The momentum keeps on building for the Belle Vue ‘Rentruck’ Aces after a masterful display at Rye House netted them a hefty 3 points and moved them up to second in the Premiership table.
Taking advantage of an early lead, the Mancunians maintained control of the meeting from start to finish despite the B.P. Mitchell Rockets biting back to force them into a last-heat decider.
True to their nature, the Rentruck Aces were far from flustered by the pressure imposed on them, with Craig Cook and Jason Garrity securing the final 3-3 that made it two consecutive away wins.
Temporary signing Garrity was in stunning form for the visitors, bagging 9+3 from his five rides while Cook top scored with 11, with both Rohan Tungate and Max Fricke contributing 8.
Team boss Mark Lemon said: “I’m more than pleased with the way the boys went about their business. We’ve had an exceptional week and to round it off with three points is very welcome.
“I’m certain we could’ve won by more but I can’t complain at the result. We were highly optimistic coming off the back of our win at Wolverhampton and to lead from start to finish was impressive.
“But we’re not about to get carried away. Rye House pushed us hard but we’ve found some good form on the road that we must maintain in our quest to reach the play offs.”
The Cool Running Colts meanwhile had to settle for second best at Birmingham after going down 53-36, despite their best efforts, but are far from discouraged by their overall performance.
An eleventh hour team change saw Joe Lawlor ruled out after suffering a work-related injury the previous evening, taking the defending champions down to six men before a wheel was turned.
The Brummies presented the strong offensive the league leaders had been anticipating, but they maintained their resilient composure and battled to the final flag with unwavering determination.
Team boss Graham Goodwin said: “It was a real blow to lose Joe so close to the meeting, particularly with the form he’s been in, but the boys really stepped up and did their bit for R/R.
“We expected a tough match from the Brummies and that’s exactly what they gave us. We’re not disappointed though because the boys gave it everything they had, and we can’t argue with that.
“Yes, we came away empty-handed but we’re not totally surprised by Birmingham’s dominance. We’re just going to put this down to a bad night and bounce back stronger at home on Friday.”
Words: Hayley Bromley,Images: Ian Charles
The Cool Running Colts will be looking to repay the compliment on Friday, June 22 when they face Birmingham at the NSS, while the Rentruck Aces next take on Poole at home on June 25.
Tickets for both home meetings are now available at www.bellevueaces.co and at the stadium box office on race night.
