Robson      
 5. 63.5 (3-3) (20-10) Stead, Rymel, Franc(r/r), Hodgson(r/r)
 6. 63.6 (5-1) (25-11) Kessler, Watt, Robson, Meldrum(t/s, fx)
 7. 62.7 (3-3) (28-14) Wilson, Meldrum, Carter, Hodgson  
 8. 64.0 (1-5) (29-19) Rymel(t/s), Lamb, Moore, Watt                      
 9. 63.0 (3-3) (32-22) Stead, Robson, Franc, Moore       
10. 64.1 (5-1) (37-23) Kessler, Watt, Meldrum, Carter(r)
11. 62.0 (3-3) (40-26) Wilson, Meldrum(r/r), Rymel, Hodgson    
12. 62.9 (3-3) (43-29) Stead, Franc, Carter, Moore        
13. 63.9 (5-1) (48-30) Wilson, Kessler, Rymel, Franc(t/s)
14. 64.3 (5-1) (53-31) Kessler, Moore, Meldrum, Lamb
15. 64.5 (5-1) (58-32) Stead, Wilson, Meldrum, Rymel

Adrian Rymel claimed Berwick's solitary heat win with a heat 8 tactical substitute ride, but only because guest Dave Watt and Andy Moore cocked-up their starts and then proceded to get in each others way instead of giving chase. The steps Berwick have taken recently to strengthen their side obviously didn't have this match in mind as Scott Robson's Owlerton phobia was still all too evident, and Wayne Carter has never demonstrated any propensity for the wide open spaces either. David Meldrum showed occasional flashes of speed but his only pass was when Davey Watt narrowly avoided hitting the fence on the fourth bend in an over exuberant moment in heat 3.

All three Tigers heat leaders rode unbeaten, but tonight they were ably backed up by guest Davey Watt from the IOW, and reserve Andy Moore, both claiming paid 10 points. Andy rode around Scott Lamb and Josef Franc to win heat 2 and rode his heart out in heat 9 having passed Scott Robson before an error on the fourth turn allowed Scott back into second place, and then Josef repeated the dose on the next lap. Andy toiled to catch Wayne Carter in heat 12 but the Elite League rider was too experienced to let Andy through, although he did pass Scott Lamb in heat 14 and held off the last lap challenge by David Meldrum to claim second place. Danny Hodgson was outclassed in this company and we only mustered four points from Scud's rider replacement rides. Is it worth pointing out yet again that we NEED A REPLACEMENT!!!

Newcastle away in the Second Round first leg Monday with the return on Thursday. James Birkinshaw will be back in town and looking to repeat his top scoring role against his parent club...

Sunday 1st July: Premier Trophy final 2nd-leg
Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								65	118	Swindon Robins								25	62
Robbie Kessler	2'	3	3	2'	3			13	2	Claus Kristensen	1	2	x2	1	r			4
Paul Lee (g)	3	1	2'	3	2'			11	2	Martin Dixon	0	fx	2	2	1	2	1	8
Simon Stead	3	3	3	3	3			15		Brett Woodifield (g)	2	1'	1'	0	ef	2		6	2
Scott Smith	rider replacement							(5)		Oliver Allen	rider replacement							(5)
Sean Wilson (c)	3	3	3	3	2'			14	1	Paul Fry	1	fx	1'	2	0			4	1
Rory Schlein (g)	3	1	0	1	1			6		Krister Marsh (g)	1	1	1					3
Andy Moore	2'	2'	0	0	2'			6	3	Ritchie Hawkins	0	0	ef	0	0			0

