Rebels Announce First Rider Signings

The big news was the announcement of the vastly experienced Steve Johnston as the club’s new number 1 for 2009, the 37 year old Australian having just completed his 16^th season of racing in the UK since first coming to these shores to ride for Sheffield in 1992.

Oak Tree Arena Landlord Bill Hancock has agreed a deal to purchase the entire Somerset Rebels retained rider list from former Promoter, Mike Golding, which will see Premier League Speedway continuing to run at the Highbridge venue for the 2009 Season.

An established and experienced Promoter will be appointed to oversee the operation at the Oak Tree Arena for the 2009 Season, and David Croucher will take over as General Manager of the Speedway and joint Team Manager.

A three year deal has been done with Landlord Bill Hancock, which will see the former Wimbledon and Isle of Wight man running the whole Speedway operation.

"I am delighted to be given this opportunity, to go to a Track which I have always rated very highly, and be involved in what is now effectively the Hancock family business, and take the Somerset Rebels into their 10th consecutive Season."

“I shall be responsible for running the Speedway, and work alongside the Hancock's who will continue the excellent work they have been doing running the venue."

Croucher added, "The deal will eventually see the Hancock family become more involved in the promotion of the Speedway rather than just being the Landlords."

"BSPA Chairman, Pete Toogood, will remain as a Co-Promoter, and Steve Bishop will also remain as joint Team Manager as we attempt to repeat the successes of previous Seasons at the helm of the Somerset Rebels Team."

Croucher, who has been Isle of Wight Team Manager for the last 4 years, will continue with his Great Britain Under 21 duties, but will be leaving the Isle of Wight Club who are now racing in the newly formed National League.

"I've had 4 great years on the Island, worked with some outstanding Riders, won a few Trophies, and have made a lot of friends, it's been absolutely great, but I felt this was an opportunity I could not possibly turn down."

"Bill and I have reached an agreement that will see us all pulling together to make the whole venue a success, and will mean me moving to Somerset for half the week through the Speedway Season, and commuting between my Southampton home, away meetings and Under 21 duties the rest of the time. It is certainly going to be a busy 2009, and I am full of optimism for the forthcoming Season in my new role with the Rebels."

"I've got the benefit of the experience of Pete Toogood, the local knowledge of the Hancock family, the continued support and assistance of Steve Bishop, who is pretty much regarded as 'Mr Somerset Speedway', and the vast majority of Track Staff will be offering their services I am given to understand, including of course, Ez Curtis who won the S.R.A. award for the best track of 2008.”

“I have also approached a few of the former sponsors who have immediately expressed a willingness to support the new structure and keep the Rebels alive and successful for 2009 and future Seasons, so it's business as usual for the Somerset Rebels next year."

Team building has started in earnest as David Croucher looks to put a side together that will challenge for honours in 2009, and challenge for honours is top of the priority list.

"Apart from the obvious things like keeping the Speedway running, making it profitable and building on the future, I have 2 main objectives for 2009. A Trophy, and I don't mind which one, Pairs, Fours, PLRC, Premier Trophy, or maybe even the KO Cup again, who knows. To continue the recent successes at Somerset, and go into my first Season with the Rebels and win a Trophy would be great. The fans have had the best, and will expect to see more of the same thing, of that, I have no doubt. I know some people will be thinking I'm dreaming, but we might as well leave all the bikes in the Riders vans if we don't set out to win something from the word go. Let's start positive and believe we can still be achievers in 2009."

"The other ambition is to increase the fan-base, and with particular regard to the younger ones. That's where the future of the sport lies. Not just in the young Riders, but also in the young supporters. We will be organising 'Kids Free' evenings from time to time, Kids for a Quid, and have a couple of potential media partners who I hope will be running Radio and other competitions where we will give some tickets away as prizes to encourage newcomers to have a look and see what Speedway is all about. We are going to go flat out in 2009 to really put the Oak Tree Arena on the map, and the first major change will be the opening of the turnstiles earlier than has previously been the case.”

“In the summer months, traffic can be heavy on the M5 and for that reason many people leave early to get to the Stadium. They arrive early, perhaps by accident, only to find out they cannot get in because the turnstiles aren't open, and go off somewhere else in search of a drink and something to eat when we have the most fantastic facility there on site. For that reason, we are discussing opening the turnstiles at 5.00pm or 5.30pm and Debbie Hancock, who manages the Oak Tree Lounge and Clubhouse for the family, will open at the same time.”

“So, if you are on Holiday and want to take a leisurely early drive down to Somerset, you can do so knowing you can be fed and watered when you get there, without having to wait until 6.00pm. This is just the first of many ideas that we will all be discussing to make it a more pleasurable experience for the customer. We want the fans to increase in their numbers and keep the Speedway successful and the best way to do that is to give them what they want. We will open up early, look after the customers, avoid the queues and put some money in the Turnstile Tills and the Restaurant and Clubhouse Tills. After all, that ultimately is why we all do it. It has to be a business first and a pleasure second, but I want everyone to feel as though we are putting them first. The customer is the most important part of any business, and we want more customers not less of them.”

