It was job done for Belle Vue on Easter Monday as they stormed into the Premiership Supporters’ Cup Final after an emphatic 54-36 win over Wolverhampton at the National Speedway Stadium.
But they had to settle for second-best at Monmore Green later that night as the Wolves proved a powerful opponent on home turf, reigning supreme with a 52-38 victory in the Black Country.
The April heatwave did nothing to slow down either side when the action kicked off in Manchester, with the visitors taking an early lead before the Rentruck Aces took control with a 5-1 in Heat 2.
There was little the Wolves could muster in response as they pulled well clear, even after an awkward tumble for skipper Max Fricke which left him nursing minor cuts to his left hand.
Club No.4 Ricky Wells said: “It was a good overall result for the team. I don’t think the result reflects how hard the Wolverhampton boys pushed us. It was a very good meeting, very closely contested.
“Knowing we’ve qualified for the Supporters’ Cup Final is very satisfying, especially at this time of year. It’s a good indicator we’re moving in the right direction so hopefully we can finish the job.”
With their place in the final all but assured, the pressure was off as the Rentruck Aces made their way south to Monmore for their second meeting of the day in much cooler conditions.
But it was the Wolves who had the upper hand in the Black Country and, despite being held to a deadlock for the opening five heats, pulled clear of the visitors with a succession of heat advantages.
Team boss Mark Lemon said: “Two meetings in one day is tough on man and machine, and there was less emphasis on our evening performance having won at home earlier in the day.
“Wolves are a very strong team and tough to beat at home and Max, certainly, was feeling a little second-hand after crashing at our place. Thankfully it’s nothing too serious but it was a lot to take.
There were a lot of positives to take from this meeting though. Steve [Worrall] scored very well as did [Kenneth Bjerre], and seeing Jaimon [Lidsey] get a heat win was very encouraging.”
The Rentruck Aces return to Manchester’s National Speedway Stadium next Monday, April 29 when they face the Peterborough Panthers in Premiership League action. Tapes up at 7:30pm.
Then it’s back home for Bank Holiday action against the Poole Pirates on May 6 when more league points are on the line. Tapes up at the earlier time of 12:00pm.
Tickets for both home meetings are now available online at www.bellevue-speedway.coman
