|
SHEFFIELD SPEEDWAY
02 September 2004 - British Speedway Promoters Association
SHEFFIELD''S gamble in booking big rival Paul Thorp as a star guest paid off as the Hull man remained unbeaten in the 56-38 victory over King''s Lynn.
Some angry fans stayed at home in protest at the appointment of the man they love to hate as a replacement for injured skipper Sean Wilson. But those more forgiving Tigers fans gave Thorp a good reception and he didn''t let them down with a faultless display in his 11+1 haul. Sheffield were able to build up a comprehensive lead for the return in Norfolk on Saturday with a late surge of three successive 5-1 wins. Thorp and Compton combined to brush aside Tomas Topinka with a fine ride in Heat 13 and this gave Tigers a 10-point lead. Lee, who had been forced to take seven rides because of his impressive form and the injury to Jsmes Bunyan, crashed in Heat 14 and when the race was re-run Ashworth combined with James Birkinshaw for a maximum over another former Sheffield man Adam Allott. Ashworth and Compton had the last word with a comfortable win in Heat 15 to ensure what seems to be a comfortable 18-point cushion to take into the away leg.
TIGERS: Ricky Ashworth 16+1, Andre Compton 14+1, Paul Thorp 11+1, James Birkinshaw 8+2, Richard Hall 4+1, Ben Wilson 3+1. KING''S LYNN: Tomas Topinka 11, Paul Lee 10+1, Shaun Tacey 10, Adam Allott 6+2, Trevor Harding 1, James Brundle 0.
---
HULL''S Paul Thorp has revealed how shocked he was when he got the call to ride for Sheffield in their 56-38 win over King''s Lynn on Thursday. He said: ''When Neil Machin (Sheffield promoter) rang me I thought it was some sort of joke. It''s my 24th year of riding speedway and I never thought I would be seen in a Sheffield racejacket! ''As soon as I came off the phone to Neil I sent a text message to my mechanic and told him I thought the world had gone mad! On a serious note, I was pleased to help and my relationship with Sheffield is nothing more than rivalry and banter.''
---
SHEFFIELD go to Edinburgh tonight in more Premier League action when they will start as hot favourites for the aggregate bonus point. Glasgow''s Shane Parker has been booked as a guest for injured skipper Sean Wilson in a meeting which Sheffield lead 65-26 from the first leg at Owlerton last week. Skipper Andre Compton said: ''I spoke to Peter Carr (Edinburgh rider) earlier and he''s not fully fit so that could be to our advantage. ''I''m sure Frede Schott and Rory Schlein will take some stopping but I really feel we can give them a good run.'' LISTEN LIVE: Follow the Armadale action on 09066 555 923 - the next best thing to being there - calls cost 60p/min.
www.british-speedway.co.uk
More News
For September 2004
From British Speedway Promoters Association
For Speedway
Biker247.com Home Page
|