“Another 'must' as far as I am concerned, is integration between Riders and Fans, and we will be holding a Press Conference in the Clubhouse at the end of every meeting. The Rider of the Night will be announced and will be presented with his Trophy and his Cheque by that evening's main meeting sponsor, who will have enjoyed a buffet and the best viewing possible from the VIP area in the Lounge Bar. I want every single person who walks through those turnstiles to feel important, appreciated and part of Somerset Speedway. The more money the Clubhouse earns, the less financial pressure there is on the Speedway - simple. That means we can do more for the boys, and a happy and well looked after Team will invariably be a more successful Team on Track. Every single sponsor is vital to the Rebels success, whether it's a can of oil, a tyre or an engine, every little thing counts. Every single person who walks into the Oak Tree Arena is part of the Club's lifeblood and should be made to feel part of it."

"From a Team building point of view, we are late starters, and it's a shame that one or two riders who have left the Isle of Wight are already fixed up because I would have been very interested in talking to some of them. Having said all that, there are still plenty of other Riders out there who I am sure would love to ride at the OTA, including the entire Somerset Rebels retained list which the Hancock family have negotiated to buy from former Promoter, Mike Golding. Obviously some former Rebels are already committed, like Jason Doyle, who has agreed a deal to go back to Elite League Poole Pirates, which is of course his parent club. For that reason, I am actively seeking a new No 1 for the Rebels, and I can assure the fans that if I can get who I am trying to get, it will not only put a smile on their faces, but also the faces of the fans at every other Premier League track in the country when the Rebels come to town. My mobile phone is approaching meltdown, but a couple of deals should be announced very soon.”

“Jordan Frampton has likewise agreed a deal to go to Newport on a loan agreement, and whilst we are saddened that he will not line up for the Rebels in 2009, he does however remain a Somerset asset and hopefully a return to the Oak Tree Arena might be possible for the 2010 Season. Jordan had his deal put in place fearing that the Rebels may not run in 2009, and I would ask that we all respect the fact that he has elected to honour his agreement with the new promotion at Newport rather than go back on his word and return to Somerset for next year."

"Clearly I cannot promise success, that's impossible, but those supporters who know me will also know, that when I say, 'I promise I will give it my best', that is exactly what I will do. I will work tirelessly for the Rebels and the sport that I have loved since I cleaned Barry Brigg's Leathers as a school kid in the early 60's. I would urge all the Rebels many and loyal supporters to turn out in force for Press and Practice day in March, and to spread the word, tell the neighbours, bang the drum! Let's get as many people as we can coming to the Oak Tree Arena every week, and keep Speedway strong and successful in Somerset."

"We will have a suggestions box in the Bar and on the turnstiles, and a link from the Website to email us direct, so if you think you've got a good idea, let us know and we will try and improve to suit the fans where possible. I desperately want to make contact with sponsors, both current and past, and let’s see if we can unite to take the Rebels to the top end of the Premier League in 2009."

"Season Tickets will be available immediately, and are priced at £300 for an Adult Ticket, £250 for OAP's and Students, and £100 for younger fans, aged 5 to 16 years. Under 5 year olds will remain FREE when accompanied by adults. Season Tickets will be valid for 29 Meetings, and will allow entry to ANY event except the PL Best Pairs which it is hoped we will be asked to stage for the 2009 Season. Application forms are available at the Stadium, or you can send a stamped addresses envelope to The Speedway Office, Oak Tree Arena, Bristol Road, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 4HA, and we will post you a form back by return. A link on the new Somerset Rebels website will be put up soon so you can print your own form off and just post it in to us.”

“We will be appointing various people into positions over these next weeks, hopefully, many of them, the same people who have been here for many years, for example to arrange transport to away meetings, and a meeting and social evening has been arranged for the 22nd of December when all Fans, Helpers and staff (both past and present) are invited to a Forum at the Oak Tree Arena Clubhouse. We will be pleased to introduce ourselves to you and detail our plans for the 2009 Season. The evening will start at 8pm."

With the news that there is to be a new hand on the tiller at the Oak Tree Arena for 2009, outgoing Promoter, Mike Golding felt that by having someone directly to deal with would make  the transition a much smoother operation;

“It would appear that the immediate future of the Rebels has now been secured with the news that David Croucher is to become the new General Manager at the Oak Tree Arena, and that is something that all parties were hoping for.”

“Although at the time of speaking we still had to agree an amount for the riders I am happy I now have someone to negotiate with and hopefully this will be quickly concluded” said Golding.

“The BSPA have been trying to mediate but its been a difficult month, we all want what’s best for Somerset but everything has its market value with internet interference not helping matters.”

