Poole vs Exeter Aces – Sunday Fixture Report
Poole vs Exeter Aces – Sunday Fixture Report
Division 1 Match Report
On Sunday, Poole hosted their first home league fixtures of the season against the Exeter Aces in what was expected to be a tightly contested encounter. The Comets fielded a familiar squad to the one that traveled to South Wales the previous weekend, led by Polish superstar Greg Gluchowski. He was supported by Fez Langoo, Oliver Saunders, Aaron Laing, Jamie Randall, and the talented sibling duo Teddy and Lexie Curtis.
The Aces, returning to league action after a year’s break, arrived with a strong side of their own. Their line-up featured former Comet Connor Tucker, multiple-capped international Mark Carmichael, former British Champion Lauren Hookway, along with Shannon Tucker, Sam Dart, Jake Wood, Rob Croal and Jack Horton.
Poole got off to a strong start with several early heat advantages. However, Exeter managed to halt the momentum with a string of 5-5 results, cleverly using their gate advantage to stay in contention. At the halfway stage, Poole held a 10-point lead, 50-40.
The second half of the meeting remained closely matched until heat 15, when Poole pulled clear with two 7-3 heat wins and a 6-4 in heat 16 to secure overall victory. Exeter, to their credit, didn’t give in and notched a 7-3 in heat 17 thanks to Carmichael and Tucker.
The final score: Poole 98 – 82 Exeter.
Division 2 Match Report
The Division 2 match followed the senior fixture, with penalty points applied to riders who had competed in the Division 1 match. Poole fielded Teddy and Lullah Curtis, Tilly and Millie Shear, Aaron Laing and Alan Nation. Exeter’s squad included Shannon Tucker, Lauren Hookway, Sam and Dave Dart, Jake Wood, Harvey and Mel Stickland and Freya Durrans.
Starting with an 11-point deficit due to the penalties, Poole didn’t let it phase them. In the opening six heats the Comets posted five 7-3 heat wins showing early dominance. Unfortunately, Alan Nation was involved in a crash with Sam Dart and sustained significant injuries. We wish him a full and speedy recovery. With both team managers in agreement, he was replaced by Jamie Randall.
Poole continued their momentum in the second half, racking up four more 7-3’s from the remaining six races. The determination and teamwork from the club’s younger and less experienced riders was evident throughout. Special mention goes to Lullah Curtis, Tillie and Milly Shear who had raced the previous day at Wednesfield in the Women’s League Anniversary event, yet still put in top performances.
The programmed score finished at Poole 78 – 42 Exeter, but after applying the penalty points, the official final score stood at Poole 108 – 83 Exeter. A fantastic day of racing and a well-deserved double victory for the Comets.
Next Home Fixture:
Poole Cycle Speedway returns to action at home on Sunday May 11th at 2pm in the National League, where they’ll face strong title contenders Great Blakenham from East Anglia.
Don’t miss it!
