HERE'S our latest soundbytes and fixtures from around the tracks up and down the country.
THE BITE-SIZED BULLETIN
PIC OF THE WEEK...
Eastbourne booked their place in the Championship Shield Final after beating Glasgow 55-34 in the second leg of their semi-final at Arlington. The Eagles win 98-81 on aggregate and will face Leicester in the Final. Picture: MIKE HINVES
PREMIERSHIP SOUNDBYTES"¦
BELLE VUE "We had too many passengers, and the lack of consistency after the result at Ipswich last week is something we need to urgently address. These away points are too crucial to be dropping." Aces boss Mark Lemon remains frustrated by the inconsistency in the team's away form, as they suffered an 18-point defeat at Wolverhampton on Monday. NEXT HOME: Swindon, Mon Aug 12 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: King's Lynn, Thur Aug 22 (7.30)
IPSWICH "We had a lot of fans there and we wanted to put on a good show for them. I can understand them being disappointed after travelling and seeing your side not perform. That is sport and in nearly every meeting this season we have performed. At the moment the highs outweigh the lows." Witches boss Ritchie Hawkins wasn't going overboard after his second-placed side suffered their heaviest defeat of the season, going down 57-33 at King's Lynn on Monday. NEXT HOME: Swindon, Thur Aug 15 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Poole, Thur Aug 8 (7.30)
KING'S LYNN "It was an eventful night but we have to be pleased with the result. We know what a tough side Ipswich are and we know all about the rivalry. They've been here this season and done well before." Peter Schroeck's Stars fired up their play-off bid with a 57-33 hammering of Ipswich on Monday "“ having been held to a draw in the Witches' previous visit. NEXT HOME: Wolverhampton, Thur Aug 15 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue, Mon Aug 26 (12pm)
PETERBOROUGH "Brad was always a key part of our team plans and we were hoping to see him back at the start of this month. It's a major blow to the team because we needed his scoring power and we had high hopes of him returning but it's not worked out like that." Panthers boss Carl Johnson is disappointed with the news that New Zealand Champion Bradley Wilson-Dean won't be able to return from a broken collarbone this season. NEXT HOME: Belle Vue, Thur Sept 5 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Wolverhampton, Mon Aug 12 (7.30)
POOLE The Pirates remain top of the Premiership table and can take a big step towards league leadership ahead of the play-offs when they host nearest rivals Ipswich at Wimborne Road on Thursday. NEXT HOME: Ipswich, Thur Aug 8 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Wolverhampton, Mon Aug 26 (8pm)
SWINDON "I feel we have a very strong top five who are capable of scoring big, and both of the reserves are scoring useful points for us. I'm confident we have the team to get us some away wins." Robins boss Alun Rossiter says his side heads into August with plenty of potential to improve their position and move into a Premiership play-off place. NEXT HOME: Wolverhampton, Thur Aug 8 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue, Mon Aug 12 (7.30)
WOLVERHAMPTON "It was a fantastic night of entertainment all round, there was a lot of excellent racing for the supporters to enjoy and we're pleased to get another three points, as well as to ensure Belle Vue left with nothing, in what was a really strong performance from the team." Wolves boss Peter Adams said Monday's victory over Belle Vue had completed a perfect night at Monmore as they continue to battle for a play-off spot. NEXT HOME: Peterborough, Mon Aug 12 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Swindon, Thur Aug 8 (7.30)
CHAMPIONSHIP SOUNDBYTES"¦
BERWICK "This was a match win that just fumbled out of our hands with a couple of mechanical issues slicing points from our guys with Coty Garcia's start line engine bang, and Leon Flint's rear chain flinging him to the ground when he was set to take second place." Bandits boss Gary Flint bemoaned his side's misfortune as they suffered a rare home defeat at the hands of Redcar on Saturday. NEXT HOME: Glasgow, Sat Aug 10 (7pm) NEXT AWAY: Glasgow, Fri Aug 9 (7.30)
BIRMINGHAM "Birmingham is a good club and I've spoken to a fair few people who I trust who have only said good things. There's no pressure as such and I just want to come in, take it one ride at a time and hopefully show what I can do." The Brummies' latest reserve recruit Jordan Jenkins is looking to take his first chance of racing at Championship level when he lines up for the Perry Barr side. NEXT HOME: Eastbourne, Wed Aug 7 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Scunthorpe, Fri Aug 9 (7.30)
EASTBOURNE "We were telling everyone to stay focussed and keep their mind on the job in hand. I think it affected Glasgow a lot more than it did us. The track was good before the meeting. There was no problem for us. We just got on with it and we have the result we wanted." Eagles boss Will Pottinger distanced himself from debate over conditions at Arlington on Saturday with the Eagles marching into the Final of the Championship Shield at the expense of Glasgow. NEXT HOME: Redcar, Sat Aug 24 (7pm) NEXT AWAY: Birmingham, Wed Aug 7 (7.30)
