Date: 02 December 2012
Report: Colin Simmons
An impressive comeback from Newport Cycle Speedway first team has seen them return to Wales as 2012 Regional Champions.
The team brushed off the disappointment which plagued them earlier this year when they narrowly missed out on a league title, clinching victory in fine form to lift the South and South Wales Region Gold Cup in Exeter.
A thrillingly close showdown saw all eight Newport riders put in steely performances to pull off a two point win over home-team favourites Exeter and southern rivals, Poole.
Racing went down to the nail, and it looked like Newport’s chances were over when Chris Davies took a nasty tumble, injuring his ankle.
After 10 minutes of treatment he bravely went out on the re-run and in an impressive display of grit and determination, clearly battling his injury, he took the win.
Boosted by his comeback, in heat 26 the team went on to take first and second position, sealing the title for Newport and crowning them Regional Champions.
Rider and team manager Nick Evans, was in fine form scoring 17 points.
Other notable performances came from younger team members, including 15 year-old Jacob Soper and Wales’ top female racer, 17 year-old Rebecca Davies, the only female on the team.
Final scores:
Newport 100
Exeter 98
Poole 70.
Newport scorers:
Oli Sidwick 18+1
Nick Evans 17+1
Mark Carmichael 13 + 4
Chris Davies 17
Jacob Soper 12 + 3
Colin Simmons 13 + 1
Rebecca Davies 7
Joe Sidwick 3.