 1. 64.6 (5-1) ( 5-1 ) Lee, Kessler, Kristensen, Dixon
 2. 64.4 (5-1) (10-2 ) Schlein, Moore, Marsh, Hawkins
 3. 63.1 (4-2) (14-4 ) Stead, Woodifield, Lee(r/r), Hawkins(r/r)
 4. 64.7 (5-1) (19-5 ) Wilson, Moore, Fry, Hawkins      
 5.  awd (4-2) (23-7 ) Stead, Kristensen, Schlein(r/r), Dixon(fx)     
 6.  awd (5-1) (28-8 ) Kessler, Lee, Marsh, Fry(fx)      
 7. 62.7 (3-3) (31-11) Wilson, Dixon(t/s), Woodifield, Schlein
 8. 62.8 (3-3) (34-14) Lee, Dixon, Fry(t/s), Moore                  
 9. 62.2 (3-3) (37-17) Stead, Fry, Woodifield(t/s), Moore(r/r)  
10. 63.8 (5-1) (42-18) Kessler, Lee, Dixon(r/r), Woodifield
11. 63.2 (4-2) (46-20) Wilson, Dixon, Schlein, Hawkins, Kristensen(2 mins)
12. 63.7 (5-1) (51-21) Stead, Moore, Marsh, Woodifield(ef)
13. 63.0 (5-1) (56-22) Wilson, Kessler, Kristensen, Fry        
14. 63.6 (4-2) (60-24) Kessler(r/r), Woodifield(r/r), Schlein, Hawkins
15. 63.9 (5-1) (65-25) Stead, Wilson, Dixon, Kristensen(r)

The Robins went through the motions in this meeting and never looked interested in the outcome having already conceeded. Paul Lee was an inspired choice of guest and looked fully recovered from his injuries sustained when he last guested for us.

Congratulations to Sean and the lads for adding to the trophy cabinet. The Knockout Cup must be next on the agenda, but unless a replacement for Scud is forthcoming we can forget about the league.

Saturday 30th June: Premier League
Berwick Bandits								49		Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								41
Adrian Rymel	2	2	3	3	2			12		Robbie Kessler	3	3	1	1'				8	1
Michal Makovshy	rider replacement							(5)	(2)	Scott Smith	rider replacement							(7)
Scott Lamb	2	2	2	2				8		Simon Stead	3	3	3	r	3	3		15
Scott Robson	1'	1'	2	1'	3			8	3	Andy Moore	0	0	0	1	1			2
David Meldrum	2	2	2	0	1'			7	1	Sean Wilson (c)	3	3	3	3	2	0		14
Josef Franc	2'	1'	1'	2'	0	1'	2'	9	6	Gary Flint	1	1	0	0				2
Will Beveridge	0	3	1'	1'	inj			5	2	Lee Hodgson	0	0	0	0	f			0

 1. 66.7 (2-4) ( 2-4 ) Kessler, Rymel, Flint(r/r), Beveridge(r/r)
 2. 69.2 (5-1) ( 7-5 ) Beveridge, Franc, Flint, Hodgson
 3. 66.3 (3-3) (10-8 ) Stead, Lamb, Robson, Moore   
 4. 66.4 (3-3) (13-11) Wilson, Meldrum, Beveridge, Hodgson
 5. 66.8 (3-3) (16-14) Kessler, Lamb, Robson, Moore(r/r)
 6. 66.8 (3-3) (19-17) Wilson, Rymel, Franc(r/r), Flint
 7. 65.2 (3-3) (22-20) Stead, Meldrum, Franc, Moore 
 8. 66.3 (3-3) (25-23) Stead(r/r), Robson(r/r), Beveridge, Hodgson
 9. 66.2 (3-3) (28-26) Wilson, Lamb, Robson, Flint       
10. 66.7 (5-1) (33-27) Rymel, Franc(r/r), Moore, Stead(r)     
11. 65.6 (2-4) (35-31) Wilson(t/s), Meldrum, Kessler, Franc
12. 67.3 (3-3) (38-34) Stead, Lamb, Franc, Hodgson, Beveridge(f/ns)
13. 67.0 (3-3) (41-37) Rymel, Wilson, Kessler, Meldrum 
14. 67.9 (5-1) (46-38) Robson, Franc, Moore, Hodgson  
15. 65.8 (3-3) (49-41) Stead, Rymel, Meldrum, Wilson

Eleven out of fifteen heat winners, and we still lose! Poor racing until Steady squeezed inside Lamb off the last turn to win heat 12, while Franc was passing Lee Hodgson at the back. Sean bounced off the fence in heat 13 exiting turn 2, and then wasted too much time passing Robbie to be in with a chance af catching Rymel. Robson and Franc were just too good for Andy and Lee in 14 and the Bandits had the points. When will they realize that we need a replacement for Scud???

