Another challenge, another win for the CTA Fire Kings in last nights' Eurolink Cup encounter against Scunthorpe Saints. In a meeting cut short before heat 14 could be completed due to a 45 minute delay in proceedings starting produced the Kings second win at Central Park 45-33.
The paramedic was caught in traffic after attending an incident, a replacement was eventually tracked down but even so the meeting started 45 minutes late and with the best will in the World the two sides were battling against the clock to beat the 8.30pm curfew. With five heats requiring re-runs referee Christina Turnbull and all the track staff and riders alike should take credit for running through the meeting at a fast pace only to be cruelly beaten by the tick of the clock after two attempts with heat 14.
Magical it was for the loyal Kings fans who week after week have been praying for a win and with the inclusion of David Mason back into the fold it certainly gave a more solid feel and inspiration to the side. Only one point dropped on his return to action certainly covered the below par performances by their high standards from Steve Boxall 9 who has been a rock throughout the season and Benji Compton 4+2 (from three rides).
Another strong return from reserve Adam Kirby 7+1 and Connor Coles 4+1 with Ben Morley scorching to three straight wins before a last place in heat 13 for 9 points in temperatures around the 33 degree mark just before the meeting started. Riders, mechanics, machines and indeed track staff were cooking in this year's vastly improved summer, so much so that Saints Shane Hazelden was treated for heat exhaustion after heat 12.
Boxall was beaten twice by the solid Lewis Blackbird (11 points) for the visitors ironically also the next challenger for the National League Bronze Helmet match race held by Boxall at Dudley on Tuesday 30th July. Blackbird's Heathens team mate also a Saint for the night Paul Starke gave solid support with 9 points with great battling performances against Boxall and Morley thrilling the crowd.
Before being treated for heat exhaustion Shane Hazelden weighed in with 5+2 but the battle of the reserves went to the rejuvenated Kings Adam Kirby with the highlight his dive up the inside of Oliver Greenwood to put the brakes on Richard Hollingsworth's only tactical move in Heat 12. Falls from Mogridge and Compton in Heat 14 brought the meeting to a close as the curfew struck at 8.30pm.
“I would like to thank the public for their patience at the start of the evening and also the co-operation from everyone was fantastic, the riders, track staff, medics and referee Christina Turnbull for pushing and trying to get through all fifteen heats,†said Kings team manager John Sampford who added, “David (Mason) returned to the side and rode very well, tonight was a good moral boost for the lads now we have it all to do next Monday against a much improved Buxton side who won at Mildenhall on Sunday with their danger man Charles Wright topping the averages in the league there are sure to be some fantastic races against Steve (Boxall).â€
A break for the Kings until next Monday when League action comes back in force with the Buxton Hitmen and the following day a trip to Wolverhampton and Monmore Green to tackle the Dudley Heathens.
KENT CTA FIRE KINGS 45 1. Steve Boxall (C) 2, 2, 3, 2, = 9 2. Connor Coles 1', FX, 3, 0, = 4+1 3. David Mason 3, 2, 3, 3, = 11 4. Benji Compton 1, 1', 2', = 4+2 5. Ben Morley 3, 3, 3, 0, = 9 6. Adam Kirby 3, 1, 1, 2', = 7+1 7. Jack Kingston 1, FX, FX, = 1 Team manager: John Sampford
