Speedway

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Monday 31 December

Stoke have brought Barrie Evans back, leaving just one place to fill.

"I look around and feel that Barrie can be as good as any number six in the Premier League" said Dave Tattum.

"To be honest, we want consistency from Barrie and he sees this as an important season for himself just as much as we do. He has shown he can score big points at times and we need that from him regularly."

Monday 24 December

Stoke have snapped up 18 year old Klaus Jakobsen fron Denmark leaving just two places to fill in its 2008 line up.

"Klaus is a highly rated teenager who becomes a Stoke asset and he will go straight in to the team for next season" said promoter Dave Tattum.

"Klaus has quite a bit of experience and, apart from his club commitments, will ride in the Junior World, Team and European championships.

"The Danes generally have a quality background and I am expecting Klaus to settle fairly quickly, particularly as compatriot Jesper Kristiansen is also in the side."

The Potters top five in no particular order is Lee Complin, Ben Barker, Emiliano Sanchez, Jesper Kristiansen and Klaus Jakobsen.

Jack Hargreaves has joined Birmingham on a full transfer.

Thursday 20 December

Stoke Potters have signed Emiliano Sanchez on loan from Sheffield for the 2008 season.

"Sanchez will give us a bit of experience and versatility and should prove to be a good signing" said Dave Tattum.

"I tried to sign him last season but he ended up going to Birmingham and I'm pleased that we have succeeded this time."

Sanchez is currently in Argentina having recovered from a bad injury picked up riding for Birmingham at Newport in August.

Tuesday 18 December

Stoke have brought in Danish rider Jesper Kristiansen for the 2008 season.

Potters promoter Dave Tattum said "We all saw the impact Claus Vissing made last season and we are hopeful that Jesper can come good as well.

"He has a good profile and was actually recommended to us by Claus.

"Jan Staechmann was also very helpful in securing the deal and, just like Claus, Jesper becomes a Stoke asset and will be one for the future as well as the present.

"He has good equipment and quite a bit of experience from riding in Sweden, Denmark and Poland. I really think this is the way forward for us and we will be tracking a young and exciting line up next season."

Thursday 13 December

Ben Barker is on his way back to Stoke for a second successive season (writes Neil Evans).

"I think this is terrific news for the club and the supporters and I'd like to thank Reading promoters Mark Legg and Malcolm Holloway for their co-operation in this" said Potters promoter Dave Tattum.

"Ben is a very exciting talent and I feel sure that he can continue to make progress with us next season.

"After missing out on Claus Vissing, bringing Ben back for a second full season will go down well with our supporters and I'm really pleased to have secured deals for Lee Complin and now Ben Barker."

Wednesday 12 December

Stoke promoter Dave Tattum says that he is disappointed that Claus Vissing has decided to join Elite League Peterborough for next season.

"I'd never want to stand in the way of anyone wishing to better themselves, but I do think a full season in the Premier League would have been good for Claus" he said.

"For a long time, I thought that he would be back. But he has decided he wants to go Elite League and that is his prerogative. It's disappointing from our point of view, but we will push on having ruled him out of our plans."

Stoke have announced season ticket prices for Potters...

2008 meetings: if bought before Christmas as Adults £260, to include a programme; Senior Citizens £160 to include a programme; and £85 for youngsters under 16 to include a programme where applicable.

Contact Caroline Tattum on 07979 037 900.

Sunday 09 December

Stoke Easy Rider Potters promoter Dave Tattum is hopeful of announcing more confirmed riders for the 2008 season later this week.

"I have a lot of irons in the fire which will include comings-and-goings and I would like to think that I can start to firm up the team a little bit further over the next few days," he said.

"As often happens, one confirmed signing can trigger other deals or vice versa and I am just waiting an e-mail that could move my plans forward quite rapidly.

"I know the supporters want to know what is going on and I only wish I could say. But patience and confidentiality are needed until contracts are signed and as soon as they are, I will release names through the correct channels."

Stoke asset Jack Hargreaves is unlikely to figure and says that he has had some interest from other clubs.

"I'm hopeful that something can be sorted out quite soon because I want to push on and get myself organised" said the Shropshire based teenager.

Sunday 02 December

Stoke Easy Rider Potters promoter Dave Tattum has offered the supporters an early Christmas present by announcing that Lee Complin will definitely be part of the Stoke team in 2008.

"We spoke before the AGM which started on Thursday and he was one of the first people I spoke to on my return on Sunday" said Tattum.

"Lee was terrific to deal with and stressed that he was a man of his word and that he would definitely be with us next season.

"I hope to announce more names quite soon but I think the signing of Lee Complin is the one every Stoke fan wants to hear."

Tattum felt the BSPA AGM was very positive. The Premier League now numbers 17 teams with the inclusion of Reading and Scunthorpe.

Wednesday 27 November

Stoke promoter Dave Tattum will attend the three day BSPA AGM, which starts tomorrow, before beginning his 2008 team building.

"I have been putting some ideas down on paper, but until I know the guidelines for next season, I see no point in signing up riders" he said.

"Hopefully all that will change next week and we can start releasing names."

Monday 19 November

Stoke promoter Dave Tattum is preparing for the British Speedway Promoters Association AGM which takes place later this month.

"There are a lot of rumours going around at this time of year as to what might or might not happen" he said.

"Personally, I am going to go to the AGM with an open mind and plan my next moves from there.

"There are too many differing rumours doing the rounds and I am of the opinion that I will retain a blank sheet to work from until I know what is factual for 2008."

Tattum is looking at season ticket prices for the 2008 season and hopes to announce a first signing for next year sooner rather than later.

"We do have irons in the fire and we do hope to announce prices very shortly" he pointed out.

Sunday 04 November

Injured Stoke rider Glenn Cunningham is hoping to attend Stoke's end of season get together at Loomer Road stadium on Saturday November 10 which starts around 7pm (writes Neil Evans).

Cunningham broke his thigh at Somerset last month and is due to go for further X-rays in a couple of weeks time.

"It was a bad break and I have a rod inserted in my right leg from top to bottom" he said.

"I had internal bleeding and lost a lot of blood between that and the operation and had to have a transfusion.

"At least I am back at home now and that makes a difference. I'm doing a few exercises and taking painkillers and hopefully the X-rays in a couple of weeks time will show up positively."

On the end of season get together, Glenn continued "I went up for Garry Stead's meeting and that took a lot out of me to be honest.

"But I'll be that much stronger by next week and I'm certainly keen to get up there and see people."

Promoter Dave Tattum added "Riders from both Easy Rider Potters and SAS Spitfires will be there and I`m sure that we will have a bit of fun on the night.

"This is a good opportunity for riders and supporters to mix before the winter recess and there is no doubt that the riders have given of their best in what turned out to be a difficult season."

Friday 02 November

Glenn Cunningham will go back to hospital in a couple of weeks' time for further X-rays on the thigh he broke at Somerset on May 5th.

"I have a rod inserted from top to bottom in my right leg and I'm still taking pain killers as well as having a few exercises to do myself" said Cunningham.

"I go back in a couple of weeks' time and the hope naturally is that some form of healing process has started."

Wednesday 31 October

Stoke SAS Spitfires rider Gareth Isherwood sufferered a suspected broken wrist in last Saturday's final meeting of the season.

"I fell in one and landed awkwardly on my hand. It's very painful and will need looking at once the swelling has gone down" he said.

Fellow reserve Guy Kendrew broke his shoulder at Buxton the week before.

Monday 29 October

Stoke brought the curtain down on a difficult season when they staged the Garry Stead benefit meeting at Loomer Road on Saturday  (writes Neil Evans).

An emotional Stead said "It's amazing that so many people have turned up again to support this meeting.

"Bearing in mind the weather and the fact that Sheffield staged a similar meeting a couple of months back, it's very touching from my point of view and it`s hard to find the words to thank people enough.

"I know the Stoke promotion and others have worked really hard to pull all this together and it just goes to show what a terrific sport speedway is."

Coventry's Rory Schlein made the early running and was unbeaten at the interval stage with Ben Barker one point adrift and Tony Atkin and George Stancl both on seven points.

Heat 13 turned out to be unlucky for Barker who led Schlein for two laps until Rob Grant fell and the race had to be stopped. In the re-run, Schlein made a better start and though Barker was all over him, the Coventry man held firm.

Barker took three points from his last ride after passing Mark Lemon. "It's good, but I came here to win and show how much being a Stoke rider means to me"
said the teenager.

Schlein, who has had a very successful campaign with Elite League champions Coventry, completed a full house by winning the final race to take top spot.

The Australian said afterwards: "I was gutted not to be able to ride in the Sheffield meeting due to a viral infection and as soon as I knew this meeting was a runner, I made it clear I'd ride if they wanted me.

"I'm just pleased that so many people turned up on a lousey night to support Steady and whilst winning is great, the important thing was just to be here."

The meeting ended with a firework display and the benefit fund, which had already topped six figures prior to this meeting, was boosted by a raffle and auction afterwards.

Stoke now turn their attention to the end of season get together which takes place on November 10 at Loomer Road stadium.

Friday 26 October

Garry Stead says that he expects to be at the benefit meeting being staged for him at Loomer Road on Saturday. 

"I know a lot of hard work has been put in to the organisation and I really want to be there to thank people in person" he said.

The line up includes George Stancl, Mark Lemon, Rory Schlein, Emil Kramer, Tony Atkin, James Wright, Ben Barker, Barrie Evans, Luke Priest, Kasper Wortman, Lee Dicken, Aidan Collins and Joel Parsons.

