Eaton v Somersham
07/7/2002 SE1/NSL
This Eaton - Somersham clash got off to a controversial start when Pete and Richard Williamson were excluded from riding due to late arrival. This surely fired up the visitors and with reserves on standby they were able to field a full team. In contrast, Eaton had gaps in their side due to holidays and being unable to put two riders in every heat ultimately proved their downfall.
There was no shortage of quality though, as the smooth track conditions promoted fast and furious racing. Eaton took an early lead but Somersham pulled back when Gary Brown passed Nicky Bray in heat 3. More action followed, but Simon Turnbull was excluded after a race long tangle with Scott Jones, and Eaton were back in front. Then Andy Mittell picked up a good win and it was level going into the interval.
Things remained close over the next few heats but a tactical error by the home side meant they had no rider in heat 14 and Somersham moved in front for the first time. Heat 16 proved the decider with the visitors just needing to share the points. Peter Mittell made the gate and held on for 3 and a half laps before Scott Jones charged through followed by an inevitable pile-up. Both riders were badly shook up and Mittell wrote off his helmet. Luke Hodgkinson meanwhile, negotiated the carnage and crossed the line to secure the win.
In-form Elliott Jones provided some consolation for Eaton in the last heat as he, followed by Bray, passed Brown on the final bend to complete his maximum.
Eaton 82
E Jones 20, P Starling 19, N Bray 18+1, S Jones 15+2, N Attoe 10.
Somersham 86
G Brown 16+1, A Mittell 15+1, L Hodgkinson 13+1, B Copping 10+1, P Mittell 10+1, S Copping 8+1, A Turnbull 8, S Turnbull 6+2.