Cycle Speedway - Sandwell vs. East Park

Images: Richard Robotham

Sandwell v East Park

Sandwell Lions proved too strong for East Park Wolves in the Midland League match at Tividale on Sunday (3 May), winning by a 102 to 76. The Wolves never looked like pulling off a win and after after the first two heats the Lions moved into a two points and slowly increase their lead throughout the match. Sandwell teamwork was the telling point in this match, apart from East Park's top three Lee Aris, Mark Griffiths and Mick Aris, the Lions had little to offer.

But it was a great match with good riding and sportsmanship shown on both side, and Sandwell may have their work cutout in the return fixture. Lee Smith, Pawel Kozlowski, Jamie Ball and Ryan Hoyland were the best scorers for Sandwell but unlike their visitors they had solid backing from the rest of the the team.

Sandwell: Lee Smith 17+2, Pawel Kozlowski 17+1, Jamie Ball 16, Ryan Hoyland 16, Phil Hemming 13+2, Ivan Darby 12+4, Jim Palmer 6+1, Russ Evans 5+1.

East Park: Mark Griffiths 17+1, Lee Aris 16, Mick Aris 13, Stuart Bentley 8+1, Roger Ellis 8, Matt Turley 6, Liam Johnson 3, Jordan Rich 2.

The Second Division match was again a home victory for Sandwell, with Ricki Johnson and Scott Millward, with good support from the other of the team, once again Sandwell took the lead from the start and never looked like being caught.

Sandwell II: Ricki Johnson 17, Scott Millward 15, Matt Smith 12+3, James Chattin 11, Nathan Pugh 10+2, Jim Palmer 5+1.

East Park II: Matt Turley 12, Stuart Bentley 11, Lian Johnson 11, Jordan Rich 11+1, Tara Warren 7+1, Armand Bentley 5

More Images Thanks to Richard Robotham for supplying a fine collection of action pics from the event - see also gallery link at top of page for full selection of over 50 images.