“I wish to apologies to Somerset fans as I would have preferred a seamless changeover of promoters but hopefully Dave Croucher can continue the progress we have made in the last two years.”

“I would also like to express my thanks and gratitude to the fans and helpers for two wonderful seasons; we have made some really good friends in that time.”

Rebels Scoop Speedway Award

The Somerset ‘Sharp’ Rebels received official confirmation that their Oak Tree Arena track is the best in British speedway with it being voted the ‘Best Prepared Track’ in the prestigious Speedway Riders’ Association Awards held last night.

On receiving the award in front of a packed audience that contained many of speedway’s top riders and officials, Somerset promoter Mike Golding gave due praise to the Somerset track tack curator, Ez Curtis;

“Track curators are one of those unsung stars of British speedway and this award is due reward for the time, effort and dedication that Ez puts in to making the Oak Tree Arena such a superb track, there is hardly a day goes past that he not there working on the track.”

As well as receiving this award Somerset were one of the three nominations for ‘Promotion of the Year,’ an award they won last year, and although unsuccessful this time around, the trophy going to Lakeside from the Elite League, it is a measure of the esteem in which the current promotion at Somerset are held by the hierarchy of British speedway in that this is the second successive season they have received a nomination in this category.

24 hours earlier, the Rebels held their own end of season awards at the Oak Tree Clubhouse, where their Australian number 1, Jason Doyle was announced as being the fans’ choice as Rider of the Year.  Jordan Frampton picked up the two other main awards for ‘Most Improved Rider’ and ‘Most Entertaining Rider,’ the progress of the 23 year old being evident by virtue of the fact this is the second year in a row that he has been voted Somerset’s ‘Most Improved Rider.’

Rebels Celebrate Success in KO Cup

The party went on long into the night at the Oak Tree Arena clubhouse last Friday as the Somerset ‘Sharp’ Rebels celebrated their victory in the Premier League Knock Out Cup Final, defeating Workington over the two legs 98-84.

Victory in the Final, at the third time of asking having lost to King’s Lynn in their previous two Finals, wrote a new page in the history of the club as it represented the first time that the Rebels had won a full 7 man trophy since they joined the Premier League in 2002, their only other honour at this level being the Premier League Fours in 2005.

Prior to joining the Premier League Somerset rounded out their two seasons in the Conference League winning the Conference League Trophy and Knock Out Cup, with current Rebel team manager Steve Bishop being a member of the Somerset side that won those trophies.

“I don’t know if I’m unique in that respect, being both a Cup winning rider and then to do it as a team manger, all I know is that winning a trophy feels just as good to me whether it be as a rider or manager!” said Bishop

“2008 has been a great season for the Rebels and it has been great to be a part of that success,” continued Bishop, “We had a nightmare start to the season before even a wheel had been turned what with Ritchie’s [Hawkins] injury and then Tom Hedley decided not to come to the UK, but we overcame those setbacks and after coming so close to winning in other competitions, we finally have a trophy to show for our efforts.”

“They say that good things come to those who wait, so if that is the case, we certainly deserved our success in the Cup Final” he joked, “ We had come so close in practically every other competition to winning a title, but always seemed to just miss out in the final reckoning.”  “Given the disappointments we had endured during the season you could almost forgive the riders if they thought going into the matches that perhaps it just wasn’t to be, but not a bit of it, if anything it gave them that extra determination to go out and win the Cup as they proved when they won the first leg up at Derwent Park.”

Somerset promoter Mike Golding appointed ex-Weymouth and Crayford rider Garry May to work alongside Bishop as joint team manager this year, and it was a move that Bishop feels gave the team the extra edge;

“It certainly was a bit of a master-stroke to ask Garry to come on board as it meant we could cover all bases as far as what was going on out on track as well as in the pits, as well as bouncing ideas off each other.”

“Mike Golding has been a superb promoter to work for, he just basically lets Garry and myself get on with it during the meetings, preferring to hold a type of ‘de-briefing’ session after a match to discuss what went well or perhaps not so well so that we are better prepared next time around.”

“I think that everyone associated with Somerset Speedway from the promotion right through to the fans will be able to look back on the 2008 season with a great sense of pride and, to coin the phrase Mike introduced when he first came to club, feel Proud To Be A Rebel!”

Rebels Look To Round Off Season With Cup Success

The Somerset ‘Sharp’ Rebels will be looking to round of their best ever season in the Premier League in style on Friday [17^th] by winning the Premier League Knock Out Cup in what will be their last match of the season.

The Rebels put themselves in the ‘box seat’ as far as the KO Cup is concerned by virtue of their stunning 46-43 victory over Workington in Saturday’s first leg at Derwent Park, but know that they cannot afford any complacency come Friday’s second leg tie at the Oak Tree Arena.

Should Somerset lift the Trophy come the end of Friday’s match it will be their first ever full 7 rider team championship at Premier League level, and would go some way to easing the heartache of the past two season which has seen them reach the Cup Final, only to lose both times to King’s Lynn.