Thursday 28th June: Premier League
Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								53		Workington Comets								37
Robbie Kessler	3	2	3	2'				10	1	Carl Stonehewer	2	2	2	2	1	3		12
Andrew Moore	1	0	1'	0	0			2	1	Lee Smethills	0	0	1'					1	1
Simon Stead	3	3	3	3	3	1'		16	1	Neil Collins	2	1'	2	2	2	0		9	1
Scott Smith	rider replacement							(4)		Rusty Harrison	1'	2	1'	2				6	2
Sean Wilson (c)	3	3	3	3	2			14		Peter Karlsson	1	3	1'	1'	0			6	2
Daniel Hodgson	2'	0	0	f				2	1	James Mann	1	0	1'					2	1
Adam Allott	3	2'	1	3	0	0		9	1	David McAllan	0	0	1'					1	1

 1. 63.6 (4-2) ( 4-2 ) Kessler, Stonehewer, Moore, Smethills
 2. 63.7 (5-1) ( 9-3 ) Allott, Hodgson, Mann, McAllan
 3. 61.7 (3-3) (12-6 ) Stead, Collins, Harrison, Moore(r/r)
 4. 63.7 (5-1) (17-7 ) Wilson, Allott, Karlsson, McAllan
 5. 61.3 (4-2) (21-9 ) Stead, Stonehewer, Allott(r/r), Smethills 
 6. 62.8 (3-3) (24-12) Karlsson, Kessler, Moore, Mann
 7. 62.3 (3-3) (27-15) Wilson, Harrison, Collins, Hodgson
 8. 62.4 (3-3) (30-18) Allott, Stonehewer(t/s), Karlsson(t/s), Moore
 9. 63.0 (3-3) (33-21) Stead, Colins(t/s), Karlsson, Allott(r/r)
10. 63.3 (3-3) (36-24) Kessler, Collins, Harrison, Moore
11. 61.3 (3-3) (39-27) Wilson, Stonehewer, Smethills, Hodgson
12. 62.5 (3-3) (42-30) Stead, Collins, Mann, Allott
13. 63.5 (5-1) (47-31) Wilson, Kessler, Stonehewer, Karlsson
14. 63.5 (3-3) (50-34) Stead(r/r), Harrison, McAllan, Hodgson
15. 62.9 (3-3) (53-37) Stonehewer, Wilson, Stead, Collins

Stoney left it until the last race to claim his only heat win, and that just about sums an inept display by the Comets. Heat eight was rerun after it became apparent that Lou Charlesworth had flagged the finish after only 3 laps. Adam flew from the gate in the restart and not even Stoney could get past, turning a 1-5 into a 3-3! Adam wasn't so lucky in heat 12 after making a superhuman effort to round James Mann on the last lap he ran out of ground on the first turn after the race had finished (with a slowing Neil Collins directly ahead) and clattered untidily into the fence breaking 2 bones in his left foot.

Tonights line-up will be in force at Berwick (not sure about the reserves) on Saturday but big changes are afoot for the match against Swindon on Sunday. With the new green sheets in force Andy moves back to reserve, and as Simon has overhauled Robbie in the averages it is now Robbie who can take one of Scott's rider replacement rides. Just how we will cover for Adam remains to be seen...

Sunday 24th June: Premier Trophy final
Swindon Robins								37		Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								53
Claus Kristensen	1'	2	0					3	1	Robbie Kessler	3	2	3	2'	1			11	1
Oliver Allen	rider replacement									Scott Smith	rider replacement
Martin Dixon	2	2	3	2	2	0	0	11		Simon Stead	3	3	3	3	3			15
Alan Mogridge	fx	r	1'	1'	2	3	2	9	2	Andy Moore	1	1'	1	1	1			5	1
Paul Fry	2	2	2	ef	1			7		Sean Wilson (c)	3	3	3	3	3			15
Mark Steel	fx	ef	2	1'	2'			5	2	Rory Schlein	0	2'	0	0	0			2	1
Ritchie Hawkins	1	1'	0	tx				2	1	Adam Allott	3	0	1	1	0			5