There will also be a massive firework display at the end, face painting for the kids and a series of yesteryear match races featuring Les Collins, Alan Grahame and Gary O'Hare.

A number of items for raffle or auction include a Quad bike, a Mini Moto bike and a race suit sent in by Jason Crump.

"It's all come together well and the likes of Lisa Adams has done a tremendous amount of work" said Dave Tattum.

Wednesday 24 October

Coventry`s Rory Schlein plus Emil Kramer and George Stancl have been added to the list of riders to contest the Garry Stead benefit meeting at Stoke on Saturday.
Other riders include Joel Parsons, Adam Allott, Mark Lemon, James Wright, Tony Atkin and Ben Barker, Trent Leverington, Barrie Evans and Luke Priest.

There will be a raffle and an auction on the night and some prizes include a Quad and Mini-moto and a Jason Crump race suit.
Gates open at 5pm.

-- SAS Spitfires rider Guy Kendrew suffered a broken shoulder after a crash at Buxton on Sunday. "It was a nasty fall but Guy didn`t know until a couple of days later that his shoulder was broken" said Dave Tattum.

Tuesday 23 October

Premier League Riders Champion James Wright and Reading star Mark Lemon are just two of the top riders included in the Garry Stead benefit meeting at Stoke on Saturday.
Other acceptances include Ben Barker and Trent Leverington, with more to follow.

There will also be a series of match races featuring Les Collins, Alan Grahame and Gary O`Hare.

Sunday 21 October

Stoke SAS Spitfires recorded a double over Buxton at the weekend, winning
54-39 on both occasions.

"That makes it three wins on the trot since last Wednesday and means that we have added seven points to our tally" said team manager John Woolridge.

"I thought we performed well on Saturday using rider replacement for John Branney and we showed how solid we can be with a seven man team on Sunday in the return.
"All the riders scored at least one race win on Saturday and, again, we were very solid in the return. Billy Legg has had a good couple of meetings and Gareth Isherwood was on a paid maximum at Buxton until he fluffed his last ride.
"In some ways it is a shame that the season is ending. But we have finished on a high and there were some good individual as well as collective efforts over the weekend".

Friday 19 October

Stoke SAS Spitfires wrap up their 2007 season this weekend when they face Buxton home and away this weekend.

The Spitfires will use rider replacement for John Branney at Loomer Road on Saturday and Luke Priest replaces Jonathan Bethell at Buxton on Sunday.

"It would be good to finish the season on a high and we are looking to beat Buxton in both meetings if possible" said Dave Tattum.

"We had a good win on Wednesday and hopefully the supporters will turn out for the final team meeting of the season.

"We will finish the following weekend with an individual meeting so this weekend wraps up our team fixtures."

Thursday 18 October

Stoke SAS Spitfires got back to winning ways at Loomer Road last night by beating Rye House 52-40.

Robert Mear was the top scorer in a Raiders line up which secured the bonus point following their 54-38 win at Hoddesden last month, but only had four scorers last night with Mear scoring 19 points from seven outings.

"Barrie (Evans) got one over him in heat 10 when he picked his spot to come through and it was good to see him go unbeaten through the night. He's finishing the season very strongly in both leagues for us" said Dave Tattum.

No more than two points separated the teams after the opening race until heat 10 when Evans passed Mear with Billy Legg picking up third place. John Branney and Isherwood added another 4-2 in the next though Jonathan Bethell could only manage second place in heat 12 as Rye House came back to within four points.

Mear was given a tactical substitute (off 15 metres) in the penultimate race. Isherwood and Sam Dore made decent starts and though Mear passed Dore, he was unable to make any impression on Isherwood before Evans and Branney finished with a 5-1 in heat 15.

STOKE 52:  B Evans 14+1, B Legg 2+1, J Bethell 7+1, S Dore 5+2, J Branney 12+1, G Isherwood 8+1, G Kendrew
4+1.

RYE HOUSE 40:  K Ezergailis 5, B Powell (r/r), R Mear 19, S Whittington 0, D Halsey 10+1, A Filmer 6+1, A Chandler 0.

Monday 15 October

It was a tough weekend for Stoke Easy Rider Potters with elimination from the Young Shield competition at the hands of near neighbours Birmingham and a narrow defeat at Glasgow on Sunday which saw Lee Complin suffer a broken bone in his left foot and bad bruising  (writes Neil Evans).

"We put up a good performance at Glasgow with a patched up side and went in to the final race 43-41 down" explained team manager John Adams.

"Chris Schramm seemed to lock up a bit and that pushed Lee wide and he hit the fence and sailed over the top, just missing a wall on the other side.

"It's been one knock after another for this team and it really has to have an effect.

"But we battled up there and gave it a go. That's our final league meeting of the season and we came close to getting something out of it."

Claus Vissing and Jamie Smith did not travel to Glasgow after aggravating injuries on Saturday and Luke Priest stepped in for Smith after SAS Spitfires meeting at Buxton had been rained off in the morning.

"Luke rushed up to be with us and he actually won heat 2" pointed out Adams who was pleased with the returns from both reserves as Barrie Evans scored 10+1.

As for the Young Shield, Birmingham held a 16 point lead from the first leg and the visiting side kept things tight to restrict Stoke to a 46-43 win on the night, though losing 84-97 on aggregate.

"I really can't express how disappointed I am at the outcome because I really felt that we could have clawed that back" conceded promoter Dave Tattum.

"Birmingham kept a firm grip on things tonight though I do feel that the tie was lost in the first leg when Claus (Vissing) had to withdraw due to a shoulder injury.

"Had he continued, we'd have been in a much stronger position and who knows what might have happened then."

With the first four races drawn, Stoke needed to up the ante and they appeared to be on their way in heats 5 and 6 before a contentious refereeing decision burst the bubble.

Tony Atkin made a good start to heat 5 and Lee Complin passed both Phil Morris and Chris Schramm in hard, committed moves to register a 5-1.

A second maximum score looked on the cards in the next race before Complin was excluded after driving hard up the inside of Schramm.

"I'm a racer and we were going for it" he said.

"If anything, he turned on me coming off the pits turn but I held my ground. I'd got my wheel in front going into the next lap when he went down. I didn't touch him and I didn't do anything he wouldn't have done to me."

Barrie Evans won heat 14 in which Barker was lucky to escape a knock after Lee Smart seemed to hit a rut, lift and push Barker in to the fence.

"I seemed to bounce off the fence and I just kept going" said Barker afterwards.

"I was out in the dirt and just got Lee lined up when he caught me and that lost me so much ground."

"We are all bitterly disappointed because we thought we might have gone through" said Vissing who was excluded from heat 15 after Phil Morris came off.

"I damaged my collarbone on Wednesday and only rode tonight because it was such an important meeting."

STOKE 46:  L Complin 12+2, B Barker 8, T Atkin 5, R Harrison (r/r), C Vissing 11, B Evans 10+2, J Smith 0.

BIRMINGHAM 43: M Hauzinger (r/r), P Morris 13, J Lyons 11, S Tacey 1, C Schramm 5+2, P Clews 8+1, L Smart 5+2.

***

Stoke SAS Spitfires meeting at Buxton on Sunday was called off. Spitfires face Rye House at Loomer Road on Wednesday and Buxton home and away next weekend.

Friday 12 October

Stoke promoter Dave Tattum is confident that his side can overcome Birmingham in the second leg of the Young Shield semi final at Loomer Road on Saturday.

The Easy Rider Potters trail by 16 points after the first leg at Perry Barr on Wednesday but Tattum feels all the pressure is on Birmingham.

"They might be favourites but that could work in our favour" he stressed.

"We have nothing to lose and everything to go for and we will draw strength from beating Somerset by 26 points in the previous round.

"If the supporters come along and get behind us, we really do have a good chance and we will go for it."

Tony Atkin is included for Stoke whilst Birmingham have brought in Chris Schramm, Shaun Tacey and former Potter Paul Clews.

Luke Priest will ride for SAS Spitfires at Buxton on Sunday. Priest steps in for Barrie Evans who will be with the Potters at Glasgow.

Wednesday 10 October

Stoke Easy Rider Potters will need another massive effort if they are to overcome Birmingham and reach the Young Shield final.

The Brummies raced to a 54-38 victory in a meeting that saw Potters top two of Lee Complin and Claus Vissing suffer knocks. Complin fell heavily in his second ride and Vissing was withdrawn from the meeting with concussion and a possible shoulder injury after coming off in heat 6.

"It was such a shame because Claus had won his first ride quite comfortably" said team manager John Adams.

"Claus seemed to get out a bit too wide and he went over the handle bars and landed a bit awkwardly."

Stoke started well and Ben Barker lowered Jason Lyons colours in heat 5 with Complin taking third place which moved the score to 16-14. But that high dissipated with Vissing's fall in the next and Birmingham upped the tempo to move 34-20 in front after Barrie Evans fell in heat 9.

Barker was given a tactical ride in heat 11 and forced his way in to second place behind Chris Schramm and the next two races were drawn with Barrie Evans featuring strongly.

Adams gambled on giving Tony Atkin a tactical substitute ride (from 15 metres back) in the penultimate race and though Barker took the win from Craig Branney, Atkin couldn't find a way past Danny Warwick before Birmingham took a 4-2 in the last to seal a 16 point winning margin.

"It's still all to play for and we firmly believe that we can overturn the result and reach the final" stressed Adams.

"Ifs and buts don't mean too much in this game, but you have to wonder what might have been had Claus completed the meeting and Lee been fully fit.

"It's only half time and if the supporters get behind us on Saturday, we can overturn the form book again."

