New Scottish Cycle Speedway Squad Kit Unveiled

Photo courtesy of Gavin Kennedy

Scotland Cycle Speedway team have taken delivery of new team tops supported by Scottish Cycling. The kit is the same design as all other Scotland squads and is the start of what is hoped to be, a closer relationship between the governing body and speedway officials, to support the continued development and performances of speedway squads and athletes.

Scotland Cycle Speedway team showing off their new squad kit: From left to right
Back row: Jake Slight (Edinburgh), Joshua Colby (Norwich), Nathan Groves (Birmingham), Gavin Kennedy (team manager)
Front Row :Craig Newsome and Mikey Hewitson (both Edinburgh)

The first outing of the new squad kit was at the home international in Birmingham.

Scotland struggled to capitalise on an excellent start to Saturday's Senior Home International in Birmingham, finishing fourth, as England lifted the trophy for the third time in four years. Starting off inside grids, the Scots made a strong start and after five heats they were lying in second position on 14 points, just three behind England. However, a tough Heat 6 saw home favourite Nathan Groves relegated to last and thereafter the Scots toiled, accumulating just 16 points in twelve races. The lack of competitive racing for Edinburgh riders; Mikey Hewitson, Craig Newsome and Jake Slight, certainly contributed to the Scots downfall, however no-one would have predicted that British ranked no.6 Nathan Groves would run three lasts on his home circuit. The one bright spot in an otherwise disappointing performance was Norwich youngster Joshua Colby who included a win and a second place in a creditable 8 point haul.

Scores

England 63, Wales 48, Ireland 34, Scotland 31 (Joshua Colby 8, Jake Slight 8, Craig Newsome 6, Nathan Groves 5, Mikey Hewitson 4).

The Junior Home International saw a much more determined performance from Scotland, who were fielding a Junior side for the first time in twelve years. Although they finished fourteen points behind second placed Wales, the Scots more than held their own in their races against Ian Sizer's Welsh side. Mikey Hewitson and Nathan Groves recovered from a poor performance in the senior event to post two wins apiece, while only a couple of debatable refereeing decisions denied Jake Slight a higher score. Joshua Colby maintained his good form from earlier in the day, while Exeter youngster Sam Dart showed great promise and was always in the thick of the action.

Scores

England 82, Wales 69, Scotland 55 (Nathan Groves 17, Mikey Hewitson 11, Joshua Colby 11, Jake Slight 10, Sam Dart 6)

The next major International event for the Scots is the European Nations Cup in Zielona Gora, Poland on 23 July.