Somerset will look to the fact that they beat Workington with some comfort when the Comets visited the Oak Tree Arena in the Premier League back in July, but will take nothing for granted as they know that previous form will count for nothing when it comes to a Cup Final.

Workington travel to Somerset without their top two riders, Daniel Nermark and Kauko Nieminen, who are both injured, Birmingham’s Jason Lyons guesting for Nermark, as he did in Saturday’s first leg, with the Comets operating rider replacement for Nieminen.

In Jason Lyons the Workington management have made an astute choice of guest, the experienced Australian being a proven performer around the Oak Tree Arena, as clearly illustrated by his 14 point haul in Birmingham match at Somerset earlier in the season.

Add to Lyons the fact the Comets can boast the Premier League’s all time top points scorer amongst their number, namely Carl Stonehewer and the exciting young talent that is Joe Haines and it is clear to see that Workington are more than capable of making a match of it.

Long term injury victim Simon Walker will again be missing from the Somerset line up and the Rebels will continue to utilise the rider replacement facility as cover.

Local interest in the meeting will be heightened by virtue of BBC Somerset bringing their Broadcast Bus to the Oak Tree Arena for this potentially history making match.  Their early evening ‘Drive’ show will be featuring rider interviews prior to tapes up as part of the build up to the meeting.

“Winning the KO Cup would be the ideal way to end what has been a terrific season for the Rebels,” said Somerset promoter Mike Golding, “So I urge all Rebel fans out there to be at the Oak Tree Arena on Friday and cheer the side on to what we hope and trust will be a piece of Somerset Rebels history.”

Somerset ‘Sharp’ Rebels versus Workington Comets

Premier League KO Cup Final, 2^nd Leg

Oak Tree Arena; Friday 17^th October, 7.30pm

Somerset Rebels: 1) Jason Doyle (9.72); 2) rider replacement for Simon Walker (6.69); 3) Emil Kramer [c] (7.86); 4) Stephan Katt (6.18); 5) Jordan Frampton (6.36); 6) Matthias Kröger [r] (5.42); 7) Brent Werner [r] (5.30); team managers – Steve Bishop & Garry May

Workington Comets: 1) Jason Lyons [g] (9.96); 2) Charles Wright (4.28); 3) Rider Replacement for Kauko Nieminen (9.07); 4) Joe Haines (5.49); 5) Carl Stonehewer [c] (7.42); 6) Tomi Reima [r] (3.84); 7) John Branney [r] (3.71); team manager – Ian Thomas

The Somerset ‘Sharp’ Rebels have left themselves a difficult, though not impossible task against Edinburgh on Wednesday [8^th] if they wish to progress through to the Final of the Premier League Promotion Play Offs.

A 57-36 defeat at Edinburgh’s Scotwaste Arena last Friday leaves the Rebels needing victory by at least 22 points in Wednesday’s second leg at the Oak Tree Arena if they wish to deny the newly crowned Premier League Champions a place in the final against either King’s Lynn or Rye House.

Although obviously disappointed by the final  margin of defeat, it does give the Rebels a fighting chance of winning through on aggregate, even though Edinburgh only lost by four points in the Premier League match at the Oak Tree Arena back in August.

The Rebels will point to the fact that as far as league matches were concerned, a win is win, no matter the final margin of victory, but when aggregate scores have mattered, namely in the Knock Out Cup, Somerset have more than proved their worth, winning through to the final of that competition for a third successive year.

Edinburgh will, no doubt, take heart from that narrow league defeat at Somerset and will feel that although Somerset are a different proposition on their own track, they are more than capable of defending their 21 point lead.

The Monarchs will have their number 1, William Lawson, back in the side, the Fife based Scot having missed Friday’s first leg encounter due to his participation in Saturday’s World under 21 Championship in the Czech Republic.

They will, however, be without the services of their exciting Swedish rider, Thomas Jonasson, his season ending prematurely due to a badly broken ankle which he sustained in the recent Swedish under 21 Championships.  Edinburgh will employ the rider replacement facility for Jonasson, and all bar Lawson from the remaining six riders will be eligible to take any of Jonasson’s programmed rides.

“To pull back 21 points will be difficult, but is not beyond us,” said Somerset promoter Mike Golding, “but hopefully there will be a big crowd at the Oak Tree Arena for Wednesday’s second leg, and with their magnificent support, who knows what we might achieve!”

Wednesday’s meeting will also provide the Somerset fans with the opportunity to vote for their Rider of the Year, Most Improved Rider of the Year and Most Entertaining Rider of the Year.  The results of the votes cast and the presentation of the awards will be made at the club’s Presentation Night on Saturday 1^st November.

