This Is Cheshire

Kings lose close encounter

From the Guardian Series, first published Thursday 19th Aug 2004.

CREWE 'SJ Adams' Kings fought all the way in a narrow 19-17 defeat to Middlesbrough 'Scot Bros' Bears.

It was pure entertainment at Buxton's Hi-Edge Raceway as the Kings mixed it with their opponents to take this fixture down to the wire.

But it went the visitors' way thanks to Irwin who dominated the final heat for victory.

At one point the match had looked in doubt due to the Bears management struggling to put a team together.

They were forced to make eight changes from their original proposed line-up six days prior, two switches necessary on the afternoon of the match.

Buxton's Carl Belfield replaced Nick Mallett whose van had broken down on route and Swindon Sprockets young reserve Nathan Irwin who is profoundly deaf, came in for David Haigh at the last minute.

When the action began, it was keenly contested with both teams fairly evenly matched.

Kings only managed one race winner but had more minor placings, reflected in the first four heats ending in 3-3 draws.

Crewe were a little lucky in heat two when Bears' Phil Downes fell on the last lap whilst in third place and on a 4-2 with Belfield.

Still he dusted himself off and went on to win the next race.

Paul Burnett was the surprise winner of heat four, up against Bears' strongest pairing of Belfield and Irwin.

Belfield was all over his back wheel for every lap but Burnett blocked out every move to give the Kings plenty to cheer about.

Deadlock was finally broken in the penultimate heat as the Bears grabbed a decisive 4-2.

Kings' Dave Baker suffered an engine failure yards from the tapes while Burnett chased Belfield for four laps after a poor start but just could not make up the ground for a pass.

Kings needed a 5-1 for the win or a 4-2 to draw in the last heat deciders but Irwin shot from the gate to take the win.

Tom Hill and John Hough finished second and third for the Kings.

Burnett top scored with 7, Hill had 5+1, Baker 3+1 and John Hough 2+2.

"It was an entertaining match," said Kings manager Kev Tew.

Our speedway boys are next in action on Wednesday, September 8, when they travel to the Norfolk Arena to take on King's Lynn Starlets, the first time in 34 years that a Crewe team has visited Saddlebow Road.

Four days later, King's Lynn provide the opposition at Buxton.

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