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!