Monday 26th May 1997, Premier League
Exeter 'Falcons' 49 Sheffield Stelrad 'Star' Tigers 41 M.Coles 2 1 2 3 3 11 R.Kessler 3 2 3 3 2 13 F.Smart 1' 3 1' 2' 0 7+3 P.Boast 0 0 0 0 f 0 P.Jeffery 2 2 1' 1' 3 9+1 R.Aas rider replacement P.Fudge rider replacement 4+2 M.Wolter 3 2 2 2' 2 1' 12+2 L.Lanham 3 3 0 3 3 12 S.Smith 2 3 3 1' x 2 11+1 G.Gordon 1 1 2 3 0 1 8 J.Birkinshaw 0 0 1 0 2 1 1' 5+1 P.Oughton 1' 0 1 0 2+1
Very little passing but spirited resistance from the Sheffield heat leaders. Mirko was going very well, and Scott (on an Eddie Bull tuned upright) battled well, until locking up in front of Peter Boast. Peter injured his wrist and had to withdraw leaving us VERY short of riders.
Frank Smart grafted well for the Falcons, but fast starting Leigh Lanham made no impression in the race when he missed the start.
A fit Rene Aas could have made all the difference in this match, but the bonus point should be safe.
Sunday 25th May 1997, Premier League
Newport 'Wasps' 49 Sheffield Stelrad 'Star' Tigers 41 A.Henriksson 2 2 3 3 3 13 R.Kessler 3 3 3 3 3 3 18 S.Pegler 1' 1' 2' f f 4+3 P.Boast 0 0 f 0 1' 1+1 L.Lanham (g) 3 3 2 1' 1' 10+2 R.Aas rider replacement R.Lobb 0 2' 1' 1 0 4+2 M.Wolter 2 3 1 1 r 3 0 10 C.Watson 2' 2 2 3 2 11+1 S.Smith 1 r x 2 1' 2 6+1 M.Willis 3 0 0 2 2 7 J.Birkinshaw 1' 0 1 1 2 1 6+1
Scott Smith had a nightmare start to the meeting and 1 point form his first three rides probably cost us the match. James rode his heart out despite an enormous dressing on the deep wound in his neck from Thurdays tangle with Rene, but Rene's injured ankle meant Sheffield were using rider replacement, and sadly the bottom end of the team were not up to it.
Mirko rode much better than his score suggests, while Robbie was invincible winning most of his races from the gate, but passing freely when required.
Anders and Craig were the pick of the Wasps, with Craig in particular being very entertaining.
Thursday 22nd May, Premier League
Sheffield Stelrad 'Star' Tigers 47 Long Eaton 'Fina' Invaders 42 R.Kessler 3 3 3 2 3 14 B.Werner 2 2 3 3 1' 11+1 P.Boast r 1 0 2 1 0 1' 5+1 J.Elkins tp 1' 0 0 3 4+1 R.Aas 1' 1 xm 1+1 M.Dixon 3 2 2 2 2 11 M.Wolter 2 3 tp 1' 2 8+1 D.Felton 0 0 fx 0 S.Smith 3 3 3 3 0 12 C.Stonehewer 2 2 2 3 3 12 J.Birkinshaw 1 0 1' 0 2 2 6+1 P.Lee 1' 0 0 1' 0 0 1 4+3
Scott Smith was on flying form moving from last to first in 2 of his races, but leaving himself with too much in the final heat. Robbie Kessler dropped his only point to Carl Stonehewer in Heat 10, and Mirko Wolter was only beaten by Dixon and Stonehewer. Peter tried valiantly but looked down on power, and James bounced back from a nasty fist bend smash when he was hit by Rene in Heat 11. Rene was well off the pace, and suffered lacerations to his leg when colliding with his fallen team mate, taking no further part in the meeting.
Brent Werner's points included two gift wins. Carl was good value for his 12 points, as was Martin Dixon despite just one win. Paul Lee rode better than his score suggests, but Justin Elkins still hasn't come to terms with the Owlerton track. Dean Felton took a heavy fall on the third bend and left the track in the Ambulance.
