Belle Vue Colts Rob Shuttleworth and Kyle Bickley and Cradley's Dan Greenwood and Joe Lawlor in action during the National League meeting between Belle Vue 'Cool Running' Colts and Cradley 'Motor Market' Heathens at the National Speedway Stadium, Kirkmanshulme Lane on 19th July, 2017....

The Belle Vue Colts maintained their unbeaten home record with panache against the Cradley Heathens on Wednesday night, triumphing 56-34 and moving to within 1 point of Eastbourne.

The pressure’s on at the top of the table following the Mancunian’s latest triumph as they prepare to make the journey south to Plymouth on Thursday with maximum points vividly in mind.

Star man Dan Bewley raced to a flawless 15-point maximum from five rides while setting a new National League track record at the National Speedway Stadium, in a time of 60.10 seconds.

Team boss Graham Goodwin said: “When this team is firing on all cylinders, and all at the same time, it’s going to be difficult for any team to come here and land a significant blow against them.

“Every match starts at nil-nil so it’s not like we’re not giving others a chance. Our boys are just so strong and so consistent around this track that they regularly put in very convincing performances.

“Kent pushed us hard last week and Cradley pushed us even harder this week. They have some strong riders in their side so we weren’t complacent about their challenge. We were just stronger.”

The Cool Running Colts have little time to dwell on their latest victory as they prepare to hit the road for Plymouth on Thursday night where they hope to continue their rich vein of form.

With closest rivals Eastbourne still hovering around top spot, there’s plenty to play for at the St. Boniface Arena where, at minimum, a point must be earned to maintain pressure on the Eagles.

Top gun Jack Smith said: “Obviously the target to come away with at least a point but with our form on the road I think we are capable of targeting much more than just a single consolation point.

“We will be a couple of guys down on the night. Lee [Payne] is still injured and Rob [Shuttleworth] is riding for Workington but I don’t believe that de-values the team’s chances of success.

“We’ve got a good guest in Luke Priest and R/R at No.2 means we have plenty of options. Myself, Dan [Bewley] and Kyle [Bickley] all had a good night in the U-19 so for me, it’s wide open.”

Premiership action returns to Manchester this Monday July 24 when the Rentruck Aces kick on at the National Speedway Stadium against the reigning champions the Wolverhampton Wolves.

Thanks to a special BT Sport promotion, tickets for this table-topping clash are just £10 for Adults and Concessions with Children under 18 free; regardless of location around the stadium

Words: Hayley Bromley
Images: MEN Media

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