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RAIDERS’ WINGS CLIPPED BY EAGLES
Monday May 30, 2016
The BMR Raiders were unable to match their opponents’ all-round firepower as they fell to a 53-37 home defeat against Eastbourne in the second half of Bank Holiday Monday’s double header at Rye House.
Two wins for Ben Morley and one for Rob Branford was as good as it got over the first thirteen heats against an Eagles side for which all six riders won races and guest Daniel Bewley went from zero (literally) to hero (metaphorically) in the space of one afternoon with 14 out of a possible 15 points.
The Raiders finally claimed their only heat advantage of the day when Luke Priest and Connor Locke were awarded a 5-1 in Heat 14 after leader Charlie Powell had spun and fallen on the last lap, but although Morley provided one final success in the nominated race, partner Branford hit the deck after an overly desperate effort to pass Bewley for second place.
The biggest positive overall was the performance of Locke, who contributed a season best paid 7 in a highly encouraging display that snapped a recent very lean spell, while the loudest cheer of the day was reserved for fellow reserve Macauley Leek, who fell on the last bend of Heat 5 after shedding a chain but managed to extricate the chain from his rear wheel after considerable effort in order to push his machine down the home straight to claim third place within the time allowed.
Talking afterwards, Rye House Team Manager Peter Schroeck accepted the Eagles’ much stronger strength in depth as a decisive factor. “When you look at Eastbourne, they are an established side from last year and you’re going to find it tough against them, although we tried our best.â€
Stalwarts Morley and Branford uncharacteristically dropped ten points between them, which Schroeck put down to the day’s marathon innings for both riders, as well as the extra pressures they face. “Racing in the match before (against Redcar) is tough on the bikes and tough on the body, and it also affects your concentration. Because we are top-heavy, there is also that extra pressure to push that little bit harder and maybe over-try.
“In one race (Heat 13, where he was passed for third spot by Jake Knight on the last lap), Rob thought that he had already completed four laps, whereas he hadn’t, which is why he slowed up. That’s just down to concentration over a long day.
“But there have been some really positive signs today with young Connor (Locke). The boy’s only 17 years old, but he’s a proper little tiger and I’m really proud of him today. He got stuck in, stayed on the bike for four laps each time and tried his heart out. We’ve changed a couple of things with his riding style, and it’s seemed to work.
“He should be really pleased with himself today, and I’m certainly pleased.â€
BMR Raiders:
Ben Morley 13 (5 rides), Luke Priest 9+1 (5), Rob Branford 7 (5), Conner Locke 5+2 (5), Macauley Leek 2+1 (5), Kenny Bowdery 1 (5), George Hunter R/R
Eastbourne:
Dan Bewley (guest) 14 (5 rides), Ellis Perks 10+1 (5), Georgie Wood 9+3 (5), Jake Knight 8 (4), Charley Powell 6+2 (6), Luke Harris 6+1 (5), Gary Cottham R/R
Match Points: Rye House 0 Eastbourne 4
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