BIRMINGHAM 54:  M Hauzinger (r/r), P Morris 12+1, J Lyons 17, C Branney 6+2, C Schramm 8+1, D Warwick 4+1, L Smart 7.

STOKE 38:  L Complin 6+1, B Barker 15, T Atkin 5+2, R Harrison (r/r), C Vissing 3, B Evans 7+1, J Smith 2.

Tuesday 09 October

Stoke have drafted in Tony Atkin for their semi final first leg of the Young Shield competition at Birmingham on Wednesday.

Atkin comes in as a guest for the injured Glenn Cunningham with promoter Dave Tattum saying: "You know what you are going to get from Tony and we will need everyone chipping in and working their socks off if we are going to come through this.

"Birmingham will be favourites. But that puts the pressure on them and hopefully we can match the terrific effort of the previous round when we put Somerset out after coming back from 24 points down."

Monday 08 October

Stoke Easy Rider Potters drew on huge reserves of determination to overturn a 24 point first leg defeat at Somerset on Friday to beat the Rebels 59-33 at Loomer Road on Saturday and go through to the Young Shield semi finals (writes Neil Evans).

An added blow to the defeat at Somerset came with the news that Glenn Cunningham broke his thigh.

"It looked an innocuous incident really and Glenn seemed to get up. But then he went down in agony and was taken to hospital where he underwent an operation on Friday evening" said Potters team manager John Adams who was disappointed with the performance in the first leg.

Somerset started well in the second leg, winning the first three races to increase their advantage. 

But Stoke nibbled away after that with the drama going down right to the final lap when Lee Complin cut back off the final turn to run up the inside of Ritchie Hawkins to snatch the vital third spot that put the Potters through by two points.

Complin said afterwards: "Maybe we had a touch of luck tonight, but after the season Stoke has had, boy do we deserve it. To pull back 26 points and go in to a last heat decider was just unreal and we worked and scrapped for every point from start to finish.

"Ritchie (Hawkins) rode a good race in that last one and I'd have been gutted had we lost it because he got by me."

Barrie Evans had telling rides in heats 7, 11 and 12 particularly and Ben Barker won a no-holds-barred heat 8 and then the pressure race in heat 14 on borrowed machinery.

"There was a problem with the exhaust and we just couldn't get a new one on in time" said the teenager.

Kramer took heat 12 to take the score to 47-25 and both Vissing and Complin passed Stefan Katt in the next to put Stoke ahead on aggregate for the first time.

The penultimate race was drawn before that pulsating finale which put the Potters through to the semi final stage where they will face Birmingham home and away this week.

Promoter Dave Tattum enthused afterwards: "It goes to show what character and self belief can achieve and though we had a touch of luck, we still had to be able to capitalize on it all.

"Tony Atkin stepped in at short notice and he is such a good lad to have around. But we performed from one-to-seven and will need just as big an effort against the Brummies.

"We go to Birmingham on Wednesday (10th) and then have the home leg next Saturday which might suit us.

"We will give it our all on Wednesday and then hope to finish off the job on Saturday when we expect a big crowd."

STOKE 59:  L Complin 13+2, B Barker 10+2, T Atkin 7+2, R Harrison (r/r), C Vissing 14+3, B Evans 12+1, J Smith 3+1.

SOMERSET 33:  J Doyle 6, S Walker 3, E Kramer 14, J Frampton 1, R Hawkins 5, S Katt 4, D Warwick 0.

Saturday 06 October

Glenn Cunningham was taken to a local hospital with a broken right thigh after crashing in heat 15 of the Young Shield fixture at Somerset last night.

"It seemed such an innocuous incident and really capped what was a difficult night for us" said Stoke team manager John Adams.

"Claus (Vissing) fell and Glenn tried to get round him and caught the fence. He seemed to stand up but then fell to the ground in some distress.

"I have been to the hospital to see him and I have been told that they will operate and probably pin the break tonight."

Stoke were up against it from the start, going 15-3 down after three races and 27-9 after six heats.

Cunningham and Vissing scored heavily in heat 7 and Vissing was given a tactical substitute ride in heat 14.

"Claus rode very strongly all night as did Glenn and Ben Barker. But we had riders who simply didn't step up to the plate and there are no excuses for them" added Adams of the 58-34 defeat.

STOKE 34: L Complin 5+1, B Barker 8, G Cunningham 10, C Vissing 10, R Harrison (r/r), B Evans 1, J Smith 0.

Friday 05 October

Stoke Easy Rider Potters travel to Somerset tonight in the first leg of their Young Shield clash looking for a good performance.

"On paper, we should be able to match the Rebels within reason and we really have to make that happen" said Potters promoter Dave Tattum.

"I don't have a figure in mind, but we would hope to keep things fairly tight and that would give us a good chance of going through after the second leg at Loomer Road on Saturday."

Somerset have beaten Stoke home and away this season in the league but Tattum is hoping they can better their 52-38 defeat at Somerset last month.

"If we can close that margin it will be a very good effort" he said.

Stoke will run their normal line up but the Rebels have been rocked by the loss of their talisman, Magnus Zetterstrom who has been banned from British speedway for a period for riding in a Polish fixture and missing a meeting over here.

Somerset have called up Jason Doyle who rides in the Elite League with Poole to replace Zetterstrom in an otherwise unchanged line up.

STOKE: L Complin, B Barker, G Cunningham, R Harrison (r/r), C Vissing, B Evans, J Smith.

SOMERSET: J Doyle, S Walker, E Kramer, J Frampton, R Hawkins, S Katt, D Warwick.

Saturday 29 September

Glenn Cunningham has withdrawn from the Premier League Riders Championship at Swindon on Sunday due to personal reasons.

Lee Complin takes his place.

Friday 28 September

A broken chain cost Stoke the possibility of causing an upset and winning the Sunday Sport Trophy at Sheffield last night.

Stoke lost 49-41 on the night which took the aggregate score to 90-90.

That necessitated a run off which Sheffield won as Lee Complin failed to get off the start line as his chain snapped.

"There was a lot of pride in one way and sheer frustration in another" said Dave Tattum.

"Few would have given us a chance here tonight but we really pushed them all the way.

"Lee Complin is the man for the big occasion and we feel sure that he would have given Andre Compton a massive race in the run-off."

Stoke brought in Jason Bunyan for Glenn Cunningham and Buzz Burrows for Ben Barker who pulled out after feeling the effects of his crash at Stoke the night before.

SHEFFIELD 49:  R Ashworth 7, B Wilson 8, A Compton 15, P Cooper 8+2, J Parsons 7+1, B Hopwood 1, J Cockle 3+1.

STOKE 41:  L Complin 10+1, B Burrows 4+1, J Bunyan 13, R Harrison (r/r), C Vissing 6+1, B Evans 5+1, J Smith 3+1.

Andre Compton won the run off after the scores were level at 90-90.

Thursday 27 September

Stoke have been drawn against Somerset in the Young Shield competition. First leg is at Somerset on October 5th and return is at Loomer Road on October 6th.

Jason Bunyan will step in for Glenn Cunningham at Sheffield tonight.

***

Glenn Cunningham's partner Sam gave birth to a baby boy at 9am this morning. Alfie weighed in at 7lb 10oz and both mother and baby are fine.

Cunningham has pulled out of Stoke's fixture at Sheffield tonight. But Glenn may still represent Stoke in the Premier League riders Championship on Sunday.

***

Promoter Dave Tattum will still wait for official confirmation, but Stoke could not have done any more to force their way in to the Young Shield play-offs after beating Berwick 60-31 at Loomer Road last night.

"We would seem to have done enough and certainly the riders showed a terrific attitude to the job last night. But you never know and I'm just going to wait until we have been given the green light" stressed Tattum.

"It wasn't always easy out there, but we did the job on the night and it's a bit of a bonus to go unbeaten" said Complin who became the first Stoke rider to score a maximum this season.

"We stuck together and we all chipped in with some good rides by looking out for each other on the track."

Stoke built an early lead and were 20-10 after five races. Claus Vissing took his second win of the night in the next and a 5-1 from Ben Barker and Jamie Smith, who had one of his best nights in a Stoke race jacket, in heat 8 extended the lead to 34-14.

Vissing was leading heat 9 by a long way when he lost control and came off though Glenn Cunningham came through to pass Jacek Rempala.

Barker was another faller in the next whilst in the lead, but the teenager remounted and came within a whisker of catching the Berwick riders on the run to the line.

Chris Kerr came from the back to win heat 14 but Complin and Vissing secured 5-1's either side of that to ensure the Potters recorded a huge win that should see them break in to the top 12.

Stoke travel to Sheffield tonight in the second leg of the Sunday Sport Trophy. The Potters hold an eight point lead from the first leg a couple of weeks ago.

STOKE 60:  L Complin 16+2, B Barker 10+1, G Cunningham 8+1, R Harrison (r/r), C Vissing 14+1, B Evans 3, J Smith 9+2.

BERWICK 31:  T Leverington 6, A Bugeja 2, M Makovsky (r/r), C Kerr 8+1, J Rempala 5+2, S james 6+1, J Bethell 4+1.

Tuesday 25 September

It's all-or-nothing for Stoke Easy Rider Potters when they take on Berwick at Loomer Road tomorrow (Wednesday).

The Potters must win the meeting which would give them three points and push them on to 26 points, the same as Mildenhall and Edinburgh. Then it will come to race points for and against with two of those three teams finishing in the top 12 and qualifying for the Young Shield play-offs.

"It couldn't have been scripted better in many ways and this should be a cracker of a meeting for the supporters" stressed Dave Tattum.

"There are no two-ways about it. We have to win and win well and the supporters will have a huge role to play now.