Friday 9th May 1997, KO Cup
Edinburgh 'Monarchs' 55 Sheffield Stelrad 'Star' Tigers 35 R.Eriksson 3 3 3 2 2' 13+1 R.Kessler 2 3 2 3 2 1 13 P.Gould 1 1 2' 1 2' 3 10+2 P.Boast 0 1 1' 1 0 3+1 K.McKinna 3 3 3 3 3 15 R.Aas 1' 0 0 t 1+1 N.Hewitt 0 0 0 0 0 S.Swales 2 2 1 1' 0 6+1 P.Carr f f 3 3 3 9 S.Smith 1' 1 r 1 2 2 8+1 B.Scott rider replacement J.Birkinshaw 2 1' 1 0 0 4+1 B.Campbell 3 2 2' 0 1 8+1
Strange that Barry Campbell cannot be included in the team as it takes them over the limit, but he can ride as rider replacement for the injured Blair Scott? Peter Carr (on loan from Belle Vue) fell in both his opening rides (while leading), but finished strongly with three wins, while Kenny McKinna strode to an untroubled maximum.
Robbie Kessler battled well on the tight Armadale circuit but received scant support from the remaining Tigers with Scott Smith uncharacteristically subdued and Rene Aas performing like a novice before touching the tapes in his last outing.
Thursday 8th May, KO Cup
Sheffield Stelrad 'Star' Tigers 53 Newcastle Diamonds 37 R.Kessler 3 3 2 3 3 14 P.Bentley 2 2 2 1' 1 8+1 P.Boast ef 1 1' 0 0 2+1 B.Turner 1' r 0 1' 0 1 3+2 R.Aas 2' 0 3 3 3 11+1 A.Compton rider replacement M.Wolter 3 3 ef 2' 2' 10+2 S.Swales 0 2 2 2 1' ef 7+1 S.Smith ef 3 3 2 3 11 J.Olsen 1 3 2 f 1 3 2 12 J.Birkinshaw 1 1 1 0 2' 5+1 G.Taylor 2' 1' 3 0 1 0 7+2
The threat from the experienced Diamonds quintet (Andre in Croatia on U21 duty) failed to materialize, although the match was closer than the scoreline suggests. Paul Bentley was very subdued and Brian Turner was way off the pace. Stuart Swales impressed with his dedication picking up points from behind, but Glyn Taylor went off the boil as the meeting progressed. Jesper Olsen was the pick of the visitors, although the only rider he passed was Peter Boast, and he was guilty of the most vicious maneouvre witnessed this season in trying to prevent Robbie Kessler's overtake in heat 7, falling in the attempt.
For the Tigers both Peter and Mirko shed chains, Mirko just as he had moved from last to 1st in heat 8 denying him his first maximum. James rode better than his score suggests, Robbie just missed his fourth maximum, Rene finished with 3 good wins but Scott had more bike problems.
Saturday 3rd May 1997, KO Cup
Berwick Bandits 47 Sheffield Stelrad 'Star' Tigers 42 S.Lamb 2 3 2 r 3 10 K.McKinna(G) 3 3 3 3 3 15 M.Lowrie 1' 2' 0 1 3 7+2 P Boast fx 0 1 0 0 1 K.Little 3 0 2 1' 2' 8+2 W.Carter(G) did not arrive R.Juul r 2 1' 2 r 5+1 B.Campbell(G) 2 1 2 0 1' 6+1 M.Smith 3 2 1 3 1 10 S.Smith 2 3 3 3 2' 13+1 D.Weldrum 1 1' 3 2 f 7+1 J.Birkinshaw 0 1 1 0 2 1 2 7
Wayne Carter failed to arrive, and with no word from him and following failed attempts to contact both the rider and his promoter Sheffield were forced to track 3 riders only in his first 3 programmed rides. To compound the problem Peter Boast hurtled into the fence while challenging for the lead in heat 1, and despite suffering double vision pluckily took his remaining rides.
