Coventry Cycle Speedway team are celebrating this week after a double podium finish in the British Club Championship finals, held last weekend at the well-appointed East Park track in Wolverhampton.
Both their under 13s and under 16s teams jetted to third place in their respective finals. It represented Coventry`s best ever performance in the competition and underlined their continued emphasis on developing young riders is fast paying dividends.
In the under 16s championships last Sunday, the Coventry juniors made all the running in their semi-final. All their five rider team contributed as they romped home in first place on 50 points to reach the finals.
Coventry under 16s semi-final point scorers:
Jimmy Wassall 14, Ollie Morris 10, Sammi Marsh 10, Ben Wells 10 and Ronni Wassall 6.
In the final, the Coventry youngsters took the bronze medals on 32 points after being outgunned by Ipswich on 55 points and Poole on 32 points. One again, Jimmy Wassall led the Coventry scorers in another dashing display.
Coventry under 16s final scorers:
Jimmy Wassall 12, Ollie Morris 8, Ben Wells 7, Ronni Wassall 4 and Sammi Marsh 1.
It was the turn of the Coventry under 13s to take centre stage at the same East Park venue on Bank Holiday Monday. Missing three key riders in Jack Reynolds, Sam Slatter and Jacob Slezak, the Hearsall Common based youngsters matched their under 16s counter-parts by snatching third place in a thrilling finale.
They had progressed from their semi-final on 46 points in second place. Ben Wells, who was subject of an eligibility appeal before the match, was cleared to ride and the Coventry youngster celebrated with an accomplished 16-point maximum score.
Coventry under 13s semi-final scorers:
Ben Wells 16, Ronni Wassall 12, Wyatt Jacobs 11 and James Morris 7.
East Anglian side Kesgrave took the final on 57 points with Ipswich in second on 47, leaving Coventry and Bury to tie on 27 points in third place. It meant a run-off was required to decide the bronze medals.
Coventry nominated the brilliant Wells to carry their colours. Calm and composed, up stepped Wells to race away in fine fashion to loud applause from the Coventry gallery, sparking wild scenes of celebrations in the Coventry pits.
Coventry under 13s final scorers:
Ben Wells 14, Wyatt Jacobs 5, James Morris 4 and Ronni Wassall 4.
Speaking after their historic double success, Coventry club spokesman Andy Drewett said: “Since our revival four years ago, we have held special weekly practice sessions for youngsters and attended many cycling festivals and events to spread the word of our exciting sport at Hearsall Common.
“This weekend’s double success is just reward for all our hard work in developing our own richly talented juniors and we look forward recruiting even more Coventry `skid-kids` over the summer months”.
Coventry’s youngsters get another chance to shine today (Saturday 4th June), when they travel to Wednesfield in Wolverhampton for the Midlands round 4 regional event of the British Junior League.
After posting a club record score of 175 points in the previous round at Hearsall Common last month, Coventry are looking for a repeat performance to enhance their chances of qualifying for the British Junior League national rounds later in the year.
Coventry will return to Midland League action this Sunday (5th June) afternoon at Hearsall Common when they entertain powerful East Park Wolves, starting at 2pm.
Once again, Coventry have selection problems, with several key riders missing. Dominik Rycharski is working, Bobby McMillan has yet to return from Australia, Joe McLaughlin is still recovering from a blood clot and Jimmy Wassall is out with a broken shoulder – sustained in training this week.
Team manager Lee Marsh plugs the gaps with youth and calls-up Jake Slatter, Matthew Hambidge and Ben Wells as Coventry chase their first Midland League win of the campaign.
Coventry team: 1 Dan Drewett 2 Ben Wells 3 Myke Grimes © 4 Matt Hambidge 5 Mason Phillips 6 Matthew Lawrence 7 Jake Slatter 8 To be named
The club continue their hugely popular `Clubnight` at their Hearsall Common headquarters this and every Wednesday from 6pm, aimed at youngsters and first time riders. Bike and safety equipment are supplied and the first session is free. For more information, please go to: www.coventrycyclespeedway.co.uk