"Newport's defeat on Sunday means they finish on 25 points. So we can overhaul them and with Berwick already out of it, it's down to calculations after that."

Stoke lost the opportunity for points when their fixture at Glasgow was rained off last night.

"We may or may not have picked something up at Glasgow – but the bottom line is we need the three points on Wednesday" concluded the promoter.

Monday 24 September

Stoke Easy Rider Potters travel to Glasgow tonight and then take on Berwick at Loomer Road on Wednesday in what is one of the biggest meetings of the season.

Stoke need to beat the Bandits to take all three points and give themselves an opportunity to reach the Young Shield play-offs after Edinburgh and Mildenhall moved on to 26 points over the weekend, three more than Stoke.

"There is no doubt about it – it is a must win situation and nothing else will do" stressed Dave Tattum.

"It's going to go right to the wire and we really need the supporters to come along and get behind the riders.

"Some of the weekend results with other clubs (Newport lost at home) helped us whilst others keep the pressure on.

"At the end of the day, we need to beat Berwick and beat them well to give us any chance of going through."

Stoke warmed up for the duo of meetings this week with a hard earned 47-43 victory over Birmingham on Saturday in the second leg of the Midland Trophy, the Brummies winning overall following their 56-37 at Perry Barr last Wednesday.

The Potters had to operate rider replacement for Rusty Harrison who has called it a day for this season following a poor run of form.

"I just haven't got going at all and I feel I have been letting too many people down" said the Australian.

"You are a danger to yourself and others when your head is not right and it's best that I stand down now before anything else happens."

Ben Barker top scored for the Potters on Saturday with 12+3 and is finishing the season strongly.

"I owe a big thank you to Dave and Caroline Tattum for supporting me whilst I've been up here, my bingo partner June and to John Christie in particular for supplying me with a new bike" said the teenager.

"I struggled for a little while but I've really got the bike working for me now and I am so keen for us to reach the play-offs.

"I thought the meeting on Saturday was good. It was wet early on which helped us to a decent start and then we just stayed in front."

Sunday 23 September

Stoke Easy Rider Potters travel to Glasgow tomorrow (Monday) in optimistic mood after beating Birmingham 47-43 at Loomer Road on Saturday.

Ben Barker top scored for the home side with 12+3 whilst Jason Lyons dropped just one point short of repeating his 18 point maximum here at Loomer Road just a couple of weeks ago.

"It was a good effort on our part and we just have to go up to Glasgow and then take on Berwick here on Wednesday believing that we can get enough points to reach the play-offs" said Barker.

The result means that Birmingham win the Midland Shield 99-84 on aggregate.

STOKE 47:  L Complin 10+2, B Barker 12+3, G Cunningham 9, R Harrison (r/r), C Vissing 8, B Evans 5, J Smith
3+2.

BIRMINGHAM 43: H Moller (r/r), C Schramm 10+1, J Lyons 17, P Morris 4+2, M Hauzinger 0, B Powell 10+1, L Smart 2.

Saturday 22 September

Rusty Harrison has decided to step down from the Stoke Potters side for the rest of this season.

"It's disappointing because Rusty is a smashing lad. But it just hasn't happened for him this year" said Dave Tattum.

Friday 21 September

Luke Priest comes in to the Stoke SAS Spitfires side which travels to Buxton on Sunday.

Former Buxton rider Jonathan Bethell has been prevented from riding in the fixture as a condition of his joining Stoke.

"The Buxton promotion are not keen for Jonathan to ride against them and there is little that we can do about it" said Dave tattum.

Before then, Stoke Easy Rider Potters host near neighbours Birmingham in the second leg of the Midland Shield. the Potters lost the first leg 56-37 on Wednesday but hopes are that they can overturn that deficit.

"It's achievable and will give us a huge boost if we pull it off" added Tattum.

Birmingham will have former Potter Phil Morris in their side and Newport's Chris Schramm is the guest for the injured Emiliano Sanchez.

Thursday 20 September

Stoke Easy Rider Potters fell to a 56-37 defeat at Perry Barr in the first leg of the Midland Shield (writes Neil Evans).

Lee Complin and Paul Hurry clashed in the opening Heat and Hurry had to withdraw with a hand injury.

"Paul and Lee (Complin) had a bit of a coming-together and Lee also took a bad knock to his hip" said team manager John Adams.

"To his credit, Lee rode on and was absolutely first rate. He won a tactical ride for us late on in the meeting but also headed Jason Lyons in Heat 5 and there are not many riders that do that around here."

Stoke got off to a good start with Complin and Ben Barker taking a 5-1 in the opening race.

But Birmingham quickly redressed the balance and were 16-8 up after four races as Claus Vissing was excluded from Heat 4 and three consecutive 5-1's for the home side in Heats 8, 9 and 10 put the Brummies 39-21.

Complin took a tactical ride in the next race and made a good start, but race partner Barker suffered an engine failure on the line.

Vissing and Complin showed up well in Heat 13 to relegate Manuel Hauzinger to third place and Adams made further changes in the next, switching Evans for Jamie Smith and giving Barker a tactical substitute ride (off a 15 metre handicap) in place of the out-of-touch Rusty Harrison.

"We need a big performance on Saturday and I expect us to throw everything at Birmingham in order to overcome this defeat" said Adams.

BIRMINGHAM 56:  H Moller (r/r), P Hurry 1, J Lyons 14, P Morris 10+2, M Hauzinger 9+1, B Powell 10, L Smart
12+3.

STOKE 37: L Complin 16+1, B Barker 5+1, G Cunningham 3, R Harrison 1, C Vissing 7, B Evans 4, J Smith 1.

Wednesday 19 September

Stoke v Oxford's Conference League meeting tonight has been called off due to the weather.

It will now go ahead on Saturday September 29th.

Tuesday 18 September

Luke Priest will make a return to the Stoke SAS Spitfires line up when they take on Oxford at Loomer Road tomorrow (Wednesday).

"It's going to be quite a big night for me but one I am capable of dealing with" he said.

"I have been going out on my own for some time now and rode in a couple of meetings last week, so my progress is coming along fine.

"My fitness is not as it might be, but that will come through more meetings and I just want to get out there in a Stoke race jacket again."

Priest replaces Barrie Evans who will be in the Easy Rider Potters side at Birmingham in the first leg of the Midland Shield.

Sunday 16 September

Stoke Easy Rider Potters were comprehensively beaten 66-26 at Rye House but SAS Spitfires fared better despite losing 54-38 at the same venue.

Ben Barker top scored for the Potters with 11 points in a meeting that saw Lee Complin suffer a shoulder injury.

"Hopefully it won't be too bad but we should know more on Monday" said team manager John Adams.

"We knew it was going to be difficult and we put in more effort than the score suggests."

On the Spitfires defeat, team manager John Woolridge said "Our reserves did a good job with Gareth Isherwood getting 7+1 and Guy Kendrew 4+3 and had we got a full team and not seen Barrie Evans blow his motor whilst leading as a tactical rider, we would have run them very close indeed.

"John Branney is as good as gold to deal with and he had no hesitation in taking a tactical substitute ride in Heat 14. He came off a 15 metre handicap and still got second place.

"We had to use two novices in place of Billy Legg and Sam Dore so, on the whole, it wasn't a bad effort at all."

Saturday 15 September

Stoke will take an eight point lead to Sheffield for the second leg of the Sunday Sport Trophy after beating the Tigers 49-41 at Loomer Road.

Stoke opened a 10 point lead after six races as the impressive Ben Barker/Lee Complin duo headed Joel Parsons.

Barker took his fourth win of the night in Heat 10 after holding off a strong Andre Compton challenge but a 5-1 from Ricky Ashworth and Ben Wilson in the next reduced the deficit.

Glenn Cunningham took Heat 12 and Ashworth the next but a 5-1 from Jon Armstrong and Jamie Smith in Heat 14 ensured a home victory.

"We could have done with a bigger lead, but the win was important and we will see how we get on at Rye House today" said Barker.

STOKE 49: L Complin 7+2, B Barker 12, G Cunningham 13, R Harrison 2+1, C Vissing 3, J Armstrong 9, J Smith 3+2.

SHEFFIELD 41: R Ashworth 14+1, B Wilson 6, A Compton 10, P Cooper (r/r), J Parsons 4+1, L Priest 1, J Cockle 6+2, B Hopwood 0.

Thursday 12 September

Barrie Evans came through a successful come back meeting by dropping just one point in five rides, but an injury to Billy Legg came on top of a 44-49 home defeat to Plymouth last night.

"Billy took a very nasty knock in Heat 8 when Ben Hopwood seemed to turn right on Billy – Ben even apologised afterwards" said Dave Tattum.

"That didn't seem to be Billy's fault and Jonathan Bethell was hit hard in the next race - but again was excluded when we felt differently."

Plymouth went ahead in the opening race as Stephens headed Evans and another 5-1 from Stephens and Nicki Glanz in Heat 5 put the visitors 10-20 up.

Evans won the next as a tactical rider and Legg passed Jamie Westacott for a SAS Spitfires 8-1 score and John Branney put in a strong ride to beat Tom Brown in the next.

Branney and Evans beat Stephens in Heat 13 as Westacott retired but a 5-1 from Hopwood and Rod Smith over Sam Dore in the penultimate race ensured Plymouth couldn't be beaten.

"We pulled back a 5-1 in the last but it wasn't enough to win the meeting" said Tattum.

"There were some positives and it is to be hoped the younger riders will have gained something in terms of experience."

STOKE 44:  B Evans 16+1, B Legg 2+1, J Bethell 2, S Dore 6, J Branney 14+1, G Kendrew 2+1, G Isherwood 2.