EDINBURGH "I think James Sarjeant is a very good signing. I guested for Glasgow a couple of weeks ago and he didn't jump the start that night, so I said to him to make it the same tonight! He did that and I think he will become a really good speedway rider." Monarchs No.1 Sam Masters is backing his new regular race partner James Sarjeant to make a success of his switch to Armadale from local rivals Glasgow. NEXT HOME: Sheffield, Fri Aug 9 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Sheffield, Sun Aug 11 (5.30)
GLASGOW "He is a real trier and going by last season's score here he knows how to get round our track, so if he can keep doing that for us home and away, it will help us consolidate our position and hopefully go on to have a go at winning the trophy." Tigers co-owner Peter Facenna says the move to bring in Mikkel B Andersen should strengthen the club's bid to take the Championship title this season. NEXT HOME: Berwick, Fri Aug 9 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Berwick, Sat Aug 10 (7pm)
LEICESTER "It was a great win, we knew Sheffield could push us really tight but the track rode well and we came away with a good result. It's important for us to keep the momentum going, covering for Richie (Worrall) and we've had some good guests coming in - and Aaron came in today and did a fantastic job." Lions skipper Scott Nicholls praised guest Aaron Summers who joined him in a strong top-end performance to see off Sheffield at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena last Sunday. NEXT HOME: Scunthorpe, Sat Aug 10 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Birmingham, Wed Aug 21 (7.30)
NEWCASTLE "Danny (Phillips) scored his quota well and Max Clegg was exceptional with his 14 points, unfortunately the fire-power from the upper end of the team, including from the gate, left them lacking and points were not coming at the critical time." Stand-in Diamonds boss Roy Clarke suffered a home defeat at the hands of Somerset despite impressive showings from their reserve duo. NEXT HOME: Redcar, Sun Aug 11 (6.30) NEXT AWAY: Somerset, Wed Aug 7 (7.30)
REDCAR "It's absolutely amazing to have a Bear become British Champion and nobody could deserve it more. He is one of the most dedicated, determined and hard working riders you are likely to meet and he has rightly reaped the rewards for that." Redcar promoter Jitendra Duffill is proud of skipper Charles Wright's national title glory "“ with the team building on that to move into the play-off places with a successful weekend. NEXT HOME: Newcastle, Fri Aug 9 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Newcastle, Sun Aug 11 (6.30)
SCUNTHORPE "When it was raining early on, we just got on with it and adapted to it. I didn't understand why Edinburgh called for a track inspection, since their track was wetter on Friday night just from track watering without any rain. We've had a good night and hopefully we can now build up a bit of momentum because we've got a busy August, so it would be great if we can keep it going." Scorpions reserve Simon Lambert had no issues with conditions after another high-scoring show with 11+3 in the 56-34 win over the Monarchs on Sundya. NEXT HOME: Birmingham, Fri Aug 9 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Leicester, Sat Aug 10 (7.30)
SOMERSET "We worked really hard to get that victory and it was a good meeting. After seeing what they did in heat 13 I knew I had to go with Bomber and Morra in heat 15 and they had a plan. It worked and we got a valuable win." Rebels boss Garry May knew the importance of taking victory at Newcastle last Sunday, just four days after slipping to a home defeat at the hands of Glasgow. NEXT HOME: Newcastle, Wed Aug 7 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Leicester, Sat Aug 24 (7.30)
SHEFFIELD "Whether it would have changed the final outcome or not I'm not too sure, but the scoreline would have looked quite different had we had a bit more luck on our side. While we weren't good enough to win on the night, there are still some positives we can take from this." Tigers boss Simon Stead is remaining optimistic of a late surge back into the top four from his side, who missed out on league points at Leicester on Sunday. NEXT HOME: Edinburgh, Sun Aug 11 (5.30) NEXT AWAY: Edinburgh, Fri Aug 9 (7.30)
NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUNDBYTES"¦
BELLE VUE "There was nothing more any of us could have done tonight. The boys rode so hard and in challenging conditions. Defeat is tough to take because we were so close, but it is what it is." Colts captain Kyle Bickley says they won't let their heads go down after being overturned at home by Kent last week, despite having held an 11-point lead with five races remaining. NEXT HOME: Leicester, Thur Aug 8 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Kent, Mon Aug 19 (6.30)