 1. 68.10 (3-3) ( 3-3 ) Kessler, Dixon(r/r), Kristensen, Schlein(r/r)
 2.  awd  (1-5) ( 4-8 ) Allott, Schlein, Hawkins(15m), Steel(fx)
 3. 66.17 (2-4) ( 6-12) Stead, Dixon, Moore, Mogridge
 4. 67.45 (3-3) ( 9-15) Wilson, Fry, Hawkins, Allott
 5. 68.13 (3-3) (12-18) Dixon, Kessler, Moore(r/r), Mogridge(f/r)
 6. 67.44 (3-3) (15-21) Wilson, Kristensen, Mogridge(t/s), Schlein
 7. 66.98 (2-4) (17-25) Stead, Fry, Moore, Steel(ef)
 8. 67.17 (2-4) (19-29) Stead(r/r), Fry(t/s), Allott, Hawkins
 9. 67.92 (3-3) (22-32) Wilson, Dixon, Mogridge, Schlein
10. 67.92 (2-4) (24-36) Stead, Mogridge(r/r), Moore, Kristensen
11. 69.55 (3-3) (27-39) Kessler, Steel, Allott(r/r), Fry(ef)
12. 68.07 (2-4) (29-43) Stead, Dixon, Steel, Schlein, Hawkins(tps)
13. 68.71 (1-5) (30-48) Wilson, Kessler, Fry, Dixon(t/s)
14. 69.11 (5-1) (35-49) Mogridge, Steel, Moore, Allott
15. 68.73 (2-4) (37-53) Wilson, Mogridge, Kessler, Dixon

The Tigers dominated from the tapes and capitalised on a catalogue of engine failures, falls and tape touching by the home side. Heat 10 was a classic piece of speedway as Alan Mogridge and Simon Stead passed and re-passed each other every lap before Simon made it count at the finish. While everyone was concentrating on the spectacular race for the lead Andy Moore was passing Claus Kristensen to claim the remaining point. With the away win secured by heat 12 Sean and Robbie rubbed salt into the wound with another heat 13 maximum, and with the same pair claiming a 4-2 in heat 15 the Tigers can surely send the trophy for engraving right now.

Rumours that the Robins have withdrawn from the second leg at Owlerton on July 1st are not to be believed. Come along to see some cracking racing and Sean and the lads receiving the Premier Trophy for the first time.

Friday 22nd June: Conference League Challenge
Somerset Rebels								43		Owlerton Prowlers								47
Malcolm Holloway	2	2	3	3	2	1'		13	1	James Birkinshaw	3	2m	3	2	1			9
Matthew Cross	1'	1'	2	0				4	2	David Speight	0	0	0					0
Jamie Smith	3	2	1	2	2	2		12		Andrew Moore	2	2'	2	3	3	r		12	1
Jarno Kosonen	0	1'	tx	r				1		Lee Hodgson	rider replacement
Lee Herne	rider replacement									Adam Allott	2	3	3	3	3	3		17
Simon Phillips	1	3	0	0	1'			6	1	Luke Priest	0	0	tx	0	0			0
Jamie Holmes	3	0	1'	1'	2			7	2	Lee Complin	2	1'	1'	3	1	1'	fx	9	3

 1. 59.68 (3-3) ( 3-3 ) Birkinshaw, Holloway, Cross, Speight
 2. 59.86 (4-2) ( 7-5 ) Holmes, Complin, Phillips, Priest
 3. 58.61 (3-3) (10-8 ) Smith, Moore, Complin, Kosonen, Birkinshaw(2 mins)
 4. 59.77 (3-3) (13-11) Phillips, Allott, Complin, Holmes
 5. 59.63 (3-3) (16-14) Birkinshaw, Smith, Kosonen, Speight
 6. 58.67 (3-3) (19-17) Allott, Holloway, Cross, Priest
 7. 59.54 (1-5) (20-22) Allott, Moore, Smith, Phillips
 8. 59.04 (3-3) (23-25) Complin, Cross, Holmes, Speight
 9. 58.82 (2-4) (25-29) Allott, Smith, Complin, Phillips, Kosonen(tps)
10. 60.04 (3-3) (28-32) Holloway, Moore, Complin, Cross
11. 60.07 (4-2) (32-34) Holloway, Birkinshaw, Phillips, Priest
12. 60.51 (3-3) (35-37) Moore, Smith, Holmes, Priest
13. 59.83 (2-4) (37-41) Allott, Holloway, Birkinshaw, Kosonen(r)
14.  awd  (3-3) (40-44) Moore, Holmes, Phillips, Complin(fx)
15. 60.19 (3-3) (43-47) Allott, Smith, Holloway, Moore(r)

The Prowlers (plus Adam) beat an augmented Rebels side in a close fought challenge match, but at quite a cost as Lee Complin picks up a leg injury in heat 14 which will put him out of action for the Tigers.

