News

Last Updated on Monday 30th June 2003.

Monday 2nd June 2003.

ROUGH RETURNS/STADIUM UPGRADE.

Lee Rough returns to the Pirates this week after a short loan spell at Wombourne which helped him regain his match fitness after only riding 7 matches last season. After 2 meetings Roughie was averaging only 2 but it was obvious he was a bit rusty.

News on Friday that he would return from Warriors, who underwent a management change while he was there, bolstered the 21 year old Aussie and he fired home a 7+1 score at Seaton on Saturday. Roughie slots straight in at number 2 for the visit to Evesham this Thursday.

Meanwhile, Pirates have added an Executive Box to the stadium. The McKay Suite will be situated in the Main Stand and is expected to attract major sponsors to get involved on a match by match basis. Yo-Yo have already booked the suite for the visit of Swanage.

Elsewhere, the YDL Bucks were delighted after gaining a valuable away draw at Aisha's Motor today. Bucks never trailed and it took a last heat 4-2 for the home side to snatch a point. Seth Latimer again top scored for Bucks with 8+1 with Karl Sweeney notching 5+2 from 4 rides too. Nik Mills managed 5 from 3 while Dean Hart returned 3 including, what turned out to be, a crucial fall and exclusion in heat 3, when in third, which allowed Tracey to pick up his only point of the match.

Motor were a 2 'man' side with Grant and Drury both scoring 10 from 4 with McKillop scoreless.

Friday 6th June 2003.

EVESHAM WIN/KIRSTEN COMMENTS.

Jan Kirsten today moved to clear up the 'situation' that has arisen following some 'sensationalised tabloid reporting' following Pirates 47-43 defeat at Evesham last night.

The double World Champion told a packed press conference, 'It isn't even as serious as a storm in a teacup.'

'We lost a match that, in my opinion, we should have won. My temper was running high as I felt certain individuals aren't taking the league seriously enough. A frank exchange of views took place between myself and a team mate and the promoter tried to calm me down. I flew off the handle at him and I shouldn't have done that. I'd like to publicly express my apologies to Mr Seymour for that and the comments regarding the Scotland job.'

'We have since spoken and he told me he was delighted to see my passion and committment to the club and that he only wished the whole team would show that level of committment.' 'I was disappointed that a tabloid journalist loitering at the dressing room door decided to use these comments as a quote. He was obviously looking for a story and he made one out of this trivial incident. It was sensationalised tabloid reporting of the highest order.'

'What he failed to report was that I re-entered the dressing rooms less than 30 seconds later and everything was cleared up. However, I stand by most of my comments. I am not a loser, I expect to win every race and get upset when team mates don't show the same desire. I don't think it's a fault, I think it is what drives me on.'

'I said that I'd demand changes. I know that's not really up to me but if this club wants to win things then I can offer advice and guidance from what I've learned over the last couple of years. I've raced the best and have a good idea of who we should and shouldn't have in this team. Kevin (Tantrum) and George spoke to me about this earlier on and have told me they are willing to listen to suggestions.'

'Let me just say that, personally, I am very happy at Houston. I feel we need changes to be truly competitive but it is not something that would make me want to leave. My comments regarding Vojens and Coventry were said in the heat of the moment. Yes, I love Vojens as it's my home town team and Coventry was an exceptional team to be a part of with great facilities and management. But that time is past and I need to look forward.'

'I have been guilty of using 'leaving to join Vojens' as a bit of a threat but, to be honest, I couldn't go there while they only have a maximum of 12 matches a year compared to a minimum 35 in SL. (30 SL, 2 KOC, 1 Divisional Cup, 1 Pairs, 1 4TT) My long term future is at Houston. I have no plans to leave. As I said I have never given up on anything. I want to lead this club to SL trophies.'

'As for Mr Sloss' allegations of my visit to Broadwood. That was last weekend, long before any of this blew up. I went to Swanage for the Purbeck Cup on Monday and stayed with my good friend Kim Sorensen this week before making my way to Evesham. I haven't even been in Scotland, let alone Cumbernauld, since early on Monday.'

'The reason for my visit was to Broadwood last Sunday was quite simple. I had left some tools in the pit area which were, very kindly, handed to Mr Sloss for safekeeping. I signed an autograph for his mother and a receipt confirming I had collected my tools. There is nothing more to it, he's just trying to detract attention from the fact that his team lost to their fiercest rivals at home.'