Kenny McKinna rode to a convincing maximum being waved through by Scott Smith in heat 15, while Scott's pass around Richard Juul was the only one by a visiting rider.
David Meldrum passed Barry Campbell on the 4th lap of heat 9 and was the pick of the Berwick team, although Scott Lamb suffered engine problems and Richard Juul's points were scored at the expence of James Birkinshaw and the unfit Peter Boast.
If Wayne Carter or his promoter had phoned to confirm his absence then his rides could have been taken by Scott Smith, Barry Campbell and James Birkinshaw and just 3 points would have seen an away victory for the Tigers.
Thursday 1st May, KO Cup
Sheffield Stelrad 'Star' Tigers 63 Edinburgh Monarchs 27 R.Kessler 3 3 3 3 3 15 R.Eriksson 2 2 3 1' r 1 9+1 P.Boast 1 1 1 2' 2' 7+2 P.Gould 0 0 0 0 0 0 R.Aas 1' 2' 2 1' 3 9+2 K.McKinna 2 2 2 3 r 0 9 M.Wolter 3 3 1' 2' 3 12+2 D.Andrews r 0 0 0 S.Smith 3 3 3 3 2' 14+1 J.Kosonen 2 0 0 1 3 J.Birkinshaw 1 1 0 2 2' 6+1 B.Campbell 0 1 2 1 1 1 6
Another encouraging display by Mirko who rounded quick starting Kenny McKinna in heat 2, but after a slow start elected to watch as Rene failed in his attempt to pass Robert Eriksson in heat 8. 'Kapitan' Kessler and 'Scud' were both in unbeatable form and the Tigers finished with 4 maximum heat wins to record their biggest win of the season.
Peter Boast and James Birkinshaw showed further signs of improvement, and Rene came through the field from last to partner Boastie for a 5-1 in heat 14.
For the visitors Darren Andrews was extremely disappointing, Paul Gould at least tried despite scoring, and Jarno Kosonen after a good start in his first ride was way off the pace. Barry Campbell however seemed oblivious to the score line and never stopped trying, even resorting to 'wall of death' tactics when bouncing off the fence in heat 5!
Thursday 24th April, KO Cup
Sheffield Stelrad 'Star' Tigers 54 Hull Vikings 35 R.Kessler 3 3 3 2 2 13 A.Grahame 2 3 2 3 3 3 16 P.Boast 1 1 2' 2' 0 2' 8+3 P.Scully 0 1 m 1' 2+1 R.Aas 1' 1 1 2 3 8+1 Scott Robson 3 2 fx 2 1 8 M.Wolter 2 3 3 1' 3 12+1 R.Emson 0 f 1 1 2 S.Smith 3 2 3 3 fx 11 Stu. Robson r 2 r 0 2 4 J.Birkinshaw r 0 tx 1' 1 2+1 L.Dicken 2 0 1 0 m m f 3
Alan Grahame was the only Viking to offer resistance to a fired-up Sheffield squad. Robbie beat him in heat 1, but couldn't find a way past in heats 10 and 15, although Mirko achieved it with a breathtaking swoop on the 2nd lap of heat 8, on his way to his best performance of the season.
Peter Boast also had a good pay day despite engine problems in heat 12, and also picked up points from behind. Rene was subdued until a lovely last to 2nd move in heat 14. Scott Smith was looking to revenge a heat 6 defeat by Alan Grahame in the last race when Alan locked up in front of him on the 3rd bend. With Scott already committed he had no choice but to lay it down, but the referee must have had his reading glasses on and it was Scott's exclusion light which on!
Following pre-match complaints about Alan Grahame's rear tyre the Sheffield team insisted that a protest be lodged, and the tyre was confiscated showing markedly more deterioration than any of the others used in the meeting.