Thursday 21st June: Premier Trophy semi-final re-match
Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								53	95	IOW 'Wightlink" Islanders								37	85
Robbie Kessler	3	1	3	2'				9	1	Ray Morton	1'	2	2	1	2	2		10	1
Andrew Moore	0	1'	0	2'	1			4	2	Sebastian Tresarrieu	rider replacement							(5)	(2)
Simon Stead	2	3	3	3	3	1		15		Danny Bird	3	2	2	2	2	0		11
Scott Smith	rider replacement							(4)	(1)	Scott Swain (c)	0	0	0					0
Sean Wilson (c)	3	3	3	3	3			15		Adam Shields	2	2'	1'	1'	0			6	3
Lee Complin	2'	0	1	0	0			3	1	Davey Watt	2	x	1'	3	1	1'	1'	9	3
Adam Allott	3	1	3	0	ef			7		Glen Phillips	1	0	fx					1

 1. 62.9 (3-3) ( 3-3 ) Kessler, Watt(r/r), Morton, Moore
 2. 63.5 (5-1) ( 8-4 ) Allott, Complin, Phillips, Watt(x)
 3. 61.5 (3-3) (11-7 ) Bird, Stead, Moore(r/r), Swain
 4. 62.8 (4-2) (15-9 ) Wilson, Shields, Allott, Phillips
 5. 62.4 (3-3) (18-12) Stead, Morton, Watt(r/r), Complin(r/r)
 6. 62.9 (1-5) (19-17) Watt, Shields, Kessler, Moore
 7. 62.0 (4-2) (23-19) Wilson, Bird, Complin, Swain
 8.  awd (5-1) (28-20) Allott, Moore, Watt(r/r), Phillips(fx)
 9. 61.5 (3-3) (31-23) Stead, Bird(t/s), Shields, Allott(r/r)
10. 63.0 (4-2) (35-25) Kessler, Bird, Moore, Swain
11. 62.7 (3-3) (38-28) Wilson, Morton, Shields(t/s), Complin
12. 62.1 (3-3) (41-31) Stead, Bird, Watt, Allott
13. 62.7 (5-1) (46-32) Wilson, Kessler, Morton, Shields
14. 63.0 (3-3) (49-35) Stead(r/r), Morton(t/s), Watt(res), Complin
15. 62.9 (4-2) (53-37) Wilson, Morton, Stead, Bird

At last the riders got the kind of track they have been asking for, and served up some of the best speedway of the season. The Islanders started in determined fashion and their maximum win in heat 6 put them 2 behind on the night, and 4 ahead on aggregate. The real turning point came in heat 8 when youngsters Adam and Andy flew away to win from the Islanders super-sub Davey Watt. Glenn Phillips fell at the back and in my opinion should have been fined for making no effort to remove his bike, although Dave Peet did award the race to the Tigers.

Robbie made a miserable start to heat 6 and never looked like making up ground, but bounced back to defeat Danny Bird and Ray Morton in his last two rides. Andy Moore suffered machine problems in heat 10 but amazingly still managed to beat Scott Swain(!), while Simon Stead revelled in the dirt moving from last to first in heat 5, passing Danny Bird in heats 9 and 12, and scything under Ray Morton in heat 14. Sean recovered lost ground to cut under Adam Shields on the 3rd turn on the last lap of heat 4, and picked off Adam and Ray Morton with ease after a slow start in heat 11 en-route to his perfect maximum. Lee Complin fell when Davey Watt stopped right in front of him in heat 2 but was straight back on his feet, and Adam Allott seemed to develop clutch problems after his important heat 8 win.

Only two heat wins for the Islanders (Danny Bird in heat 3, and Davey Watt in heat 6) but then they lost the thread as their top guns had no answer to the Tigers superior fire-power. George Major's attempts to cling to their first leg advantage all failed as the Tigers thrilled the big crowd with probably the best racing of the year. The final starts on Sunday with the Tigers at Blunsdon for a 6:30pm start.

