Speedway and Motorsport

After a three week break, speedway action finally returned to the Oak Tree Arena for the ‘Sharp’ Rebels and what, on paper, looked a potentially tricky encounter with Mildenhall who could boast three ex-Rebels in their line up.

Somerset were, however, rarely troubled by their visitors though the Fen Tigers did enough to keep the match within range and must have sent a few jitters through the home camp when they cut Somerset’s lead to just seven points after a bizarre heat 12.

Prior to that, Somerset had gradually built up their advantage, although they were occasionally pegged back by some determined riding by the visitors.

Unfortunately for the travelling Mildenhall fans, the move back-fired as Hawkins made a good start and Jordan Frampton managed to ‘clamp’ Tacey to the inside on the first bend, leaving the Fen Tiger at the back and despite trying as best he could, he could find no way past Frampton.

Now twelve points to the good, one might have been excused for thinking that Somerset had wrapped the match up, but enter heat 12!

The first running of the heat saw Legault end up in the air fence as the riders took to the first bend and referee Chris Gay ordered a re-run with all four back for a second attempt.

This saw the Somerset duo of Kramer and Warwick take the initial advantage and they looked well on their way for a possible 5-1.

Warwick then went too wide into the 3rd bend. Legault passed Kramer on the second lap, only for Kramer to fall mid track in virtually the same place as Warwick had a lap earlier and with Baseby taking avoiding action, it left Chris Gay no alternative but to exclude Kramer and award a 5-0 to the Fen Tigers.

Now just seven points ahead, the Somerset fans must have wondered if the Fen Tigers were to mount a last ditched challenge, but the home side held their nerve and with the imperious Zetterstrom out in two of the last three heats the final result was never really in doubt.

For not the first time this season, all seven of the home riders recorded at least a paid win, showing Somerset’s strength in depth to back up the top two of Zetterstrom, who turned in his customary Oak Tree Arena maximum, and Kramer, who, but for his heat 12 exclusion, was also unbeaten on the night.