PLYMOUTH 49:  S Stephens 9, N Glanz 6+3, T Brown 10, R Smith 7+4, J Westacott 3+2, J Pickard 3, B Hopwood 11.

** 

Luke Priest had his first meeting since July 2006 when he scored five points in the Alan Pearce Memorial Trophy at Birmingham last night.

Tuesday 11 September

Plymouth are the visitors to Loomer Road on Wednesday when they face Stoke SAS Spitfires in league action.

"They are a strong side and include Tom Brown and Nicki Glanz, so it should be a good meeting" said Dave Tattum.

Oxford are the visitors on September 19th and Stoke take a break from league racing this Saturday when they stage the first leg of the Sunday Sport Trophy against Sheffield.

"We want to build a healthy lead to take to their place in a couple of weeks time" added Tattum.

Monday 10 September

Stoke take a break from league racing on Saturday (15th) when they stage the first leg of the Sunday Sport Trophy against near neighbours and big rivals, Sheffield.

"This will renew a lot of the friendly rivalry both teams have and pits the likes of Lee Complin against Andre Compton together" said promoter Dave Tattum who has now rescheduled the Garry Stead Benefit meeting for October 29th.

The Easy Rider Potters suffered three defeats last week, two on the road at Kings Lynn and Somerset before a 45-48 home defeat to Birmingham on Saturday where the highlight for the home side was Lee Complin setting a new track record of 60.6 in Heat 1, lowering the time set by Billy Hamill 11 years ago.

"It was a nice feeling but I would much rather that the team had won" said Complin.

"I didn't make the best of starts but just got a good run and racing line and went for the win more than the time."

Birmingham's Jason Lyons scored an 18 point maximum and had good support from Manuel Hauzinger and Henning Bager.

Other fixtures see Berwick come to Stoke on September 26th and in the Conference League Oxford are Loomer Road visitors on September 19th and SAS Spitfires travel to Buxton on September 23.

Saturday 08 September

Glenn Cunningham top scored with 11 on his former home base as Stoke lost 52-38 at Somerset last night.

Ben Barker was given a tactical ride in Heat 11 and Lee Complin replaced Rusty Harrison in the penultimate Heat but the Rebels were too strong on the night.

Friday 07 September

Stoke Easy Rider Potters travel to Somerset tonight for what should be quite an emotional night.

It was at Somerset that Glenn Cunningham picked up a knock in the opening race before Garry Stead's life changing injuries later in the meeting.

"It will be difficult for the riders, but I do expect it to be business-as-usual once the tapes go up" said Dave Tattum.

Stoke then host near neighbours Birmingham at Loomer Road on Saturday. Both Birmingham and Somerset are in contention for the end of season championship play-offs and the Brummies will hope to get something out of the meeting after winning 53-40 on their home track in July.

"That again will be a hard meeting. But local derbies throw up a great atmosphere and I think it should be a cracking night" added Tattum.

Thursday 06 September

Stoke Easy rider Potters suffered their biggest defeat in a while when losing 64-26 at Kings Lynn last night.

Ben Barker top scored for the second meeting in a row but he and Rusty Harrison were the only Potters race winners as the home side easily dominated the fixture.

"The best thing we can do is forget it and move on" said team manager John Adams.

Lee Complin had a puncture in his opening ride and snapped a chain in heat 11.

"Little seemed to go our way" added Adams.

Barrie Evans missed the meeting with a back injury.

Wednesday 05 September

Stoke Easy Rider Potters travel to Kings Lynn tonight. Stoke beat Kings Lynn at Loomer Road earlier in the season but face a tough task tonight against one of the Premier League's top teams.

"It's never easy to get a result at Lynn but we will have to go in to the meeting with a positive attitude" said team manager John Adams.

Tuesday 04 September

Stoke Easy Rider Potters travel to Kings Lynn on Wednesday and Somerset on Friday with a re-shuffled line up, brought on in part due to the new averages.

"Lee Complin goes in at number one with Rusty Harrison coming in at two and Ben Barker switches to number four" said team manager John Adams.

"We hadn't really wanted to move the team around because it had a balance. But the new averages have dictated Lee and Glenn Cunningham have to go at one and three."

Stoke beat Kings Lynn 53-37 earlier in the season but face a tough task at Norfolk Arena on Wednesday.

Sunday 02 September

Stoke's home fixture against Berwick last night was called off an hour or so before start time to frustrate the Potters hopes of pushing up the league table.

Team manager John Adams was delighted with a hard fought 42-48 away win against the Bandits on Saturday night but the team as a whole were left feeling frustrated on Sunday.

"I thought we did very well at Berwick and Ben Barker was simply superb" pointed out Adams.

"Rusty Harrison was not at all well and Glenn Cunningham had a very hard knock and could hardly get on his bike for his next ride - so to win away by six points was a good effort.

"It would have been good to race the return fixture but the weather was terrible."

Friday 31 August

Stoke Easy Rider Potters face Berwick home and away this weekend. The Potters travel to Berwick on Saturday and stage their home meeting on Sunday starting at 7.30pm.

"There are five points up for grabs over the weekend and we need to take the bulk of them" said team manager John Adams.

"Berwick have not had the best of results or luck this season and hopefully we can capitalise on all that and get some points on the board.

"It is important that we stay in the top 12 in the league table to take part in the end of season play-offs and I will be looking for a big effort from everyone."

Thursday 30 August

Stoke SAS Spitfires lost 32-60 to Scunthorpe at Loomer Road last night.

Andrew Tully got the Scorpions off to a good start by setting a new Conference League track record in Heat 1 and the Scorpions were 9-33 up after seven races.

Barrie Evans, who had an eye infection, fell in Heat 6 but Stoke picked up a 5-1 in Heat 8.

Guy Kendrew took Heat 14 for the home side but Scunthorpe had the result in the bag with several races to go.

"We struggled against a top side and many other teams have done exactly the same" said Dave Tattum who thought Guy Kendrew had shown some improvement again.

STOKE 32:  B Evans 4+1, B Legg 5, J Bethell 4, S Dore 0, J Branney 12, G Kendrew 4+1, G Isherwood 3+1.

Wednesday 29 August

Stoke came from eight points down to beat Rye House 47-43 at Loomer Road on Saturday.

Stoke SAS Spitfires take on Scunthorpe in the Conference League at Loomer Road tonight.

"This will be a big test for our new look side but I do think we can really give it a go" said Dave Tattum.

"Scunthorpe are and have been the top side in the Conference League for quite a while and track a very strong side.

"But these are the meetings to look forward to and it should be a good meeting for the supporters."

Sunday 26 August

Stoke came from eight points down to beat Rye House 47-43 at Loomer Road on Saturday.

The visitors were 5-13 up after three races and were never behind until heat 14 when a 5-1 from Lee Complin and Barrie Evans put Stoke in front for the first time. Complin then went on to win the final race to see the Potters home.

"I think we deserved that because we showed a lot of character to come back from those early set backs" said Complin.

Friday 24 August

Stoke Easy Rider Potters face a big challenge when they take on Rye House at Loomer Road on Saturday.

Rockets are currently in the top six and are closing in on a top four position which would put them in the championship play-offs.

"They have a good record around here and I think they will be looking for a result", said Dave Tattum.

"They are strong right through and include a couple of terrific teenagers in Tai Woffinden and Adam Roynon.

"But we are going well enough and it promises to be a hard fought meeting."

***

Lee Complin was the winner of the Garry Stead Grand Prix style benefit meeting at a packed Sheffield last night.

Complin started off with a couple of second places but then banged in two wins to head the qualifiers after every rider had completed four laps. Complin was given choice of gates and won the semi final off gate one and came through to pass Wolverhampton's Freddie Lindgren in the final.

"It was a superb meeting raced in front of a crowd of around 4,500 I would say", said Potters team manager John Adams.

"The figures are not definite and the monies raised are still being counted. But the meeting was a huge event and Lee rode out of his skin to win this meeting for himself, Garry and the Stoke public.

"It was a very emotional night all around. There was a massive reception for Steady when he was taken on to the centre green and he was naturally quite emotional himself.

"A nice touch was having the paramedics there from Somerset."

Complin beat Lindgren, Andre Compton and Jason Lyons in the final.

Thursday 23 August

Jonathan Bethell scored eight points on his Stoke SAS Spitfires debut in a 47-43 win over Weymouth last night.

Barrie Evans set a new track record of 62.2 seconds in the opening heat and was only denied a paid maximum after Lee Smart pipped him in the last race.

There were good showings from reserves Guy Kendrew and Gareth Isherwood from a meeting in which the home side led for most of the way.

Weymouth levelled the score at 36-36 after 12 races but John Branney and Evans banged in a 5-1 in the next race and then hung on for the win.

"I thought we gave a decent account of ourselves in what was a very competitive meeting", said team manager John Woolridge.

STOKE 47: B Evans 13+1, B Legg 3, J Bethell 8, S Dore
3+1, J Branney 12+1, G Kendrew 4+1, G Isherwood 4+2.

Wednesday 22 August

Stoke promoter Dave Tattum is in negotiations to bring in a new rider for the SAS Spitfires team and hopes are that the deal will be completed in time for him to make his debut in the home fixture against Weymouth tonight.

"I'm not prepared to divulge any names yet, but my hopes are that I can get clearance to include him in tonight's team" said Tattum.

Weymouth beat Stoke 51-40 earlier in the season and Tattum accepts that his side need to gel in order to get anything out of tonight's fixture.