Wednesday 23rd April, KO Cup
Hull Vikings 59 Sheffield Stelrad 'Star' Tigers 31 A.Grahame 3 3 3 3 3 15 R.Kessler 1 3 0 0 2 1 7 P.Scully 2' 2' 1 1 3 9+2 P Boast 0 1 2 0 1' 4+1 Scott Robson 3 3 3 3 2' 14+1 R.Aas 1 0 2 1' 4+1 R.Emson 2' x 1 1 0 4+1 M.Wolter 0 1 1' 2 4+1 T.Pratt (G) 1 0 3 3 3 10 S.Smith 2 2 2 1 M 0 7 L.Dicken 3 2 2' 0 0 7+1 W.Beveridge 0 1' 0 2 0 2 5+1
Will Beveridge stood in for James Birkinshaw who was at Kings Lynn in the British Junior Championships, and found the Craven Park track a bit of a handful as did the rest of the Tigers. With deep puddles around the inside, yet dry and dusty out wide, passing was at a premium with the most noteworth races featuring Scott Smith and Alan Grahame in heat 7, and Peter Scully and Rene Aas in heat 14.
Referee Gordon Burnett failed to appear and the meeting was officiated by Clerk of the Course, John Whitaker with the mutual consent of both team managers.
Thursday 17th April, KO Cup
Sheffield Stelrad 'Star' Tigers 60 Berwick Bandits 30 R.Kessler 3 3 3 3 3 15 S. Lamb 2 0 2 3 3 1 11 P.Boast 1 1 fx 1 2' 5+1 M.Lowrie 0 ef 1 0 1 R.Aas 3 1' 2 2 3 11+1 K.Little ef 2 0 2 2 ef 6 M.Wolter 1 2 1' 2' 3 9+2 R.Juul 2 0 ef ef 1 3 S.Smith 3 3 3 3 2' 14+1 M.Smith 2 3 2 0 0 7 J.Birkinshaw 1 1 1 1' 2' 6+2 D.Meldrum 0 1' 0 1 2+1
Robbie Kessler was in untouchable form streaking to another home maximum, while Scott Smith followed him home in heat 15 for a paid maximum scored in more spectacular style with passes in almost all of his races. Peter Boast continues to improve, despite one over exuberant episode on the 4th turn having sped from last to second, and James' confidence is visibly growing.
Mirko looked a little hesitant about passing, but despite his big score Rene was poor entertainment, content to follow the opposition around and wait for them to break down.
Richard Juul passed James on the first lap of heat 9 to record Berwick's only pass, while every Tiger succeeded in relegating a Berwick rider on at least one occasion on what was generally speaking a poor night at Owlerton. I expect the Hull Vikings next week will be a much sterner test.
Sunday 13th April, KO Cup
Glasgow Tigers 60 Sheffield Stelrad 'Star' Tigers 30 N.Collins 3 3 3 3 3 15 R.Kessler 2 1 2 1 3 9 W.Beveridge 1 0 1 1 3 6 P Boast 0 0 1' 1 2+1 M.Powell 3 3 3 3 2' 14+1 R.Aas 2 1' 1 2 1 7+1 G.McDonald 0 1 0 0 0 1 D.Keats (G) 1' 2 fx 0 0 0 3+1 S.McDonald 3 2' 3 3 2' 13+2 S.Smith 1 2 2 1' 2 fx 8+1 S.Courtney 2' 3 2' 2' 2 11+3 J.Birkinshaw 0 0 0 1 1
With Mirko recalled to Germany for a domestic engagement Sheffield drafted in Derrol Keats. Never good visitors at Shawfield the Stelrad Tigers struggled on the dry and dusty track with all the passing being done by the home riders. Robbie Kessler eventually hung onto a good start in heat 13 to register the visitors only heat win.
Scott Smith took a heavy tumble in the last heat which earned him concussion and a trip to hospital. Rene trapped in the rerun, but was quickly passed by both Neil Collins and Stewart McDonald. Stewart lost second place with a wild pits bend, but dived back under Rene on the next lap.
Alarm bells must be ringing in the Owlerton speedway office...