Somerset ‘Sharp’ Rebels –v- Edinburgh ‘Scotwaste’ Monarchs

Premier League Promotion Play Off; Semi-Final, 2^nd Leg

Oak Tree Arena; Wednesday 8^th October, 7.30pm

Somerset Rebels: 1) Jason Doyle (9.72); 2) rider replacement for Simon Walker (6.69); 3) Emil Kramer [c] (7.86); 4) Stephan Katt (6.18); 5) Jordan Frampton (6.36); 6) Matthias Kröger [r] (5.42); 7) Brent Werner [r] (5.30); team managers – Steve Bishop & Garry May

Edinburgh Monarchs: 1) William Lawson (8.12); 2) rider replacement for Thomas H Jonasson; 3) Ryan Fisher (7.36); 4) Andrew Tully (7.00); 5) Matthew Wethers (7.23); 6) Derek Sneddon [c] [r] (6.64); 7) Aaron Summers [r] (5.30); team manager – John Campbell

Following the main meeting, the Somerset Giants face the Newport Mavericks in a 4 rider, six heat Academy Challenge match, the Giants looking to continue the form that has seen them largely unbeaten this year at the Oak Tree Arena.

Fans have been treated to some excellent racing throughout the year in these Academy matches, and the progress of the riders has been more than evident, culminating in squad member Kyle Newman’s inclusion in the full Somerset team last month at number 8 for their match against Mildenhall, the 16 year old scoring paid 6 from his four rides.

Somerset Giants; 1) Brendan Johnson; 2) Matt Bates; 3) Andy Braithwaite; 4) Kyle Newman

Newport Mavericks; 1) David Gough; 2) Jay Pickard; 3) James Williams; 4) Tom Young

Somerset Riders’ Equipment Fund End Of Season Repor

As the 2008 speedway season draws to a close the Somerset Riders’ Equipment Fund (SREF) has come to the end of their first year of fund raising.

They have held various successful events at the Oak Tree including two skittles matches and a DVD and quiz night, with these evenings being well supported by the fans, and where their commitments have allowed the riders have also played their part by joining in the fun.

The initial event saw the Somerset Promotion announce the first two signings for 2008, which helped to swell the supporters attending and certainly got SREF off to a flying start, following which they were able to hold two more enjoyable events in the Oak Tree Clubhouse through the closed season courtesy of Debbie Hancock, and for those Somerset Rebel fans suffering withdrawal symptoms before the 2008 season started up, it was a good opportunity to come and talk Speedway with friends and raise funds to help the team at the same time.

Whilst the Speedway season has been in full swing it was not possible to hold any large events, but the funds continued to grow through the raffles and quizzes on the coach and minibus trips to away matches as well as from collecting tins in the track shop and in Di’s travel kiosk.  SREF has also benefited from individual donations which included a sponsored “Fun Run” round the track by fans, plus a very generous bequest on behalf of the Antell family, and another from Mr Randell,  .

This fund raising has enabled SREF to help all of the Somerset team, our first donation was to Henning Loof who was brought into the team to replace the injured Ritchie Hawkins, then in the early part of the season each rider was given £100. Since then SREF have been able to give each rider a further £200, making a total of £2,300 donated to the Rebels team throughout the season.

Additionally a special raffle was organised at Press & Practice to raise funds for Ritchie Hawkins who suffered some nasty injuries whilst riding in Germany before the UK season had even started, and were helped by generous donations of several prizes and as a result Hawkins was presented with a cheque for £268.

With the end of the 2008 speedway season almost nigh, SREF are planning their events for the 2008/9 closed season. First of these will be a DVD Speedway Race Night – check out the Somerset Rebels Website Forum (www.somerset-rebels.co.uk...ohh...you are here already!!!) for more details.

Finally, the members of SREF, Anita, Jackie, John, Sue and Di, would like to say a big thank you to everyone that has helped them help the riders.

Rebels To Face Monarchs In Play Offs

The Rebels will be travelling to Edinburgh to contest the 1^st leg on Friday 3^rd October, with the RETURN LEG at the Oak Tree Arena on Wednesday 8th October.
PLEASE SEE OFFER BELOW

The Somerset ‘Sharp’ Rebels brave bid to claim their first ever Premier League Championship came to an end last night with their 48-44 loss at Birmingham.  If Somerset won both of their away matches this week, at Isle of Wight on Tuesday and Birmingham last night, then Edinburgh would have to win their final league match of the season, away at Glasgow, in order to deny the Rebels the title.

Although Somerset took a superb victory at the Isle of Wight, the first time that the Islanders had been defeated at home all season, last night’s match at Birmingham proved to be one match too far for the Rebels, their narrow defeat meaning that Edinburgh will be crowned the 2008 Premier League Champions with Somerset assured of second place.

“It was gutting to get so near, only to lose out right at the end,” said Somerset team manager Steve Bishop, “but although we are disappointed not to get the title, it has been a terrific year for the club, especially when you consider that nobody gave us a prayer at the start of the season.”  “We have finished second in the league, runners up in the Pairs and third in the Fours, plus Doyley [Jason Doyle] finished second in the Premier League Riders’ Championship last Sunday, and we are not finished yet as we still have the KO Cup Final and the Promotion Play Offs to contest.”  “This has been Somerset's best ever Premier League season and is a team that the fans can be rightly proud of.”