Tuesday 19th June: Premier Trophy semi-final re-match
IOW Islanders								48		Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								42
Ray Morton	1'	3	2	3	1			10	1	Robbie Kessler	3	2'	2'	0	1			8	2
Sebastian Tresarrieu	rider replacement									Scott Smith	rider replacement
Danny Bird	2	r	fx	1	r			3		Simon Stead	3	1	2	3	2	3	3	17
Scott Swain	1'	1	1	2'				5	2	Andy Moore	0	3	0	0	1			4
Adam Shields	3	2'	1	2'				8	2	Sean Wilson (c)	x	2	3	2'	r	2'		9	2
Davey Watt	2	x	3	3	1'	3	3	15	1	Lee Complin	0	1'	0					1	1
Glen Phillips	3	2'	1	1	0			7	1	Adam Allott	2	1	0	0				3

 1. 71.1 (3-3) ( 3-3 ) Kessler, Watt(r/r), Morton, Complin(r/r)
 2. 71.4 (3-3) ( 6-6 ) Phillips, Allott, Complin, Watt(x)
 3. 71.1 (3-3) ( 9-9 ) Stead, Bird, Swain, Moore   
 4. 71.3 (5-1) (14-10) Shields, Phillips, Allott, Wilson(x)
 5. 77.0 (1-5) (15-15) Moore(r/r), Kessler, Swain, Bird(ef)
 6. 71.1 (4-2) (19-17) Morton, Wilson, Phillips(r/r), Complin
 7. 71.9 (5-1) (24-18) Watt, Shields, Stead, Moore
 8. 71.3 (4-2) (28-20) Watt(r/r), Stead(t/s), Phillips, Allott
 9. 72.4 (1-5) (29-25) Wilson, Kessler(t/s), Swain, Bird(fx)
10. 71.2 (3-3) (32-28) Stead, Morton, Watt(r/r), Moore
11. 71.4 (4-2) (36-30) Watt, Stead(r/r), Shields, Kessler
12. 71.7 (1-5) (37-35) Stead, Wilson, Bird, Phillips
13. 71.9 (5-1) (42-36) Morton, Shields, Kessler, Wilson(f/rem/r)
14. 73.3 (5-1) (47-37) Watt, Swain, Moore, Allott   
15. 72.0 (1-5) (48-42) Stead, Wilson, Morton, Bird

The Islanders were unlucky not to have a much greater lead as they were hit by a lot of mechanical gremlins. Davey Watt lost his silencer in heat 2 and despite crossing the line first was excluded, and Danny Bird was denied points when his chain snapped on two occasions. Scott Swain had fuel problems and these all gifted the Tigers valuable points. Sean was excluded from heat 4 for bringing down Adam Shields, and he fell again chasing Ray Morton in heat 13. The Tigers should now be optimistic about progressing to the final, but watch out for trump card Davey Watt at reserve on Thursday!!

Monday 18th June: Conference League KO Cup
Owlerton Prowlers								51	100	Buxton Hitmen								39	80
James Birkinshaw	2	3	3	3	3	1'		15	1	James Mann	3	2	3	2	2	0		12
David Speight	ef	2'	1	0				3	1	Danny Hughes	1	1'	0					2	1
Andy Moore	ef	3	3	1'	3	2		12	1	Scott Courtney	3	1	1	0				5
Luke Priest	1	0	0					1		Robert McNeil	2'	0	0	1				3	1
Lee Hodgson	rider replacement							(6)		Paul Burnett	1'	0	1'					2	2
Rory Schlein	3	2'	2	1	2			10	1	Gary Flint	2	1	0	2				5
Lee Complin	1	3	3	2'	1			10	1	Craig Branney	0	2	2	0	3	3		10
Michael Mitchell	0							0

 1. 65.1 (2-4) ( 2-4 ) Mann, Birkinshaw, Hughes, Speight
 2. 64.7 (4-2) ( 6-6 ) Schlein, Flint, Complin, Branney
 3. 65.4 (1-5) ( 9-11) Courtney, McNeil, Priest, Moore(ef)
 4. 64.8 (3-3) (12-14) Complin, Branney, Burnett, Mitchell(r/r)
 5. 64.3 (3-3) (13-17) Moore, Mann, Hughes, Priest
 6. 65.6 (5-1) (18-18) Birkinshaw, Speight, Flint, Burnett
 7. 64.9 (5-1) (23-19) Moore(r/r), Schlein, Courtney, McNeil
 8. 64.7 (4-2) (27-21) Complin, Branney, Speight, Hughes
 9. 65.5 (3-3) (30-24) Mann(t/s), Schlein, Moore, Flint
10. 66.8 (5-1) (35-25) Birkinshaw, Complin, Courtney, McNeil
11. 64.9 (4-2) (39-27) Birkinshaw(r/r), Mann, Schlein, Branney
12. 65.0 (4-2) (43-29) Moore, Flint, Complin, Courtney
13. 65.7 (3-3) (46-32) Birkinshaw, Mann, Burnett, Speight(r/r)
14. 65.1 (2-4) (48-36) Branney, Schlein, McNeil, Priest
15. 65.6 (3-3) (51-39) Branney, Moore, Birkinshaw, Mann

