CYCLE SPEEDWAY: A STANDOUT performance from Sam Hardie helped Coventry Sabres earn their first victory of the season in a heated affair against Wolverhampton-based East Park.
Sabres tracked a near full strength squad as British No.2 Myke Grimes returned to action while first team spots were handed to teenagers Cameron Gill, Ollie Morris, and Jake Slatter.
Prior to any racing though, a minute silence was observed to remember the late Joe Guy – who was tragically killed in a road accident while training earlier this year.
Guy started his cycling career at East Park before moving on to represent Wolverhampton Wheelers.
Sunday’s Midland League fixture started well for the Sabres with a 7-3 in the opening race.
A series of closely fought races following as Coventry held the upper hand by eight points at the halfway stage of the meeting.
Two further drawn heats followed the interval before East Park rider Jamie Whetton was excluded and then red carded.
Sabres took full advantage of East Park’s one-man absence in the pits to extend their lead to 63-50.
The home side failed to give in though as fast starting youngster Jake White and East Park skipper Josh Hill brought the two teams to within ten points.
However Coventry’s dominance shone in the concluding five races as they eventually ran out winners by 97 points to 76.
Teenager Cameron Gill – who only took up cycle speedway 12 months ago – returned with 11+1 while he received capable support from Myke Grimes (15+1) and top scorer Sam Hardie (16+1).
Dan Drewett was another pick of the Coventry bunch with 14+3 while Matt Lawrence and Kyle Barlow also registered double figure scores.
Youngsters Ollie Morris and Jake Slatter scored 9+1 and 5+1 respectively.
