Classy Colts too strong for Tigers

Belle Vue’s electric start to the meeting proved decisive as the Colts ran out 51-39 winners at the National Speedway Stadium. The “Heat Floors” Tigers boss, Stuart Swales will be happy with his side’s performance after the opening 4 heats with the Tigers proving to be more than a match for the Colts. The hosts also took the bonus point on offer with a 92-87 aggregate success. Sam Hagon hit a majestic full 15 point maximum for the hosts whilst Ben Trigger struck 9 for Middlesbrough. 

Belle Vue started the meeting in fine fettle with a 4-2 heat advantage as Hagon gated and won, and with Chad Wirtzfield in 3rd, the hosts had the early lead in Manchester. The reserves race saw Jack Shimelt gate for a comfortable win, and with the Colts guest, Kieran Douglas keeping both Tigers at bay, Belle Vue had a 6 point advantage after only 2 races. 

More home success followed in heat 3 as Matt Marson took the chequered flag, and with Mason Watson gating and holding 2nd, Belle Vue had a 10 point cushion. Heat 4 saw the Tigers fans curse their fortune as Jake Mulford suffered mechanical problems whilst leading comfortably which cost the Tigers their first heat advantage of the evening but Kai Ward did pass Jack Shimelt on the penultimate lap to limit the damage to a Colts 4-2. 

Ben Trigger registered Middlesbrough’s first heat win of the evening as he passed Marson on lap 1, and with Ben Rathbone pinning his bike to the kerb on the final bend, he pipped Watson for 3rd to give the visiting support something to cheer. However, Belle Vue restored their 12 point advantage as Hagon won his second outing, and with Wirtzfield getting the better of the Tigers reserve Will Hocaniuk, Belle Vue had a stranglehold on proceedings.

After a shared heat 7 won by Belle Vue’s Freddy Hodder, the hosts extended their lead to 14 points with their third 4-2 heat advantage as Wirtzfield rode a smart opening lap to win, and with Shimelt in 3rd, the home supporters knew their side were in full control. 

Heat 9 saw Mulford pass Marson for the heat win, but with Hocaniuk unable to pass Watson, the Tigers could not eat into the Colts lead. Heat 10 saw another Sam Hagon win, but with both Tigers (Phillips & Halder) packing the minor places, the Colts lead remained at 14. Hodder continued his impressive evening with a heat 11 tapes to flag win, but with the ever improving Ward passing Douglas for 3rd, the Tigers were now proving more than a match for the Colts. 

After a pair of shared heats won by Marson and Hagon respectively, the Tigers struck a superb 5-1 in heat 14. Jamie Halder won whilst Kai Ward rode beyond his years to pass Watson twice for 2nd to end his evening with a paid win. The maximum heat advantage also ensured Middlesbrough remained in contention for the aggregate point heading into heat 15. 

However, the aggregate point proved a step too far for the Tigers as Hagon fended off an early challenge from Mulford for the win, and with Hodder also getting the better of Trigger, Belle Vue registered their first win of the season with a 51-39 success on home soil. 

Belle Vue Colts = 51  (92)

1. Sam Hagon = 15 MAXIMUM

2. Chad Wirtzfeld = 5

3. Matt Marson = 10

4. Mason Watson (G) = 4+2

5. Freddy Hodder = 10

6. Kieran Douglas (G) = 2+1

7. Jack Shimelt = 5

Middlesbrough Tigers = 39  (87)

1. Ben Trigger = 9

2. Ben Rathbone = 1

3. Danny Phillips = 7

4. Jamie Halder = 5+2

5. Jake Mulford = 8+1

6. William Hocaniuk = 2+1

7. Kai Ward = 7+2