James Mann flew into an unassailable lead in heat 1, and when Andy Moore broke down leading heat 3 the Prowlers found themselves trailing by four points. An excellent ride by David Speight in heat 6 behind James Birkinshaw (riding Lee Complin's bike) levelled the scores, and after Andy and Rory took a maximum in heat 7 the writing was on the wall. Andy Moore picked his way through the field in heat 9 but received the full brunt of James Mann's shale exiting turn 4 and had to concede. JB and Lee team rode to victory in heat 10 and JB went around James Mann off turn 4 in heat 13 to the delight of the crowd. Craig Branney looked impressive as he passed Rory in heat 14 but the race of the night was when James B and Andy recovered from poor starts and both battled past James Mann in heat 15. By the time this was accomplished Craig Branney was too far ahead to be caught, but these youngsters are very entertaining and deserve to be seen by bigger crowds.

Sunday 17th June: Conference League KO Cup
Buxton Hitman								41		Owlerton Prowlers								49
James Mann	3	1	2	2	3	1		12		James Birkinshaw	2	1'	3	3	3	2'		14	2
Lee Howard	0	0	2'	1'				3	2	David Speight	1'	2	0	tx				3	1
Neil Painter	1'	0	2	3	0			6	1	Andrew Moore	3	2'	3	3	2	3		16	1
Scott Courtney	2	3	0	0				5		Luke Priest	0	0	0	0				0
Paul Burnett	0	2	2	1'				5	1	Lee Hodgson	rider replacement							(8)	(1)
Danny Hughes	2	1'	1					4	1	Rory Schlein	3	3	3	1	1'	2		13	1
Craig Branney	ef	2	3	1'				6	1	Michael Mitchell	1	1	1	0				3
										Scott Blackwell	f							0

 1. 56.6 (3-3) ( 3-3 ) Mann, Birkinshaw, Speight, Howard
 2. 55.7 (2-4) ( 5-7 ) Schlein, Hughes, Mitchell(15m), Branney(ef)
 3. 55.2 (3-3) ( 8-10) Moore, Courtney, Painter, Priest
 4. 55.9 (2-4) (10-14) Schlein(r/r), Branney, Mitchell, Burnett
 5. 56.8 (3-3) (13-17) Courtney, Speight, Birkinshaw, Painter
 6. 55.8 (1-5) (14-22) Schlein, Moore(r/r), Mann, Howard
 7. 56.9 (3-3) (17-25) Moore, Burnett, Hughes, Priest
 8. 58.7 (5-1) (22-26) Branney, Howard, Mitchell, Speight(15m)
 9. 56.3 (2-4) (24-30) Birkinshaw(r/r), Painter, Schlein, Courtney
10. 55.9 (3-3) (27-33) Moore, Mann, Howard, Priest
11. 57.1 (3-3) (30-36) Birkinshaw, Burnett, Branney, Mitchell, Speight(tps)
12. 57.4 (3-3) (33-39) Painter, Moore, Schlein, Courtney(t/s)
13. 56.5 (3-3) (36-42) Birkinshaw, Mann, Burnett, Blackwell(f)
14. 56.8 (4-2) (40-44) Mann(t/s), Schlein, Hughes, Priest
15. 55.9 (1-5) (41-49) Moore, Birkinshaw, Mann, Painter

The fastest time of the season around Buxton stood at 55.9. That was equalled three times and broken three times, twice by Rory Schlein (including his first ride) and by Andy Moore who claimed the bottle of champagne donated by Guy Allott Motorcycles with a time just a fraction outside the track record. The Hitmen had no answer to the strength of the Prowlers who coped with the absence of Lee Complin and injury victims Lee Hodgson, Matt Cambridge & Ben Wilson. New signing Scott Courtney started well but failed to score in his last two rides, and No.1 James Mann making his first appearance for the Hitmen claimed two wins but was beaten by James, Andy and Rory.