Oak Tree Arena re-stages third under 23 Test Match

The third under 23 Test Match between England and Australia abandoned after eight heats due to rain is to be re-staged at the Oak Tree Arena tomorrow night, the series delicately poised with both sides claiming a leg each from the first two matches.

Prior to the original match being called off, it had provided some of the best racing ever seen at the Oak Tree Arena, Australia holding a narrow four point lead at the time, and this re-staging has all the hallmarks of being equally exciting.

There will be plenty of local interest in the meeting as Somerset team mates Jordan Frampton and Jason Doyle are both competing, albeit in opposition to each other, Frampton retaining the number two race jacket for England, whereas Doyle, who missed the original staging due to injury, will be lining up at number five for the Aussies.

England; 1) James Wright (Swindon), 2) Jordan Frampton (Somerset), 3) Edward Kennett (Eastbourne), 4) Ben Barker (Stoke), 5) Lewis Bridger (Eastbourne), 6) Josh Auty (Redcar), 7) Ben Wilson (Sheffield).  Team manager – David Croucher

Australia; 1) Chris Holder (Poole), 2) Cory Gathercole (Isle of Wight), 3) Troy Batchelor (Swindon), 4) Ty Proctor (Redcar), 5) Jason Doyle (Somerset), 6) Richard Sweetman (Isle of Wight), 7) Kozza Smith (King’s Lynn).  Team manager – Craig Boyce

CLICK HERE TO READ REPORT...

Somerset’s Jason Doyle finished a superb 2^nd place in Sunday’s Premier League Riders’ Championship at Sheffield, his runner’s up spot being all the more creditable when one realises that it was only 10 days earlier that the Somerset number 1 was taken from the Owlerton Stadium in an ambulance following his horrific fall in Somerset’s Premier League match against the Tigers.

Going into the prestigious event with shoulder and rib injuries, Doyle claimed a place in the semi-finals with an all important win in his fifth and final qualifying ride, being the first rider all meeting to win from what was proving to be the ‘graveyard’ outside gate.  He followed that up with second place in the semi-final behind Kauko Nieminen, again coming off the outside gate, to take his place in the final, where he made sure that the ultimate winner, Tai Woffinden, had to work for his title, putting the Rye House teenager under all sorts of pressure, Doyle eventually losing out by little more than a bike length as the pair crossing the finishing line.

Doyle’s performance in finishing runner up is just the fillip the Rebels will be looking for as they embark on two matches this week that could make or break their quest for the Premier League Championship, the team needing to win both of their away matches at the Isle of Wight on Tuesday [23^rd] and Birmingham 24 hours later to force league leader’s Edinburgh into needing to win their final league match, away at Glasgow, in order to be crowned the 2008 Champions.

Of equal significance is the fact that should the Rebels claim all six points on offer by winning away at both the Isle of Wight and Birmingham, it will ensure that they will be sitting at the head of the Premier League table come Friday’s cut qualification cut off point for the Promotion Play Offs and give them choice of semi-final opposition from the other qualifiers, Edinburgh, King’s Lynn and either Workington or Rye House.

Somerset have no additional injury worries ahead of these all important matches, Simon Walker still sidelined with his back injury that has seen him out of competitive action since sustaining the injury at the end of June.  The Rebels will continue to utilise the rider replacement facility for Walker, all bar Doyle of the remaining six Rebels are eligible to take one of Walker’s rides.

Doyle Warms Up For Riders’ Championship

Somerset’s Jason Doyle will be flying the flag for the Rebels at tomorrow’s Premier League Riders’ Championship at Sheffield’s Owlerton Stadium, and he warmed up for the event in style cruising to his ninth maximum of the season on Friday night as the Rebels crushed beleaguered Mildenhall 72-18 at the Oak Tree Arena.

After suffering shoulder and rib injuries as a result of a fall at Sheffield a little over a week again, the match against Mildenhall was a comfortable workout the Australian needed ahead of what many pundits see as the most open Premier League Riders’ Championship for many a-year.

Doyle’s form for Somerset this year has been nothing short of sensational and has rightly earned him a place amongst the those being tipped as a possible winner, though with riders of the calibre of Reading’s Ulrich Ostergaard, Kevin Doolan of King’s Lynn and Rye House’s teenage sensation Tai Woffinden, as well as home favourite Andre Compton amongst the sixteen riders competing, it is easy to see why the experts are divided as to who will succeed James Wright as the Riders’ Champion.

The format of the meeting is such that the top two riders at the conclusion of the 20 heats of racing will be seeded directly through to the final, the next four in the points standings meeting in a ‘last chance’ race off, the first two in that earning their place in the winner takes all final.

