Belle Vue returned to the top of the Premiership table on Monday night after a comprehensive 40-50 victory over Peterborough, despite the early evening loss of Dan Bewley after a Heat 2 crash.
The 20-year old was able to walk away from the incident with Panther Charles Wright, although he complained of a “dead leg” and was withdrawn from the meeting on medical grounds.
The injury-ravaged home side put on a brave face after losing two of their riders through dramatic incidents, while the Rentruck Aces capitalised on their misfortune to take four league points.
A fine 5-1 from Max Fricke and Kenneth Bjerre sealed the deal in a dramatic Heat 13 that saw the latter charge from last to first and put his team 10 points clear of the Panthers with two to go.
And an encore from the same pairing in the final race of the night secured their maximum haul, with Bjerre bagging a flawless 15-point maximum for himself from five extraordinary appearances.
Team boss Mark Lemon said: “Meetings like tonight will be key to us reaching the play offs, and despite the trying circumstances the boys did an outstanding job which was just what we needed.
“It was unfortunate for us to lose Dan as early as we did, but thankfully it’s nothing too serious. He’s got a bit of bruising on his leg but nothing that will affect him long-term, which is a relief.
“And we of course send our best wishes to both Charles Wright and Josh Bates for a full and speedy recovery.
“We can’t exhale just yet though. There are still improvements to be made, but the boys are working very hard to step up their game at this crucial stage and ensure they peak at the right moment.
“They’ve delivered when it mattered and showed real courage and determination, and it just goes to prove that this team can pick up the necessary points on the road to keep us competitive.”
The Cool Running Colts have a busy weekend ahead with a visit to Plymouth on Friday, July 19 before they face the Isle of Wight at the National Speedway Stadium on Monday, July 22.
Tickets for the home meeting are available online at www.bellevue-speedway.com, and at the stadium box office on race night.