"They are a solid side which includes Daniel Giffard, Karl Mason and Jay Herne who has been getting a lot of big scores" he went on.

"I think we can match them and beat them and then we have to think about taking the bonus point if possible."

Sunday 19 August

Stoke Easy Rider Potters home fixture against near neighbours Birmingham was called off around mid day on Saturday due to the weather.

“It was the same for several other staging clubs on Saturday and the weather has certainly played havoc with the continuity of meetings this season” he said.

“We were all prepared, but it hardly stopped raining throughout Saturday and there was just no guarantee that it would have cleared up by the evening.

“I spoke several times to Birmingham promoter Graham Drury and we have re-arranged the meeting for September 8th.”

Friday 17 August

Stoke Easy Rider Potters face near neighbours Birmingham at Loomer Road on Saturday where a winning margin of more than 13 points will give them the bonus point.

"We could certainly do with taking all three points but lets aim for the win first", said promoter Dave Tattum.

"We lost 53-40 at Birmingham about a month ago and our recent home form has been reasonable. But Birmingham have been on a roll themselves and this fixture has all the ingredients of a fascinating encounter.

"Local derbies always up the tempo and I'm sure this will be another hard fought meeting because both sides need the points."

Thursday 16 August

Stoke riders Ben Barker and Lee Complin have been handed Elite League guest bookings. Barker rides for Peterborough tonight against Belle Vue and Complin will be part of the Reading side to face Poole.

"I think it shows that fellow promoters are taking note of how well Stoke is doing," said Dave Tattum.

Stoke Easy Rider Potters face in-form Birmingham at Loomer Road on Saturday.

Stoke riders Ben Barker and Lee Complin have been handed Elite League guest bookings. Barker rides for Peterborough tonight against Belle Vue and Complin will be part of the Reading side to face Poole.

"I think it shows that fellow promoters are taking note of how well Stoke is doing," said Dave Tattum.

Stoke Easy Rider Potters face in-form Birmingham at Loomer Road on Saturday.

MONDAY 13 AUGUST

Stoke Easy Rider Potters beat Edinburgh 51-42 at Loomer Road on Saturday though it was the Monarchs that took the bonus point following their big win at Armadale earlier in the season.

Edinburgh had made a number of changes due to injury and international appearances and Kyle Legault, who replaced Kaj Laukkanen, scored a six ride 21 point maximum.

"Kyle was just superb and made a huge difference as to where the bonus point ended up" pointed out promoter Dave Tattum.

"We were generally in control of the meeting but couldn't really get a big enough lead to think about the extra point."

Potters' reserves Barrie Evans and Jamie Smith were amongst the points as Stoke covered for Claus Vissing's absence – the Dane was in his homeland contesting the Danish Under 21 championship.

Smith got his first Stoke win under his belt and said later "I made four decent starts from five rides and felt a bit better in myself."

Evans did a good job of covering Smith in Heat 2 and was again on his back wheel two races later when Andrew Tully came under Smith and the Stoke rider fell.

"It's part of the job and I was just pleased to see Jamie get a good win under his belt" said Evans who scored a 15 point maximum for Stoke SAS Spitfires earlier in the week.

STOKE 51:  R Harrison 9+3, B Barker 11+1, G Cunningham 7, L Complin 9+2, C Vissing (r/r), B Evans 10+2, J Smith 5+2.

EDINBURGH 43:  G Stancl (r/r), R Ksiezak 5, K Legault 21, K Katajisto 1, M Wethers 8+1, S Richardson 1, A Tully 6.

***

Stoke's away trip at Glasgow was rained off just as racing was about to start.

"We were all geared up and ready to go and then the heavens opened" said team manager John Adams.

"We are not sure when we will go back but it could be part of a double header."

SUNDAY 12 AUGUST

Stoke beat injury hit Edinburgh 51-42 at Loomer road last night but the Monarchs took the bonus point.

Kyle Legault scored a full maximum from six rides whilst Stoke coped well enough without Claus Vissing who takes part in the Danish Under 21 Final today.

"I thought we did a decent job and were it not for Legault, we might have won by a greater margin" said team manager John Adams.

Stoke travel to Glasgow today.

SATURDAY 11 AUGUST

Stoke Easy Rider Potters face Edinburgh at Loomer Road and travel to Glasgow tomorrow.

Edinburgh lost at home last night to Newcastle and Potters team manager John Adams wants his side to take advantage.

"We have to win tonight and if we can produce a performance like we did last week against Sheffield, we could get the bonus point too" he said.

"We lost up there by 18 points and I know its a tall order. But lets be positive and go for it."

Sam Dore has joined Newcastle on loan. Dore will continue to ride for SAS Spitfires and said "It's the opportunity I want and the rest is down to me."

THURSDAY 09 AUGUST

Barrie Evans scored a 15 point maximum, but it was Gareth Isherwood that earned the biggest pat on the back for earning second place in Heat 14 as Stoke SAS Spitfires drew 46-46 with Boston last night.

"Gareth came from the back to pass Adam Lowe, not once but a couple of times, and that put us in the position where we could get something out of the meeting" said team manager john Woolridge.

"We had looked out of it at one stage as we were 11 points down. But John Branney won a race as a tactical rider and then Barrie Evans and Sam Dore got us a 5-1 in Heat 13.

"Gareth's ride was top drawer and shows he has the ability. That put us four points down and then John Branney passed both Paul Cooper and Simon Lambert in a terrific Heat 15 to join Barrie at the front and that tied the scores."

Billy Legg had a couple of falls on his debut. "He was trying all the way and I'm also pleased with Jamie Pickard. Both are gutsy riders and that's all we ask", added Woolridge.

STOKE 46:  B Evans 15, B Legg 2 J Branney 16+1, G Kendrew 0, S Dore 4+1, J Pickard 4, G Isherwood 5.

WEDNESDAY 08 AUGUST

Billy Legg will make his Stoke debut when SAS Spitfires take on Boston at Loomer Road starting at 7.30pm.

Stoke promoter Dave Tattum had warned that he would make changes if he could and he has brought in Legg to replace Gary Flint.

"When I heard that Billy wanted away from Plymouth, I acted straight away" he said.
"He will bring some experience and ability to the team and I expect us to be a bit stronger as a result."

Boston beat Stoke 52-44 on Friday and SAS Spitfires top man Barrie Evans thinks Stoke can take the win and the bonus point.

"If we get it together, we can beat them and it should be a good meeting" he said.

MONDAY 06 AUGUST

Stoke Easy Rider Potters banked three points after beating near neighbours Sheffield 55-35 in front of a big crowd at Loomer Road on Saturday (writes Neil Evans).

There was little between the two sides early on on Saturday before Stoke took a grip on proceedings. The new pairing of Lee Complin and Glenn Cunningham outpaced Ben Wilson in Heat 5 and then Rusty Harrison and Ben Barker relegated Joel Parsons to third place in the next race.

Barker came from the back to win Heat 8 and he turned in an even better race in Heat 10 when he chased Andre Compton for three laps before feigning to go wide and then cutting up the inside. "I just had to keep him guessing so that he didn't know where I was coming from" said the teenager.

Rusty Harrison won Heat 13 and Barrie Evans passed James Cockle on the last lap in Heat 14 to ensure Stoke took the bonus point. "I'd got it (the bike) would up and committed myself to going round the outside. It was tight but I got there" said Evans.

Stoke SAS Spitfires suffered three defeats last week and promoter Dave Tattum is considering making a team change for the home meeting against Boston on Wednesday (8th).

Luke Priest is edging nearer a comeback. "I'm still not ready for a team meeting yet, but my target is to be back in the Conference League before the end of this season" he said.

STOKE 55:  R Harrison 12+2, B Barker 11+1, G Cunningham 9+2, L Complin 10, C Vissing 6, B Evans
7+3, J Smith 0.

SHEFFIELD 35:  R Ashworth (r/r), B Wilson 10+1, A Compton 11, J Birkinshaw 0, J Parsons *+1, P Cooper 3, J Cockle 3+1.

SUNDAY 05 AUGUST

Easy Rider Potters skipper Rusty Harrison was pleased with Stoke's 55-35 win over Sheffield last night which gave the home side three points.

"I think we were all up for it tonight and that showed on the track and in the pits" he said.

"We got a bit of a lead going mid meeting and then just hung on and hit them hard whenever we could".

Team manager john Adams added, "We felt that getting the win plus the bonus point was there if we went about it sensibly and I thought everyone pulled their weight tonight."

Sheffield used rider replacement for Ricky Ashworth and saw reserve Paul Cooper struggle with a number of engine problems before falling in his last outing.

SATURDAY 04 AUGUST

Stoke SAS Spitfires came from 27-9 down after six races to push Boston hard before losing 52-44 last night.

Stoke were short of strength in depth and team manager John Woolridge had to use all his options.

"John Branney won a tactical ride in Heat 7 and Barrie Evans took a tactical substitute ride in the next which he won.

"We got right back in to it but we just didn't have strength in depth again. Barrie and John scored 35 between them and only Sam Dore and Jamie Pickard added to that score."

FRIDAY 03 AUGUST

Stoke team manager John Adams was relatively pleased enough with the Easy Rider Potters 51-39 defeat at Sheffield last night in a meeting marred by a Heat 13 clash between Claus Vissing and Paul Cooper which led to fighting between the riders.

"It was a shame because we put up a decent effort there and were it not for a couple of thrown chains in the last two races, we might have got much closer" said Adams.

"Lee Complin didn't even get off the start line in Heat 14 and Claus Vissing threw a chain whilst lying third in the last race.

