National League win for the Comets at Home

On a bright but chilly Saturday afternoon the Poole – Trent Comets welcomed Kesgrave Panthers to Harbourside Park in the first home National League fixture. 

Both sides were at less than full strength and the visitors took the opportunity to include Poole junior Max Strong in the reserve berth who in turn replaced a far from fit Leon Mower for two outings.

In the opening heat Greg Gluchowski and club captain Will Bristowe took maximum points in the first of only two similar score lines during the entire meeting.

Although Kesgrave registered only a single heat winner, strong performances from Torston and Ryker Jolly with the able backing from Luca Woodhouse, Leon Mower, Matt and Charlie Parr they were unable to contain the powerful home squad. Considering all but 2 of Kesgrave’s riders are Under 18 they challenged the Comets and certainly wowed the crowd with their fast gating and track craft. The Kesgrave riders are a credit to their club and act with great integrity and maturity for such young riders.

Will Bristowe finished with a superb paid maximum and looked very quick all afternoon. Aaron Smith, Greg Gluchowski and Feroze Langoo headed up the Comets points total all with outstanding performances. On his return from injury Kenzie Bennett was unbeaten in his three rides and looks to be on track for a full return soon. Poole under 14 rising star Jamie Randall put in a great display against riders several age groups above and is fast becoming a force on the track. Alan Nation put in a spirited performance and as always was fantastic to watch. Southampton’s Leon Penketh is a named guest for Poole in the National League for 2024 and showed great speed out of the gate and on track scoring some very valuable points.