Gilkes sends a winning warning!

Dan Gilkes was the winner of the U21 semi-final at the Media Prima Arena as he sent a warning message to the Redcar Bears promotion as a man to watch when he returns to the Media Prima Arena with the Kent Kings next Friday. Gilkes hit 14 points, tying with Berwick’s Kyle Bickley, just edging top spot on countback as he defeated Kyle in heat 3. Joining them both on the rostrum was the exciting Eastbourne Eagle, Jason Edwards. Leicester fans will be very pleased with 3 Cubs riders qualifying for the final, Tom Spencer joining twin brothers Dan and Joe Thompson in progressing.

One of the pre-meeting contenders to qualify, “The Bear who never was” Joe Lawlor was forced to withdraw after 8 heats after suffering a wrist injury. Local lads Kyran Lyden and Alex Goldsborough both picked up a couple of points each as they continued their speedway education. Former Newcastle Gem Archie Freeman saw his chances of a run-off vanish after making a poor gate in heat 20 thus meaning he will be a reserve for the final. 

1. Danny Smith – 1, 0, 1, Fn WITHDRAWN = 2
2. Mickie Simpson – 0, 2, 1, 1, 2 = 6
3. Dan Thompson – 3, 2, 2, 3, 3 = 13 (Q)
4. Archie Freeman  – 2, 2, 3, 1, 1 = 9
5. Joe Lawlor – 2, 2 WITHDRAWN = 4
6. Sheldon Davies – 1, 1, 0, 0, 0 = 2
7. Kyran Lyden  – 0, 0, 1, Fx, 1 = 2
8. Joe Thompson – 3, 1, 1, 2, 3 = 10 (Q)
9. Kyle Bickley – 2, 3, 3, 3, 3 = 14 (Q)
10. Ben Trigger – 0, 3, 2, 2, 0 = 7
11. Jason Edwards – 1, 3, 3, 3, 3 = 13 (Q)
12. Daniel Gilkes – 3, 3, 3, 3, 2 = 14 (Q)
13. Gregor Millar – 1, 1, R, 0, 1 = 3
14. Mason Watson – 2, X, 0, 2, 2 = 6
15. Tom Spencer – 3, 1, 2, 2, 2 = 10 (Q)
16. Sam Woolley  – 0, 0, 2, 1, R = 3
17. Alex Goldsborough  – 0, 1, 0, 1, 0 = 2