Thursday 10th April, KO Cup
Sheffield Stelrad 'Star' Tigers 55 Glasgow Tigers 35 R.Kessler 3 3 3 3 3 15 N.Collins 2 2 3 1' 3 2 13+1 P.Boast 1 xm 0 1 2' 4+1 W.Beveridge 0 0 xm 1' 1+1 R.Aas 1' 3 2 2 3 11+1 M.Powell 3 2 0 2 0 2 9 M.Wolter 2 2' 1' 1 3 9+2 G.McDonald 0 r 1 0 1 S.Smith 3 3 3 3 1 13 S.McDonald 0 0 1' 0 2+1 J.Birkinshaw 1 1 1 r 0 0 3 S.Courtney 2 1 2 2 2 0 9
Robbie Kessler was in untouchable form, and Scott Smith was desperately unlucky to miss another paid maximum in the last heat when he failed to get past Neil Collins.
On a super smooth racing strip Peter Boast had an encouraging home display, and Rene Aas featured in 2 of the best races of the evening. In heat 11 Neil Collins refused to surrender and blasted past Rene on the last bend for victory, but Rene replied with a superb inside pass on the third lap of heat 14 to deny Mick Powell a second win.
Mirko pushed home for a point in heat 10, but bounced back to partner Peter in a 5-1 in heat 13. James suffered yet more engine problems, as did the disappointing McDonald's.
Sunday 6th April, KO Cup
Newcastle 'Diamonds' 48 Sheffield Stelrad 'Star' Tigers 42 P.Bentley 3 3 2 2 3 13 R.Kessler 2 3 2 0 3 10 B.Turner 1 2' f 1 1 1 0 6+1 J.Birkinshaw 0 1 0 1 2 A.Compton rider replacement R.Aas 3 1 1 2 2 9 S.Swales 0 r 3 f 2' 3 8+1 M.Wolter 2' f 0 1 2 5+1 P.Pickering 3 3 x 2' 3 0 11+1 S.Smith 2 2 3 3 1' 11+1 G.Taylor 1 0 2 3 3 1 10 P.Boast 1' 1' 1 x 0 2' 5+3
For the second week in a row at Brough Park, the meeting was dominated by the state of the track. Although nowhere near as bad as last week, it was bad enogh to cause a few crashes and some riders were noticably taking it easy at times.Although Sheffield took an early lead, the scores were level after heat 8, and from then on the Diamonds took control.
The main talking point was heat 6 which was stopped immediately, after part of Kessler's machine caught in Pickering's front wheel. In the restart, Robbie lead until Paul passed him exiting turn 4, and then took his front wheel away. Paul's exclusion light was on before Robbie came to rest against the fence by the starting gate.
The meeting seemed to take a long time to run with referee Will Hunter in no hurry to sound the two minute warning, probably due to the work that was being carried out on the track between races.
For Sheffield, Rene Aas surprised me after seeing him a couple of times last year, as did Robbie Kessler who I had not seen before. Mirko Wolter could turn out to be a good signing and Scott Smith scored his points without a lot of fuss. (Report by Fred Mitchell)
Saturday 5th April, KO Cup
Stoke Potters 52 Sheffield Stelrad 'Star' Tigers 38 L.Collins 3 3 3 3 3 15 R.Kessler 2 0 1 2 1 3 9 C.Cobby 1 0 0 0 2 3 L.Dicken r 1 0 1 T.Pratt 3 3 3 3 2' 14+1 R.Aas 1' 2 0 3 3 9+1 C.Taylor r 1 2' 1 1' 5+2 M.Wolter 2 1' 1 1' 0 5+2 T.Atkin 2 2' 2 2 2 10+1 S.Smith 3 2 2 3 2 1 13 D.Felton 1' 3 0 0 1' 5+2 P.Boast x fx 1' 0 r 1+1
On a very tricky Loomer Road track the Tigers had no answer to Potters captain Les Collins, or the fast gating guest Troy Pratt. Robert Kessler in particular seemed intimidated by track conditions and didn't win a race until heat 14.