Doyle’s challenge for the title get’s under way in the opening heat, where he finds himself up against Woffinden, having been drawn to ride at number 4 out of the 16 riders competing in the Championship.

LINE-UP: 1) Jason Bunyan (Isle of Wight), 2) Sebastian Truminski [tbc] (Mildenhall), 3) Tai Woffinden (Rye House),  4) Jason Doyle (Somerset), 5) Andre Compton (Sheffield), 6) Adrian Rymel (Berwick), 7) William Lawson (Edinburgh), 8) Jason King (Newcastle), 9) Ulrich Ostergaard (Reading), 10) Kauko Nieminen (Workington), 11) Jason Lyons (Birmingham), 12) Shane Parker (Glasgow), 13) Kevin Doolan (King's Lynn), 14) Magnus Karlsson (Scunthorpe), 15) Ben Barker (Stoke), 16) Gary Havelock (Redcar).

Doyle Signals A Return To Fitness

Less than a week after being taken to hospital with a suspected dislocated shoulder following his fall in Somerset’s match at Sheffield, Jason Doyle signalled a return to fitness in scoring 10 points out of a possible 12 in a four team tournament at Poole last night.

Although Doyle’s injuries were eventually diagnosed as soft tissue damage around the shoulder area, it was enough to keep him from the Somerset line up for their trip to Rye House last Saturday, where they suffered a heavy defeat in his absence.

So for all Rebel fans last night’s outing at Poole was one that had them crossing their fingers in the hope that he would come through the meeting unscathed and ready to resume his place in the Somerset line up for Friday’s visit of Mildenhall to the Oak Tree Arena, which he did in style, winning three out of four starts, his only defeat coming in his opening ride when finishing third behind Elite League regulars Chris Holder and Troy Batchelor.

With Doyle fit and raring to go, Somerset go into the match against the Premier League’s basement club only missing long term injury absentee, Simon Walker, and will continue to utilise the rider replacement facility, all bar Doyle of the remaining six riders eligible to take Walker’s rides.

Mildenhall, however, have been hit by injuries in the last few days, and are forced to include two guest riders in their line up, Richard Sweetman from the Isle of Wight who replaces Jan Graversen, and James Cockle who comes in for ex-Rebel Henning Loof.  In addition to this, the Fen-Tigers will also be using rider replacement in place of Barrie Evans.

Confirmed Teams;

Somerset Rebels: 1) Jason Doyle (9.83); 2) Rider Replacement (6.69); 3) Emil Kramer [c] (8.51); 4) Stephan Katt (6.57); 5) Jordan Frampton (6.46); 6) Matthias Kröger [r] (5.91); 7) Brent Werner [r] (5.57)

Mildenhall Fen-Tigers: 1) Sebastian Truminski (6.07); 2) James Cockle [g] (3.00); 3) Paul Lee (6.35); Richard Sweetman [g] (4.20); 5) Rider Replacement (4.22); 6) Casper Wortmann [r] (3.00); Luke Priest [r] (3.00)

Following the main match on Friday, the Somerset Giants will be staging an individual meeting, eight of the squad racing over 6 heats, each rider having three rides. 

The Giants second half meetings at the Oak Tree Arena have produced some spectacular and exciting racing, and Friday’s individual meeting has all the hallmarks of providing more of the same, especially with the likes of Kyle Newman, Brendan Johnson and Andy Braithwaite amongst the line up.

Somerset Giants Individual – Line Up: 1) Nicky Mallett, 2) Stephan May, 3) Kyle Newman, 4) Brendan Johnson, 5) Andy Braithwaite, 6) Mitch Mullins, 7) Paul Derreck, 8) Tom Young

Oak Tree Arena To Re-Stage 3^rd under 23 Test Match

After last Friday’s initial running of the third under 23 test match between England and Australia at the Oak Tree Arena had to be abandoned after eight heats due to heavy rain, a new date had been arranged for the re-staging of the meeting.

As both teams were anxious to complete the test series as it was left delicately poised with each team having won a test match each in the three match series and with the co-operation of both team managers and the Somerset promotion the meeting has been re-arranged for Friday 26th September with a 7.30pm start.

And as Somerset Promoter, Mike Golding, explains there will be reduced admission for those fans who attended the original staging of the match;

“With eight heats having been completed on the night it has been decided to offer reduced admission on production of the receipt issued at the turnstiles from the original staging.  On production of this ticket prices will be Adults £12.00, Concessions £7.50 and Children free. A race card insert will also be given upon production an original programme.  It’s another opportunity to witness several Elite League riders race on our awesome track!”

For those fans who were unable to attend on the original date, but who wish to attend the re-staging on the 26th September the following prices apply Adults £15.00, Concessions £11.00, Children £4.00, Under 5s free, with the match day programmes £2.00 each.

