BELLE Vue moved up to third in the National League table after a comprehensive 56-34 win over Edinburgh Academy, as they look to capitalise on their final meetings of the season.
The night began with the return of the British Youth Championships to the National Speedway Stadium, with the 125cc and 250cc classes featuring ahead of the main action.
A lengthy delay as a result of a crash involving Reuben Marsh meant the Cool Running Colts had to be patient before they commenced their battle with the Monarchs.
Thankfully the youngster escaped with only minor injuries after clashing with Charlie Luckman, and was taken to hospital as a precaution but is expected to make a full recovery.
When the action finally got underway, they made a strong start and gave their rivals plenty to think about, despite each side being without a number of their usual 1-7.
It was far from a hindrance for the Cool Running Colts, however, who took advantage of their home track knowledge to lay down their marker and all but stamp their authority on the meeting.
There was little that Edinburgh could do to recover after a succession of maximum heat advantages put the home team well and truly in front, with no chance for them to recover.
William Cairns continued his meteoric introduction to Manchester with a six-ride 18-point maximum, complemented by guest Joe Thompson’s 12 and Freddy Hodder’s 10+2.
Cairns said: “I think because both teams had injuries and rider replacement, it made things a bit more even but still competitive and this was a great win for the boys.
“Everybody stepped things up. We won’t be champions this year but we still have meetings where we can potentially secure a spot in the top three and we’d love to do that to finish off.
“I was pretty chuffed with my own performance. I didn’t expect to come away with an 18-point maximum but it felt really good and I’m looking forward to the next one.”
The 2024 Premiership Play Offs arrive in Manchester on Monday, September 16 when the ATPI Aces face reigning champions Sheffield in a War of the Roses semi-final.
Meeting tickets, race day programmes, south stand parking and hospitality will be available to pre-book soon at bellevue-speedway.com/events.
RESULT – BELLE VUE V EDINBURGH – FRIDAY, AUGUST 30 @ 7:30PM
Belle Vue ‘Cool Running’ Colts 56: William Cairns 18, Joe Thompson 12, Freddy Hodder 10+2, Harry McGurk 9+4, Matt Marson 4+1, Jack Shimelt 3, Luke Muff r/r
Edinburgh Monarchs Academy 34: Dayle Wood 11+1, Sam McGurk 9+3, Max Perry 7, Mark Parker 4+3, Mason Watson 3, Lee Harrison 0, Connor Coles r/r
RESULT – BRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP 125cc & 250cc CLASS
250cc: Cooper Rushen, Archie Rolph, Seth Norman
125cc: Oliver Bovingdon, Charlie Luckman, Rocco Webb
Image: ©Belle Vue Speedway