Promoter George Seymour then said,'I have no problem with Jan, or any other rider, expressing their views like this. After a performance like last night's the team generally discuss things in the changing room afterwards. Sometimes voices are raised, sometimes it's all very amicable. The difference this time was a tabloid 'hack' eavesdropping at the door.'

'Normally a blow up like this is resolved in minutes. I won't discourage any rider from voicing an opinion in this way. To me, it clears the air and makes riders more determined to compete. However, what we will be doing in future is ensuring that there are no 'outsiders' listening in.'

Kevin Tantrum then commented on the match. 'It was a poor performance by some riders and we could have won. But all credit to Evesham who did the job required and took a deserved win.'

'I feel that with Jacko in the team that we may have managed the neccesary 3 point swing to win this match but he is injured and you can't dwell on what if's.'

'A few riders had an off night but we are most concerned with Lee Rough who just doesn't seem to be getting it together at all. He has till the end of the month to show us his value.'

'I will confirm that it was Lee that Jan had a go at and, to be fair to Jan, he has a point. Lee only managed 1, Jacko would have scored more and, I think, it was that frustration that caused JK to speak out. It's matches like these that can be the difference between mid table and a title at the end of the season. We have lost narrowly on 4 occasions now and, had we won a couple of these, we would be top 3 rather than mid table. We must look to rectify this if we wish to be challengers.'

Tuesday 10th June 2003.

BUCKS FREEZE THE PENGUINS.

Houston Bucks took a massive step towards topping Group B of the YDL with an emphatic 28-14 win over Tayside Penguins at Craigburn Park last night.

The result sees Bucks now on 7 points with 1 match left while Aisha's Motor and London are on 5 and 4 respectively. These two teams are due to meet next week and the situation will be clearer then. However, a victory in the final match, at home to London, in a fortnight would guarantee second place at the very least.

Bucks provided 6 race winners out of 7 last night with Seth Latimer recording his first maximum in speedway winning all 4 of his outings comfortably. Considering Slatty's 6.89 CMA in SL this season it wasn't unexpected that he'd dominate but the maximum was very pleasing for all concerned. Just as impressive was Nik Mills who only dropped a single point, to Iain Emberson, in his 7+4 return. Mills has come on well under recent coaching and, on this form, could be the man to replace Seth Latimer in the Pirates' team come the next set of GSA's.

Karl Sweeney fell in his opening ride and was still looking a bit shaken in his second race but he recovered to win his final race to post a total of 4. Dean Hart also contributed well with 5 points from 3 which included a win.

Kevin Tantrum commented, 'The Bucks are doing well and could make the top group for the second half of the YDL campaign. However, this league isn't all about winning the championship. Yes, we will aim for the title but if we lose out and find a quality rider then the objective has been achieved. It's about development and bringing young riders through.'

'To a large extent we've already achieved the second part of this with Slatty coaching up brilliantly and due to ride his last YDL match later this month. His new average will weaken the Bucks but since the aim of the YDL is to find and develop talent we won't be disappointed if we don't do as well in the second half of the season as long as we see improvement in the remaining riders. We won't be making a signing to replace him. It just means the 5 remaining YDL squad members will always be selected.'

Meanwhile, Jan Kirsten continued his superb run of recent form with a win in the Cumberland Open at Seaton. He ran off four straight wins before settling for second place behind home rider Peter Hotter in his final outing on his way to collecting the Ł25,000 top prize.

The double World Champion then fired off an ominous warning to the rest of the league when he said, 'I'm delighted to have taken this title. My form of late has been good but I still want to improve it. I have had 17 rides in my last 3 matches and have won 14 of them but I have lost 1 race in each match to prevent me getting a maximum. It is my aim to score a maximum in every match. I'm looking to improve my performance.'

Saturday 14th June 2003.

SHARKS SLAUGHTERED.

Pirates raced to an emphatic 54-36 victory over local rivals Glasgow at Craigburn Park last night to move 4th in the SL table. A remarkable turn around after languishing at the foot of the table early in the season.