James pushed Dave Speight around ahead of Neil Painter in heat 5 but then didn't drop another point on his return from injury. Andy Moore was impressive and looked to have inherited something from the ex Sean Wilson Kevlars which he sported, and Rory Schlein took to the track like a duck to water making an impressive inside pass of Scott Courtney on the 4th turn in heat 9.

David Speight took a nasty tumble after touching the tapes in heat 11, tangling with Craig Branney on the first turn, and hopefully his head will have cleared in time for the return leg at Owlerton. With Lee Complin also hoping to be back the result is surely a forgone conclusion, but come on down and see the making of the stars of the future.

Thursday 14th June: Premier League
Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								51		Newport Wasps								21
Robbie Kessler	3	3	3					9		Anders Henriksson	2	1'	2					5	1
Scott Smith	rider replacement							(5)		Chris Neath	rider replacement							(2)
Simon Stead	3	3	3	3	3			15		Glen Cunningham	ef	2	0	1'	2			5
Andy Moore	1	2'	0	2'				5	2	Scott Smith	1	2	0	2	0			5
Sean Wilson (c)	2'	3	3					8	1	Garry Stead (g)	1	2	1	ef				4
Lee Complin	2'	1	1					4	1	Rory Schlein	1	0	1	0				2
Adam Allott	3	3	1	2'	0	1		10	1	Martin Williams	0	0	0					0

 1. 65.7 (4-2) ( 4-2 ) Kessler, Henriksson, Moore(r/r), Williams(r/r)
 2. 66.1 (5-1) ( 9-3 ) Allott, Complin, Schlein, Williams
 3. 65.3 (5-1) (14-4 ) S.Stead, Moore, Smith, Cunningham(ef)
 4. 66.5 (5-1) (19-5 ) Allott, Wilson, G.Stead, Williams
 5. 67.1 (3-3) (22-8 ) S.Stead, Smith(r/r), Henriksson, Moore
 6. 68.5 (4-2) (26-10) Kessler, G.Stead, Allott, Schlein
 7. 67.0 (4-2) (30-12) Wilson, Cunningham, Complin, Smith
 8. 68.4 (5-1) (35-13) S.Stead(r/r), Allott, G.Stead(t/s), Cunningham(t/s)
 9. 69.4 (5-1) (40-14) S.Stead, Moore, Schlein, G.Stead(ef)
10. 68.8 (3-3) (43-17) Kessler, Smith, Cunningham, Allott
11. 68.0 (4-2) (47-19) Wilson, Henriksson, Complin, Smith(t/s)
12. 68.1 (4-2) (51-21) S.Stead, Cunningham, Allott, Schlein
13. abandoned

With the bikes lined up for the parade the heavens opened with a deluge of biblical proportions. Although the rain eased off it never stopped all evening and we can consider ourselves lucky that everyone survived the evening intact. (Come to think of it there weren't any fallers!) Robbie rode to a maximum, as did Sean, and the impressive Simon Stead who picked his way through the field for the majority of his points. Andy Moore looked to be riding well within his limits but was still good for a paid 7 score, and quick starting Adam also demonstrated some aggression passing Garry Stead on the outside of turn 4 in heat 8. Young Lee Complin rode tentatively first time out and nearly lost a point with a mighty overslide on turn 4, but he recovered well to pass Scott Smith in heat 7, and beat him again in heat 11.

Not a single heat winner for the Wasps who were never at the races, and even guest Garry Stead seemed to catch their malaise. Scott Smith looked a tidy rider, but to be fair Lee Complin looked even better.

Sunday 10th June: Premier League
Glasgow Tigers								42		Sheffield 'STAR' Tigers								49
Les Collins (c)	2	3	1	2*	0			8		Robbie Kessler	2	3	r	2'	1			8	1
Stuart Swales	1	1'	f	0				2	1	Scott Smith	rider replacement							(6)
Emiliano Sanchez	3	1	1'	2'	3	0		10	2	Simon Stead	2	2'	3	3	3	2		15	1
Mark Courtney	1	0	2					3		Andy Moore	0	0	1	2'	0			3	1
James Grieves	2	2	3	1	3	2		13		Sean Wilson (c)	3	3	3	3	3			15
Will Beveridge	2'	0	0					2	1	Lee Complin	fx	0	r					0
David McAllan	3	0	1					4		Adam Allott	1	1	2'	1	1'	2		8	2