BELLE Vue pulled off one of their most sensational victories to date after securing their place in the 2024 ROWE Motor Oil Premiership Grand Final, despite going down 50-40 to Sheffield.
The outgoing league champions never recovered from the 51-39 pummelling they suffered at the hands of the ATPI Aces in Manchester, which set the scene for their triumph at Owlerton.
The Tru7 Group Tigers were the odds-on favourite on home shale, until the title hopefuls put paid to those perceptions by starting the night with some strong statement heats to put them in front.
In fact, it wasn’t until Heat 8 that the home team were able to rattle off a 5-1 to put them in charge of the night, but even then they didn’t have things all their own way.
A very heavy crash for Ben Cook in Heat 10 ended with the Belle Vue No.4 taken to hospital, but the ATPI Aces soldiered on and perfectly preserved the lead they established at home.
It means they now look to the first leg of the Grand Final, which arrives at the NSS on Monday, September 23 when they face the Leicester Lions for a shot at their 14th ever league title.
Heat leaders Brady Kurtz and Dan Bewley dominated the scores for the ATPI Aces, clocking up 10 points each while Jaimon Lidsey recorded an Owlerton best with 9 points.
Team boss Mark Lemon said: “The rivalry between us is huge, and the boys really dug deep to come out on top.
“We knew how tough Sheffield are, they’ve been superb all year and credit to them, and it’s harsh that someone has to lose and their season is over.
“But we can fight another day and take on Leicester, and we look forward to that challenge, although my thoughts are with Ben, I hope he’s good. None of us want to see an accident like that.
“It’s our first Grand Final since 2022 and the boys can taste victory. They’re hungry for that league title. They’ve worked so hard all year for this and we’re ready to finish the job."
Tickets for the home leg of the 2024 ROWE Motor Oil Premiership Grand Final are now on sale at belle vue-speedway.com/event, with hospitality details soon to follow.
South stand parking and programmes can also be reserved online, with high demand expected and fans encouraged to book sooner rather than later.
RESULT – SHEFFIELD v BELLE VUE – THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 @ 7:30PM [POSF L2]
Sheffield ‘Tru7 group’ Tigers 50: Chris Harris 12+1, Josh Pickering 11, Kyle Howarth 9+1, Chris Holder 6+1, Jack Holder 5+4, Dan Gilkes 5, Jason Edwards 2+1.
Belle Vue ‘ATPI’ Aces 40: Dan Bewley 10, Brady Kurtz 10, Jaimon Lidsey 9, Antti Vuloas 7, Ben Cook 2+1, Norick Blodorn 1+1, Jake Mulford 1.
Aggregate Score: Sheffield 89-91 Belle Vue
Image: ©Belle Vue Speedway