It was a great all round team showing with Pirates stretching from a 23-19 lead after heat 8 to a 53-31 lead after 7 straight heat advantages. Every rider won at least 1 race while only Goran Pamic and Mariusz Mizs (twice) took the chequered flag for the Sharks.

Nearly every rider scored well with only Jamie McNab returning a lowish score with 3 from 3. The heatleader trio accounted for 29 of the total with Jan Kirsten notching 9+1 and Rickard Reiner on 10+1. Deon Standish took 10+2 from 4 before losing out on a paid max when missing the gate in heat 15 and trailing in last behind Kirsten. That gave Sharks a 5-1 which added some respectability to the scoreline.

Martin Andersson scored solidly with 6 from 4 while Seth Latimer continues his excellent form with 7 from 5 starts. That included his 5th win in 8 heat 2's that he has competed in this season. He also has a paid win and 2 third places. However, the real highlight was Lee Rough's 9 from 4 which included 2 wins.

Kevin Tantrum, Pirates team manager, said, 'Roughie's performance caught the eye. It was his home debut and he was looking good. If he keeps performing like this his future is safe.'

'As for the rest of them, they were brilliant. JK had a poor second race when his bike just didn't seem to have any power but he seemed to fix it as he won his next two on it. Rickard just gets better with age. He was superb tonight and sacrificed a possible maximum to team ride with Martin in their second outing. Stan blew another paid maximum but we are delighted by his performances. Macca had a bit of an off night but Slatty just keep piling the points up at reserve. He geats a 'real' average next month so we will have some tough decisions then but before that we have to visit league leaders London and then Swanage.'

Saturday 21st June 2003.

PUNCTURED BY JAGS.

London Jaguars moved back to the top of the table after a closely fought battle at the Clerkenwell Bowl today as they defeated Pirates 47-42. However, once again, all the talk was of Jan Kirsten.

The World Champ only managed 5+1 from 4 and it was immediately reported that he is 'fed up with his club and feels he wants away'. It was also reported that Vojens are planning a World Record bid to take him home.

Pirates manager Kevin tantrum responded to these claims with, 'Yes, we've heard the rumours. And we believe it was the same tabloid journalist who reported this as reported the 'row' a couple of weeks back.'

'The truth is far more simple. Jan blew his engine in the re-run of his first ride. He then blew the engine on his second bike while warming it up. He took to his third bike and wasn't as fast on it as he thought he might be. He tried everything in the pits to get the bike competitive but it wasn't to be.'

'On the Vojens thing. Let me tell you what they have offered....absolutely nothing. We've heard nothing from them and we reckon they are lining up a move for JK at the end of season. This isn't a problem for us. Every rider is signed on a season to season basis and all options are considered when the time is right.'

'As for tonight, we achieved our aim of keeping it close. We have a shot at the bonus. Jaguars are a good side and thoroughly deserved the win. Things may have been different with an on form Kirsten but that's speedway.'

The remainder of the team performed to expectation with Deon Standish and Rickard Reiner the pick of the bunch with 10 and 10+2. Seth Latimer again scored well from reserve with 6+1 from 5 while Martin Andersson continued his steady for with the same score from 4. Lee Rough got 3+1 from 3 while Jamie McNab's form dip continued with only 2+1 from 4.

Monday 23rd June 2003.

BUCKS TRIUMPHANT.

Houston Bucks swept aside London X-Types tonight to win Group B of the YDL.

A fantastic paid maximum for the improving Nik Mills paved the way for a 29-13 demolition of the London club which went some way to gaining revenge after the senior Pirates went down to the Jaguars in London 2 days ago.

The result was never in doubt as Bucks raced to 5-1's in Heats 1 and 3 with a 3-3 sandwiched between. The pattern continued with further 5-1's in heats 5 and 7 and tied races in heats 4 and 6. Mills top scored with 11+1 from 4 with Karl Sweeney dropping only 1 point, to fellow Scot Peter Stowell, in heat 4. This was X-Types only race win. Sweeney ended on 9+2.

Dean Hart only managed 2+1 from 3 while Seth Latimer finished his YDL career with a win in heat 5 on his way to 7+1. Bucks move into Group A for the second half of the season where they will meet Wisbech Wizards, Huntingdon Kestrels and Yeovil Youths who won their respective groups.

