Newport (dig it landscapes) Cycle Speedway Team successfully defended their South and South Wales Division 1 title after recording a comfortable 82 - 95 victory at Exeter.

The home team gave their Welsh visitors a difficult first half with Herbert, Croal and Nethercott to the fore, but Newport had much more strengh down the order.

The excellent devon track was producing good fast racing on a glorious autumn afternoon, maximum heat wins from Newports Rudman/Sidwick and Carmichael/Rudman pairings stretched their lead to 14 points after 14 heats and try as they did the aces just could not match Newports all round racing strength. The welsh team ran out winners by 13 points to lift the league title once again, a fine achievement considering they suffered from a few rider retirements and also had their minds on elite league racing.

Aaron Herbert scored a fine maximum and young Rob Croal impressed for the home team, for Newport Shaun Rudman remained unbeaten with both Oli Sidwick and new dad Mark Carmichael dropping just 1 point in a fine team effort.

Scores

Exeter: 82.
Aaron Herbert = 20. Sam Riddle = 5. Craig Nethercott = 15+1. Jack Herbert = 5. Rob Croal = 17.

Will Tidball = 8+2. Joe Avery = 4. Dan Winchester = 8.

Newport: 95.
Colin Simmons = 8+1. Chris Davies = 14+1. Nicky Evans = 13+1. Oli Sidwick = 17+2.

Mark Carmichael = 19. Dan Bock = 7+2. Mathew Davis = 7+1. Shaun Rudman = 10+2.