After eight heats of enthralling action, last night’s third test match between England under 23’s and their Australian counterparts fell victim to the heavy rain that hit the Oak Tree Arena with the match delicately poised, the Australian’s holding a slender four point lead.

With the previous two test matches being shared 1 a-piece between the two countries a decision has been made to re-stage this third, and deciding test match, at the Oak Tree Arena on Friday 26^th September.

Fans who attended the original meeting are urged to retain their re-admission tickets as although the meeting was abandoned after the conclusion of heat 8, discussions are in place to see if holders of re-admission tickets might get a concession on the admission cost at the re-staging.  A decision in this respect is expected during the next few days.

Test Match Time At Oak Tree Arena 

A big crowd is anticipated at the Oak Tree Arena, home of the Somerset ‘Sharp’ Rebels, this Friday [12^th], as they host the third and possibly deciding speedway test match between England under 23 and Australia under 23. 

The three meeting test series is the brainchild of England Youth Development Manager, David Croucher as is being seen as the first step in bringing through Britain’s next generation of speedway stars, and Friday’s meeting is sure to be one of the highest quality.

 “Having already staged the prestigious Premier League Pairs Championship for the past two seasons, to be the only Premier League track to be awarded the staging of one of these test matches is a real feather in the cap of Somerset Speedway.” Said Rebels Promoter Mike Golding.  “We provide top quality entertainment and racing here at the Oak Tree Arena week in, week out, which is a great testament to our track curator, Ez Curtis, and his team.” 

 “Looking at the riders who comprise the two teams in Friday’s match, they are all out and out racers who will revell in racing here at Somerset; this is certainly a match not to be missed!” 

As Golding says, both teams track riders that will certainly whet the appetite, England tracking a top three of the Eastbourne duo of Edward Kennett, who was second in this year’s British Championship, and Lewis Bridger, who will captain the side, together with Peterborough’s Daniel King. 

Supporting them will be Somerset’s own Jordan Frampton and Stoke’s Ben Barker, both of whom are having excellent season’s racing in the Premier League.  On his day, Frampton is more than a match for anybody at the Oak Tree Arena, and in Barker England have a rider who has developed into a true heat leader with Stoke, and has shown with his outings with Coventry this season that he is not out of place in the Elite League either. 

At reserve England have two of the bright young talents currently emerging in Redcar’s Josh Auty and Buxton’s Ben Taylor. 

As one would expect of Australia, though, they have put together a very strong septet of their own and it is one that will severely test the mettle of the England team. 

Spearheading the side is the current Australian Champion, Chris Holder, who has taken the Elite League by storm this riding for Poole following two years with the Isle of Wight in the Premier League.   

There is further Elite League experience in the side in the form of Eastbourne’s Cameron Woodward and Swindon’s Troy Batchelor, both of whom are having excellent seasons and will be keen to impress Craig Boyce, the Australian team manager. 

As well as having Jordan Frampton lining up for England, Somerset Rebels have representation on the Australian side of the pits, with their number 1, Jason Doyle donning the Aussie colours. 

Doyle has been almost unbeatable around the Oak Tree Arena this year having joined the Rebels from Elite League Poole ahead of the 2008 season.The Australia top 5 is rounded out by the Isle of Wight’s Cory Gathercole, another rider who has shown more than a passing liking for racing at the Oak Tree Arena in the past. 

At reserve Australia track two of the most exciting talents currently plying their trade in speedway’s Premier League, namely Redcar’s Ty Proctor and Kozza Smith from King’s Lynn. 

Proctor showed his credentials with an impressive performance at the Oak Tree Arena in the Premier League Pairs Championship back in June, and followed that up with another exceptional display when Redcar visited Somerset last month. 

Smith is an all action rider, and there is never a dull moment when he takes to the track, and fans can be assured of action a-plenty when this 20 year old is out there racing! “

This meeting has all the hallmarks of being a classic,” concludes Golding, “but don’t take my word for it, come along and see for yourself, and if even you’ve never been to speedway before I am sure that you will not be disappointed!” 

England under 23 –v- Australia under 23
Oak Tree Arena, Edithmead, Nr Highbridge
Friday 12^th SeptemberTurnstiles open 6.00pm
Tapes Up at 7.30pm

Confirmed Teams

 England under 231) Daniel King (Peterborough); 2) Jordan Frampton (Somerset); 3) Edward Kennett (Eastbourne); 4) Ben Barker (Sto

ke); 5) Lewis Bridger [c] (Eastbourne); 6) Josh Auty (Redcar); 7) Ben Taylor (Buxton) – Team Manager – David Croucher 

Australia under 23

1) Troy Batchelor (Swindon); 2) Cory Gathercole (Isle of Wight); 3) Jason Doyle (Somerset); 4) Cameron Woodward (Eastbourne); 5) Chris Holder [c] (Poole); 6) Ty Proctor (Redcar); 7) Kozza Smith (King’s Lynn); Team Manager – Craig Boyce