Rene Aas finished stone dead last in his 3rd ride, and then bounced back to win his last 2, but this was entirely due to making the gate on a circuit which saw only Les Collins making legitimate passing moves.
Scott Smith led Les Collins until the last bend of heat 7, but had no answer to the Potters top scorers in the last heat as Les equalled his 1976 record of three consecutive maximums at the start of the season.
Thursday 3rd April, KO Cup
Sheffield Stelrad 'Star' Tigers 59 Stoke Potters 30 R.Kessler 3 2 3 3 3 3 14 L.Collins 2 2 3 2 2 2 13 P.Boast 1 1' 1 0 1 4+1 C.Cobby 0 1' 0 1+1 R.Aas 1 3 2 3 2' 11+1 S.Robson 2 3 2 f 2 0 9 M.Wolter 3 2' 1' 2' 3 11+3 C.Taylor 0 0 0 2 2 S.Smith 3 3 3 3 1 13 T.Atkin 2 1 r 1 0 r 4 J.Birkinshaw 1 r 1 1 3 6 D.Felton 0 0 1' r ns 1+1
Robbie Kessler and Scud Smith were on flying form, but received excellent backup from both Mirko Wolter and a rejuvenated Rene Aas as the STELRAD 'Star' Tigers sped to an emphatic victory.
Stuart Robson got the drop on Robbie in heat 4 and resisted all Robbie's attempts around the outside. In heat 9 Scott Smith passed Stuart Robson on the 3rd bend of lap 1, and Les Collins on the 4th bend of lap 2, but had to admit defeat in heat 15 when after a poor start he overcame Stuart on lap 3 but left it too late to challenge Les Collins, who in turn had lost the lead to Robbie Kessler on lap 2.
Rene Aas and James Birkinshaw outgated Les in heat 11, only for Les to take the lead by the end of lap 1. Rene however challenged strongly and the lead changed hands several times before Rene pulled away for victory.
Craig Taylor's only points came when he passed Peter Boast on the 3rd lap of heat 14, and Tony Atkin had 2 retirements in his 6 outings.
Mirko dropped his only point to Les Collins in heat 8, and James Birkinshaw followed up the euphoria of leading Les Collins for a lap in heat 11, with his first senior race win in heat 13.
Friday 28th March, Challenge
Sheffield Stelrad 'Star' Tigers 46 Long Eaton 'Fina' Invaders 44 R.Kessler 3 2 2 3 2' 2' 14+2 B.Werner 2 ef 3 1 2 8 P.Boast 1 ef 0 0 1 2 J.Elkins 0 2 2' 0 0 4+1 R.Aas 2' 0 1 3 6+1 M.Dixon ef 1 2' 2 2 7+1 M.Wolter 3 1 tp 1 3 8 D.Andrews 1 3 3 0 0 7 S.Smith 2 3 1 3 3 3 15 C.Stonehewer 3 3 3 2 1 12 J.Birkinshaw 0 1 x2 f 0 1 P.Lee 1 2' 1 1' 1' 6+3
Martin Dixon and Brent Werner both dropped points for the Invaders, as did Peter Boast and Scott Smith for the Tigers as opening night gremlins contributed towards Sheffield looking at a 10 point defecit after 9 races.
In heat 10 Robbie Kessler powered ahead of the previously unbeaten Carl Stonehewer, and teamed up with double tactical substitute Scott Smith in the next race for a 5-1, and the Tigers were back in with a chance. Paul Lee breezed past Peter Boast in heat 12 but Scott Smith was untroubled at the front, and although Brent Werner also passed Peter in the first nominated race Mirko Wolter held on to win and narrow the defecit to 2 points.
Rene Aas and Martin Dixon then had a fair old tussle before Rene managed to pull out a slender lead and leave the Tigers needing a 5-1 in the top-scorers race. Scott and Robbie chose the outside gate positions and left Carl Stonehewer trailing in their wake in an emphatic maximum heat win to steal victory.
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