"To be fair, we were only eight points down going in to Heat 13. Cooper and Claus clashed and Cooper got excluded, but things got a bit out of hand later and let's hope it has all blown over before the two sides meet again at Loomer Road on Saturday."

Stoke got off to a good start with a 5-1 in the opening race and the scores were level until Tigers popped in maximum points from Heats 8 and 9.

Ricky Ashworth withdrew after his second ride due to feeling the effects of a previous knock.

SHEFFIELD 51:  R Ashworth 1, B Wilson 9+1, A Compton 15, J Birkinshaw 4+2, J Parsons 8, P Cooper 7+1, J Cockle 7.

STOKE 39:  R Harrison 11+2, B Barker 6, G Cunningham 5+3, L Complin 6, C Vissing 7, B Evans 4, J Smith 0.

THURSDAY 02 AUGUST

Promoter Dave Tattum was left feeling frustrated following SAS Spitfires home defeat to Buxton last night.

The home side were virtually a three man team against a Buxton team for which Aaron Summers scored 19 points on his Loomer Road debut.

"He was the difference between the two teams and we have got to get more strength in depth rather than relying on Barrie Evans and John Branney to pull us through all the time" said Tattum.

"Sam Dore chipped with 7+2 on his return from injury, but we are not strong enough as a unit."

The scores were level after heat 13 but a 4-2 from Summers and Ben Taylor over Sam Dore in heat 14 put Buxton in front and Summers headed Evans and Branney in the last race to secure the away win.

STOKE 44:  B Evans 13+1, G Flint 2, J Branney 14, S Dore 7+2, J Pickard 5, G Isherwood 2+1, G Kendrew 1+1.

WEDNESDAY 01 AUGUST

Stoke SAS Spitfires face local rivals Buxton in the Conference Trophy competition at Loomer Road tonight. 

Buxton won the corresponding fixture earlier in the season 52-39 and Spitfires team manager John Woolridge is expecting his side to win tonight.

"Buxton generally go well around our track and we will have to get stuck in straight away. But I'm expecting us to get the better of them though it is likely to be a hard meeting" he said.

TUESDAY 31 JULY

Jack Hargreaves has joined Redcar on loan, just a few weeks after declaring he wanted to take some time away from the sport.

"I need to be riding so that I can earn and when Chris van Straaten asked if I'd be interested in going back to Redcar, I had to say I was" he said.

"I'm sorry if people have been messed around."

Stoke promoter Dave Tattum added: "Jack needs to sort himself out because we have tried to be more than right with him."

MONDAY 30 JULY

Barrie Evans top scored with 13 as Stoke SAS Spitfires lost 57-35 at Oxford last night.

SUNDAY 29 JULY

The Stoke promotion were left fuming over a number of dubious refereeing decisions as the Easy Rider Potters fell to a 43-51 home defeat to Glasgow on Saturday.

Stoke promoter Dave Tattum and team manager John Adams were puzzled by some of the decisions made by referee Jim McGregor.

"There are lots of issues I want clarifying. But I daren't say anything yet in print"
stressed Tattum.

"Suffice to say at this point, that the decisions to exclude Claus Vissing in Heat 5 and Jamie Smith in Heat 8 were hotly disputed by the riders. But all their protests to the referee fell on deaf ears and I was very disappointed by the standard of refereeing."

Stoke found themselves 10 points down after just four races as Glenn Cunningham fell whilst trying to round Craig Watson in Heat 1, Vissing picked up a lot of extra drive two races later and went down whilst Rusty Harrison hit the ground hard when his bike stopped suddenly coming out of turn two.

Vissing withdrew from the meeting after a heavy fall in the next race. The Dane said later

"I had nowhere to go because the rider in front of me locked up. I banged my head badly and it would be too dangerous to carry on."

Craig Watson bustled past Cunningham in Heat 13 before Harrison got caught out by the greasy conditions and took his second heavy fall of the night. The race was awarded to leave Glasgow 10 points up with two races to go and virtually guaranteed winners on the night.

Luke Priest had a ride after the meeting last Saturday.

STOKE 43:  G Cunningham 6+1, B Barker 11, C Vissing 0, L Complin 13+1, R Harrison 5, B Evans 7+1, J Smith 1.

GLASGOW 51:  C Watson 14, D McAllan 4+2, S Parker 12, R Ksiezak 2+1, T Leverington 9, M Coles 1, L Dicken 9+1.

FRIDAY 27 JULY

Glenn Cunningham will return to the stoke Easy Rider Potters line up to face Glasgow at Loomer Road on Saturday.

"Glenn had a practice here on Monday and looked very good" said Dave Tattum.

Stoke are hoping to run a benefit meeting for Garry Stead in September.

***

Former Sun Street rider Pete Jarman passed away earlier this week. Jarman lived in Stafford for a while and also rode for Wolverhampton and Cradley Heath amongst others.

THURSDAY 26 JULY

Barrie Evans and John Branney were unbeaten as Stoke SAS Spitfires beat Cleveland 51-35 at Loomer Road last night. But the Spitfires lost Gareth Isherwood in heat
2 after Bays Kye Norton ran in to him.

"Gareth will be okay but he took a hard knock and was quite badly dazed" said Dave Tattum.

The score was quite close in the first half of the meeting until a 5-1 from Jamie Pickard and Guy Kendrew in heat 11 put Stoke 34-28 up. The Spitfires then took the next four heat wins to run out comfortable winners though Cleveland took the bonus point.

STOKE 51: B Evans 17+1, G Flint 4, J Branney 17+1, J Hargreaves (r/r), J Pickard 4, G Isherwood 0, G Kendrew 9+1.

WEDNESDAY 25 JULY

Stoke asset Buzz Burrows fronts the Cleveland Bays side that travels to Loomer Road tonight to face SAS Spitfires in a league meeting.

The Bays won comfortably on Teeside recently but Stoke are looking to take the home win at least.

"We can beat Cleveland and that is our first priority" said Dave Tattum.

"They are bringing a strong side including Gary Beaton, Paul Burnett and Ashley Johnson as well as Buzz Burrows, so it is going to be quite a tough night.

"But we can get the win and anything more than that will be a bonus."

***

The Walkathon organised last Sunday to raise money for Garry Stead realised around £6000.

"It's a terrific achievement and congratulations to all involved" added Tattum who is still counting a 'bucket collection' made at Loomer Road.

SUNDAY 22 JULY

Stoke Easy Rider Potters moved up to ninth place in the Premier League table after beating Redcar 45-44 on Saturday.

"It was a difficult meeting for both sets of riders due to the weather and we are naturally delighted to have won the meeting and banked the three points" said Dave Tattum.

"It went right down to the wire again, just like it did at Redcar earlier in the season. It might not have been the best of meetings, but it was another three points and we look forward to taking on Glasgow next Saturday."

FRIDAY 20 JULY

Stoke have moved quickly to replace Jack Hargreaves by signing Jamie Smith on loan from Mildenhall.

Smith smashed his heel in 18 places in a horror smash at Mildenhall in April and has not raced since. But he practised after last Saturday's home meeting and says he feels fit enough to race again.

"I will probably have a few nerves on Saturday, but they won't last too long and I'm really looking forward to joining Stoke" said Smith.

"I came up last Saturday with Barrie Evans who lives close by and I did about 16 laps after the meeting.

"It felt good and there was no reaction, so I guess I'm ready to give it a go.

"Being at reserve is a bit of a bonus though I don't regard myself as a Premier League reserve. But I suppose my average says that I am and it's up to me to improve my stats and move up in to the team proper."

Smith will make his Easy Rider Potters debut against Redcar on Saturday and goes in to the side at number 7.

** 

Glenn Cunningham has been ruled out of Saturday's meeting and Stoke will use a guest in his place.

THURSDAY 19 JULY

Stoke SAS spitfires home meeting with Rye House was called off due to thunderstorms.

"The track was getting flooded and with the prediction of rain right through until about 6pm, we had little alternative," said Dave Tattum.

TUESDAY 17 JULY

John Branney returns to the Stoke SAS Spitfires side which faces Rye House at Loomer Road tomorrow.

"Having John in the side will strengthen us up for this league fixture against a strong Rye House side” said Dave Tattum.

"Jamie Pickard retains his place in the team and if they all perform as they did against Boston on Saturday, we should be too strong for Rye House."

MONDAY 16 JULY

Both Stoke SAS Spitfires and Easy Rider Potters picked up points in what was a good weekend for the Loomer Road club.

Gareth Isherwood had easily his best score since joining Stoke with 13+4 as SAS Spitfires beat Boston 47-43 and the Potters came away from Newcastle with the bonus point despite losing 50-43 where Claus Vissing scored 15 points on his first appearance at the track.

"Claus was very good and had three wins in his total, including a tactical ride in heat 7 which brought us right back in to the meeting after Newcastle had built a bit of a lead" said team manager John Adams.

"In fairness, we were generally there or thereabouts against a good home side and in tricky condition.

"I'm very pleased to have picked up the bonus point."

Promoter Dave Tattum had been forced in to finding replacements with Jack Hargreaves taking a sabbatical and Glenn Cunningham still out injured.

"Jamie Pickard did very well and we are hoping that we can use him quite a bit more over the season" said Tattum.

"Considering that we were without Jack and John Branney (riding for Workington), I thought we put up a good performance and it was a good two points for us.

"Gareth rode very well and is starting to reap the benefits of getting rides at Belle Vue and Birmingham as well as with Stoke and if he can keep that sort of form up, it will greatly boost the side."

NEWCASTLE 50: G Stancl 14+1, C Wilkinson 7+2, J Franc 8+1, R Brady 4+2, J Raun 6, A Johnson 3, S Stoddart 3.

