Turner: Ace has been phenomenal!
MIDDLESBROUGH chief Brian Turner has hailed the performances of the Tigers number one, Ace Pijper ahead of tomorrow’s basement battle as the “Heat Floors” Tigers take on the Belle Vue Colts in the basement battle with tapes up at 12pm at the ECCO Arena.
The WSRA National League is the Tigers last meeting of the 2025 season with a four point win enough to avoid the wooden spoon. However, the Colts pose a big threat with Cab Direct Championship reserves William Cairns and Freddy Hodder leading the visitors.
The exuberant Tigers chief was quick to praise the performances of the Tigers star this season. Turner said, “ Ace has been phenomenal for us this year, he started the season at number three and then at number five but he’s been at number one for a while now and he’s upped his average again.”
Despite battling at the wrong end of the table, Turner is keen to finish on a high. Turner said, “ We ran them close (losing 47-43 at the National Speedway Stadium) and that gives us hope so hopefully we can finish the season on a high with a home win.”
Tigers reserve Charlie Southwick makes his long awaited ECCO Arena debut and Turner is excited to see him in action on home shale. Turner explained, “ Charlie has been scoring points for Plymouth in the National Development Trophy. I know he has not rode as a Tiger at the ECCO Arena yet but it’s a nice track to ride so I don’t have any worries about that.”
The former rider turned team manager knows tomorrow’s meeting also gives the 13 riders on show an opportunity to put themselves to the forefront of club’s minds for 2026. Turner said, “ Tomorrow is a chance for the riders to put themselves into the shop window for next season, whether that be a spot in a higher league or getting a team berth back at this level.”
Middlesbrough are forced into two changes due to injury with Leicester’s Ryan Ingram covering for Jamie Halder whilst teenage starlet Seth Norman steps in for Kai Ward. Meanwhile, Belle Vue operate rider replacement for Jack Kingston with William Cairns at number one for the Colts.
Middlesbrough “Heat Floors” Tigers powered by “STS”
1. Ace Pijper (C) 9.88
2. Elliot Kelly 4.41
3. Stene Pijper 4.28
4. Ryan Ingram 5.67(G)
5. Tom Spencer 6.52
6. Seth Norman 3.00 (G)
7. Charlie Southwick 3.00
TM. Brian Turner
Belle Vue Colts
1. William Cairns 10.31
2. Jack Shimelt 3.45
3. Jack Kingston 4.42
4. Mason Watson 3.25
5. Freddy Hodder (c) 8.31
6. Harry Fletcher 3.00
7. Billy Budd 3.00
TM: Steve Williams/Graham Goodwin