Saturday 28th June 2003.

SWANS SINK PIRATES.

Pirates went down to a 6 point defeat at Swanage last night after crumbling in the final 2 heats.

The score had been tied at 39 all with 2 races remaining but a 5-1 in heat 14 sealed at least a draw for the home side and they finished off with a 4-2 to take a decent win.

After weeks of 'taunting', when visiting other tracks, Swans fans and promotion took great delight in burning Yo Yo biscuits following the Seymour led sponsorship deal by Yo Yo and Acme Bungee Cords reflecting their (and Bournemouth's) inability to stay in one division 2 seasons in a row.

Seymour responded to the display by simply saying, 'All this celebration and they are still in the relegation zone.'

On the team front all 3 heat leaders and Seth Latimer had very good matches but the two second strings and the 'strong' reserve (Rough, Andersson, McNab) could only manage 4 points from 10 starts and this, as much as anything, led to Pirates downfall. Swans Luke Mills had a poor match but very impressive displays by Greg Goss and Roy Mjallaby swung things in the home teams favour.

Team manager Kevin Tantrum said, 'Jan Kirsten, Rickard Reiner, Deon Standish and Seth Latimer were excellent and escape any criticism. Slatty was particularly good with 10+1 from 6 including a victory over Marc Lomas. However, Jamie McNab and Martin Andersson again returned disappointing scores while Lee Rough again failed to impress away from home.'

'The new averages are out and Jamie Jackson is due to return after next week. Changes are seriously being considered.'

On Jamie Jackson, the injury ravaged Pirate is due to get on a bike, for the first time since his injury in the British Final, this Monday. A week of intensive practise should see him slot back into the main body of the side for the KOC matches against high flying Waltham Abbey on the 8th and 10th of the month.

Monday 30th June 2003.

BUCKS GET DRAW.

Houston Bucks, the Pirates YDL outfit, have given themselves a great chance of making the final of the YDL after securing a suberb draw at Wisbech Wizards. And this was without Seth Latimer who has become inelligible for YDL after gaining a 'real' average.

Wizards scoring was hampered by a fall to Paul Clarke in heat 1 which handed Bucks a 5-1 and a lead they defended right up to heat 7. Mark Lacey, completing a paid maximum, and Clarke then hauled Wizards back into the tie with a 5-1 to tie the scores.

Man of the match for the Bucks was Nik Mills with 9 from 4 ably supported by Karl Sweeney with 6 from 3 and Jed Davies with 4+3 from 4. Dean Hart could only manage 2+1 but all the points were vital. Bucks now look to next Monday when they entertain the Wizards in the second leg.

Kevin Tantrum said,'Nik's coaching has been coming on well in recent weeks. We are delighted to see him doing so well.'

'On the Pirates front it's a case of another month, another set of averages. But this month sees the current 1 to 7 go over the 47.00 limit, for the first time this season, due to Seth Latimer's superb form from reserve which seen his average leap from 2.00 to 6.59.'

'That leaves the straight choice at reserve of either Lee Rough or Jamie McNab. Neither have been performing brilliantly of late but Roughie gets the nod as he is still very much on a trial basis and has been at the difficult number 2 slot. It is hoped he can shine at reserve. The club are well aware of McNab's potential and his long term future is assured, however, he takes a temporary spot on the sidelines while Rough tries to prove his value. Should Rough continue to return poor scores McNab could very well be recalled.'

' This is all fairly straightforward stuff but our 'problem' is the imminent return of Jamie Jackson and the impact that will have. Jacko is almost certainly sure of a place but this leaves a choice between Martin Andersson or Seth Latimer for the other second string slot. Andersson is a solid second string while Slatty is unproven. However, until he gets a run in the team it is impossible to tell how he will do. Therefore, it has been decided that Slatty will get his chance and the situation will be monitored, particularly this week.'

' Another complicating factor is Jacko's fitness. Should he be struggling, as he did at the start of the campaign, it may be better to have Latimer and Andersson in the team while Jacko regains full fitness elsewhere. Only time will tell.'

Pirates entertain Bournemouth this Friday and that will give Latimer and Andersson the chance to stake their claim before Jackson, fitness permitting, returns for the home and away clashes with Waltham Abbey in the Knock Out Cup second round.