CRADLEY "Hopefully we can kick on from this, win all our remaining home meetings and pick up at least one win on our travels. Everyone knows how important away wins can be when it comes to the league table at the end of the year." Heathens star Luke Harris says the battle is still very much on for a top four finish, as the club look forward to big meetings later this month. NEXT HOME: Plymouth, Mon Aug 19 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Leicester, Sat Aug 17 (7.30)
ISLE OF WIGHT "While it's amazing to have another piece of silverware I would have rather lost than win like this but that's part of speedway and I am delighted for the team." Warriors chief Barry Bishop had mixed emotions after the Silver Ski Holidays Fours at Kent on Monday was curtailed due to a crash involving Plymouth's Adam Extance and the IOW's Danno Verge. NEXT HOME: Mildenhall, Thur Aug 8 (7pm) NEXT AWAY: Mildenhall, Sun Aug 11 (3pm)
KENT The Kings will now face a Sussex Select side at Central Park on Monday after local rivals Eastbourne elected not to fulfil their intended challenge match. NEXT HOME: Sussex (Ch), Mon Aug 12 (6.30) NEXT AWAY: Mildenhall, Sun Aug 18 (3pm)
LEICESTER "The key to making the play-offs is the four-point away wins and now we've got three of them, we've got 13 points from four away matches "“ so obviously that's a great position to be in with four home matches still to come." Lion Cubs boss Dave Howard says his side have put themselves in a very strong position thanks to their recent big away wins at Kent and Plymouth. NEXT HOME: Cradley, Sat Aug 17 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue, Thur Aug 8 (7.30)
MILDENHALL "Things didn't go so well in our first few National League matches but things are starting to click into place now. The ball is rolling again and we're slowly but surely starting to get our home track advantage back." Fen Tigers star Jason Edwards says the club are well-placed to mount a serious play-off challenge as they go into a vital August fixture programme. NEXT HOME: Isle of Wight, Sun Aug 11 (3pm) NEXT AWAY: Isle of Wight, Thur Aug 8 (7pm)
PLYMOUTH "Leicester deserved the win. They were by far the better team on the night and full credit to them. I always think of myself as an optimist but I'm also a realist and after Friday night's display from the team I really can't see us hitting the play offs." Gladiators boss Mattie Bates gives an honest assessment of his team's prospects after a home defeat to the Lion Cubs on Friday left them off the pace of the top four. NEXT HOME: Mildenhall, Fri Aug 9 (7.15) NEXT AWAY: Stoke, Sat Aug 10 (7pm)
STOKE "We were simply beaten by a better team on the night. The track was good with Ellis Perks clocking the four fastest times of the season around here and they had a team which there was simply no weakness - it was strong right the way through." Potters boss Adam Isherwood paid tribute to opponents Leicester, who racked up a 54-36 win at Loomer Road in the first leg of the KO Cup semi-final to put one foot into the Final. NEXT HOME: Plymouth, Sat Aug 10 (7pm) NEXT AWAY: Plymouth, Fri Aug 23 (7.15)
FIXTURE PICTURE"¦
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 7: CHAMPIONSHIP: Birmingham v Eastbourne 7.30, Somerset v Newcastle 7.30
THURSDAY AUGUST 8: PREMIERSHIP: Poole v Ipswich 7.30, Swindon v Wolverhampton 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Leicester 7.30, Isle of Wight v Mildenhall 7pm
FRIDAY AUGUST 9: CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Sheffield 7.30, Glasgow v Berwick 7.30, Redcar v Newcastle 7.30, Scunthorpe v Birmingham 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Plymouth v Mildenhall 7.15
SATURDAY AUGUST 10: CHAMPIONSHIP: Berwick v Glasgow 7pm, Leicester v Scunthorpe 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Stoke v Plymouth 7pm
SUNDAY AUGUST 11: CHAMPIONSHIP: Newcastle v Redcar 6.30, Sheffield v Edinburgh 5.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Mildenhall v Isle of Wight 3pm
MONDAY AUGUST 12: PREMIERSHIP: Belle Vue v Swindon 7.30, Wolverhampton v Peterborough 7.30 CHALLENGE: Kent v Sussex 6.30
TUESDAY AUGUST 13: CHAMPIONSHIP: Redcar v Sheffield 7.30
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 14: CHAMPIONSHIP: Birmingham v Scunthorpe 7.30, Somerset v Edinburgh 7.30
THURSDAY AUGUST 15: PREMIERSHIP: Ipswich v Swindon 7.30, King's Lynn v Wolverhampton 7.30 BRITISH UNDER-19 FINAL: Redcar 7.30 HANDICAP INDIVIDUAL CHALLENGE: Isle of Wight 7pm
FRIDAY AUGUST 16: CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Eastbourne 7.30, Glasgow v Sheffield 7.30, Scunthorpe v Redcar 7.30
SATURDAY AUGUST 17: CHAMPIONSHIP: Berwick v Eastbourne 7pm NATIONAL LEAGUE: Leicester v Cradley 7.30
SUNDAY AUGUST 18: CHAMPIONSHIP: Newcastle v Eastbourne 6.30, Sheffield v Glasgow 5.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Mildenhall v Kent 3pm
MONDAY AUGUST 19: PREMIERSHIP: Belle Vue v Wolverhampton 7.30, King's Lynn v Peterborough 7.30, Poole v Swindon 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Cradley v Plymouth 7.30, Kent v Belle Vue 6.30
TUESDAY AUGUST 20: NATIONAL LEAGUE: Isle of Wight v Belle Vue 7pm
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 21: CHAMPIONSHIP: Berwick v Scunthorpe 7pm, Birmingham v Leicester 7.30, Somerset v Sheffield 7.30
