Event: 16 June 2013
Location: Hethersett Cycle Speedway, Memorial Playing Fields, Norwich
Report: Mel Perkins
Hethersett Hawks had their first home draw in the British Team KO Cup for eight years when they played hosts to Elite League side Sheffield.
Hethersett took the lead in heat one but a 3-7 reverse in heat two gave Sheffield the lead which they increased when Lee Grange fell in heat four. Key races around the interval looked to give Hethersett their best chance but they failed to take advantage, a much re-started heat 10 seeing two riders excluded and a 4-3 win for the visitors.
Another 3-7 reverse straight away put the deficit to twelve points but Dan Chambers was riding powerfully and Olly Buxton working hard to come through from the back to keep the Hawks in striking distance. His teaming up with Leigh Cossey for a 7-3 win in heat 13 gave belated hope but Sheffield ensured qualification for the Quarter-Finals with two straight wins.
It was a good performance from Sheffield, especially their younger riders on their first visit to Hethersett. They were sharper from the starting gates than most of the home riders, some of whom were well below their best form. Also for the visitors Matt Smith was outstanding with a 20-point maximum.
Result: Hethersett 79, Sheffield 97
Full Results from the weekend's British Team Championships Knockout Rounds
Bury 66 Ipswich 103
Exeter 73 Horspath 103
Hethersett 79 Sheffield 97
Hull 75 Poole 103
Newport 116 Norwich 59
Southampton 75 Wednesfield 103
Stockport 103 East Park 72
Swindon 89 Leicester 91
Draw for the Quarter Finals are as follows
Exeter or Horspath v Ipswich
Leicester v Poole
Newport v Stockport
Sheffield v Wednesfield
Matches to take place on Sunday 14th July 2013 with a 2pm start
