Somersham v Eaton
21/4/2002 SE1/NSL
Somersham Cycle Speedway opened up their league campaign with a thrilling win over Eaton, as the Stars' top pairing took maximum points in a tense last heat decider. There had been little to choose between the teams throughout the meeting and Somersham entered the final race just one point up. Only a share of the points was required but Richard Williamson scorched away from the tapes and was later joined by team mate Gary Brown when he passed Dave Martin, to seal a very satisfying win.
On a fine day, the start set the scene with the first 4 heats being shared 5-5, but the pattern was broken when visitor Neil Attoe was excluded for moving at the start. This proved to be Eaton's downfall as Somersham were then able to race tactically to defend their slender lead. Eaton fought back though and led by Richard Hunt and the unbeaten Elliott Jones they kept the result in doubt right to the end.
Somersham's all round strength proved a key factor though with every rider doing his job. Riders like Barry Copping and Simon Turnbull, despite two falls on the well prepared track, have clearly benefitted from the club's pre-season training.
Somersham 92
G Brown 15, R Williamson 15, A Mittell 13, B Copping 12, S Turnbull 10, P Mittell 10, P Williamson 9, S Copping 8
Eaton 87
E Jones 20, R Hunt 18, D Martin 16, P Starling 11, S Jones 11, N Attoe 4, L Slater 4, J Slater 4