Somerset’s dominance of Belle Vue was emphatically ended on Monday night as the Rentruck Aces swept to a vital 49-41 victory in Manchester while also collecting three further league points.
For the third meeting on the bounce, the elements made their presence felt but it was not enough to dampen the determination of the home side to break the Rebels’ season-long hold over them.
Their latest triumph at the National Speedway Stadium comes as the competition for the top four heats up, with Poole claiming victory over Leicester and King’s Lynn falling short against Swindon.
Captain, Craig Cook, said: “This is our home turf and going down to Somerset again just wasn’t an option. Everyone knew what was at stake and full credit to the boys, they got on with the job.
“We were fired up, there’s no two ways about it. The weather wasn’t great and visibility was a bit of an issue but thankfully things cleared up and didn’t prove detrimental in the long run.
“I think the Rebels will be disappointed not to get at least a point out of this match but this is the big leagues and I’m sure, if they make it to the play offs, they can expect more of the same.
“The important thing for us is that we got the three points. It’s the business end of the season now and everyone’s coming good. We just need to keep this momentum going into the play offs.”
The Belle Vue Colts resume their away campaign this Tuesday, August 22 after rearranging their postponed fixture with the Isle of Wight before heading to Birmingham’s Perry Barr on August 23.
It’s crunch time in the National League with just six fixtures remaining for the Cool Running Colts ahead of the Play Offs and questions still remain as to who will be joining them in the top four.
The Wightlink Warriors are amongst those not in contention for top prize, but they’re fighting for pride as the year draws to a close and a win over Belle Vue would be quite the feather in their cap.
Colts reserve Luke Woodhull said: “Just because the Warriors aren’t amongst the top four doesn’t mean we can rest on our laurels; they’re riding for pride and that can make them a dangerous team.
“You can’t write anyone off at any time. There’s no guarantee of a point for us; we have to get out there and earn it. Of course the target would be a full haul but again, we have stiff competition.
“Rob [Shuttleworth] is back in our side which will certainly give us a boost, and with Danny Ayres guesting in place of Lee Payne I think we have an excellent shout at a decent points haul.”
Words: Hayley Bromley, Images: Ian Charles
It’s a busy week for the Rentruck Aces with them set to return to the National Speedway Stadium on August 25 to face the Leicester Lions. Tickets available now at www.bellevueaces.co