STOKE 43:  M Wethers 5, B Barker 7+1, C Vissing 15, L Complin 5+1, R Harrison 10+1, B Evans 1, J Bethell 0.

STOKE 47: B Evans 16+1, G Flint 3, J Branney (r/r), S Dore 9+1, J Pickard 5+1, G Kendrew 1+1, G Isherwood 13+4.

BOSTON 43:  D Mallett 3+1, S Waldron 16, S Stoddart (r/r), S Lambert 13, W Dunrth 3, A Lowe 6+1, K Morris 2+2.

THURSDAY 12 JULY

Ben Barker top scored with 13 points as Stoke Easy Rider Potters lost 53-40 at Birmingham.

"That's not too bad at all and with a bit more luck we would have run them even closer," said team manager John Adams.

"Rusty (Harrison) looked very good in winning his first ride but then lost points when the electrical system packed up in heat 6 when he was lying in second place and then he fell in heat 13, again when he was in second spot.

“He is really down about his bad luck."

Stoke started brightly with Barker and Krzyzstof Stojanowski ensuring a drawn opening race and the Potters were just two points down after four races.

Barrie Evans rode a clever race to head Ulrich Ostergaard in heat 6 and Vissing took the next with Complin coming in third to take the score to 22-20.

"We were looking comfortable at that stage but what hit us hard was them getting maximum points from heats 9 and 10” pointed out Adams. We were just four down after heat 8 and by heat 10 the gap was 12 points."

Adams acted quickly and Barker, handed a tactical ride, and Stojanowski got a 8-1 in heat 11 to put Stoke back in the frame.

Harrison fell whilst Stojanowski won heat 13 from Ostergaard and Ben Powell passed Evans for an important third place in heat 14 before Jason Lyons completed his maximum by winning heat 15 ahead of Ostergaard with Barker trailing in third.

"They (Birmingham) got the better of the last few races, particularly a 5-1 in the last, though I think the score line flatters them a bit," suggested Adams.

BIRMINGHAM 53:  U Ostergaard 12, J Armstrong 2+1, J Lyons 15, B Powell 4+1, E Sanchez 6+1, L Smart 4+2, T Suchanek 10.

STOKE 40: K Stojanowski 6+1, B Barker 13, C Vissing
6+1, L Complin 6, R Harrison 4, B Evans 3, N Simmons
2.

WEDNESDAY 11 JULY

Stoke have drafted in Krzyzstof Stojanowski and Nick Simmons as guest replacements for Glenn Cunningham and Jack Hargreaves for tonight's fixture at Birmingham.

***

Jack Hargreaves will miss Stoke's trip to Birmingham tonight. The teenager injured his arm riding for SAS Spitfires at Scunthorpe on Sunday.

TUESDAY 10 JULY

A fund raising event by Stoke Speedway's unofficial forum in aid if Garry Stead takes place on Sunday, July 22.

The ‘Garry Stead Walkathon’ takes place at Apedale Country Park, a well kept natural woodland with stunning views across North Staffordshire. There is also a visitors centre with museum, café and tours are available down a former working mine.

The walk is approximately two miles long and starts at 1pm. There are disabled facilities on site for those that may require them and registration for walkers starting at 11am.

Sponsor forms are available at www.garrystead.com and for those that do not have sponsors a donation of £1.00 to do the walk is asked.

Further details from Lee on 0792 9348151 or to helpsteady@bigfoot.com

A collection was made during the Stoke v Isle of Wight meeting on Saturday and the total is still being counted. Dave Tattum said "We are working closely with Sheffield on this and hopefully the amount raised on Saturday will be significant."

SUNDAY 08 JULY

Stoke Easy Rider Potters banked their first bonus point of the season after beating Isle of Wight 52-40 (94-88 on aggregate) on Saturday in a meeting that took more than two hours to complete (writes Neil Evans).

"There were a number of falls early on which disrupted things a bit. But on-the-whole, it was a good meeting and showed once again that we are making a lot of progress as a team now" said promoter Dave Tattum.

After the first four races were drawn, Stoke scored maximum points in the next two heats to get a foothold they didn't relinquish despite some hard racing from the visitors.

Cory Gathercole, on his Loomer Road debut, angered Ben Barker after running him close to the fencing on a couple of occasions in Heat 8 and that led to a few words between the two riders.

Barker fumed: "What he did was out of order and I let him know just what I thought."

Lee Complin came from the back to win Heat 9 and with Harrison, who switched bikes, winning Heats 11 and 13, Stoke were 45-33 up with two races to go.

Islanders team manager Dave Croucher gave Krzysztof Stojanowski a tactical ride in the penultimate race and the Pole made a good start ahead of Complin, Chris Johnson and Barrie Evans. Complin gave chase and went wide to somehow find a line that saw him pass Stojanowski round the pits turn whilst Evans harried Johnson for the four laps before switching lines to cut up the inside and take third place by inches on the line as Stoke secured the win.

Complin was denied his first maximum in the final race by Jason Bunyan who took his third race win on the trot to finish top scorer for the Islanders.

"I feel quite knocked about after that first bend fall in Heat 5 and I think I've been running on adrenaline up until now" said Complin who later pulled out of a guest booking for Mildenhall at Newport due to his knocks.

STOKE 52: E Sanchez 9+1, B Barker 6+3, C Vissing 4+2, L Complin 14, R Harrison 10+1, B Evans 7, J Hargreaves 2+2.

ISLE of WIGHT 40:  U Ostergaard 4, C Gathercole 7+1, J Bunyan 12, K Stojanowski 8+1, G Phillips 4+1, A Bargh 0, C Johnson 5.

FRIDAY 06 JULY

Stoke have drafted in Birmingham's Emiliano Sanches as a guest for the injured Glenn Cunningham for the Premier League fixture against Isle of Wight.

***

A fixture change sees Stoke travel to Birmingham next Wednesday (11th). As a result, Stoke SAS Spitfires fixture against Rye House on that date has now been put back a week.

SUNDAY 01 JULY

Stoke's home meeting against Berwick tonight has been cancelled due to a waterlogged track.

FRIDAY 29 JUNE

Barrie Evans and Jack Hargreaves top scored for Stoke SAS Spitfires in a 57-36 defeat at Cleveland last night.

"We just didn't get going properly and only our top two got amongst the big points" said team manager John Adams.

STOKE 36: B Evans 13, G Flint 1+1, J Hargreaves 12, S Dore 3+1, J Branney 4, G Isherwood 2, G Kendrew 1.

*** 

Stoke Easy Rider Potters face Berwick at Loomer Road on Sunday at 7.30pm.

Stoke may use a guest in place of the injured Glenn Cunningham whilst Berwick include newcomer Sebatian Truminski.

WEDNESDAY 27 JUNE

Stoke SAS Spitfires home meeting against Buxton tonight has been called off due to a waterlogged track.

"We pumped water off all day yesterday but the track is still very wet" said Dave Tattum.

***

Glenn Cunningham will be sidelined for a while following his first heat crash against Kings Lynn on Saturday.

"I have damaged the coccyx and the only cure is rest" said Cunningham.

"I will definitely miss Sunday's home fixture against Berwick and will have to see what's what after that."

SUNDAY 24 JUNE

Stoke Easy Rider Potters produced a solid team performance to beat Kings Lynn 53-37 at Loomer Road on Saturday despite losing Glenn Cunningham after a first race fall.

Cunningham was taken to hospital for tests after he fell and slid under the air safety fence.

"He may have damaged his coccyx and will need further tests in the week" said Dave Tattum afterwards.

With falls for Jack Hargreaves and Claus Vissing early on as well as Cunningham's, it was Lynn which opened an early lead though a 5-1 in Heats 4 where Hargreaves just pipped Trevor Harding for second spot behind Rusty Harrison and 5 put the home side in front.

Kings Lynn hit back with a 5-1 in Heat 7 after Paul Lee had squeezed by Harrison, though maximum points from Barker and Barrie Evans in the next after Chris Mills had fallen just after passing Evans put Stoke 28-20 up.

Evans, who laid his bike down quickly to avoid Mills but had James Brundle right behind him said "It could have been quite bad."

"I think Brundle took a knock and I had Millsy in front of me and James right behind me. I'm just lucky to have come out of it OK."

Barker just missed out as Daniel Nermark won Heat 10 and though Kings Lynn had race winners in Nermark and Tomas Topinka, it was the home side that packed the minor places to maintain their eight point lead.

Hargreaves came through from the back to beat Harding in Heat 13 and a 5-1 from Complin and Evans in the next ensured a home win.

But Heat 15 turned out to be one of the races of the season at Loomer Road as both Complin and Barker passed Topinka and Nermark for a 5-1 that brought the house down.

"Ben and I were just running on adrenaline by then and we were determined to finish on a high" said Complin who dropped just one point all night.

"We had talked about what we were going to do but that got messed up at the first turn and then we really had to hit the gas. I could see where Ben was going and I just picked my line around the outside – but it was a bit tight."

Promoter Dave Tattum added "Glenn's knock took some of the shine off the win, but it was still a very big two points for us.

"Kings Lynn have only lost once on the road this season but we didn`t give them a minute. I think they crumbled because of the pressure we put them under."

STOKE 53:  G Cunningham 0, B Barker 13, C Vissing 5+2, L Complin 13+1, R Harrison 8, B Evans 10+4, J Hargreaves 4+3.

KINGS LYNN 37:  T Topinka 11, C Mills 1, D Nermark 11, P Lee 4+2, T Harding 6, J Brundle 2, S Lambert 2+1.

***

Stoke SAS Spitfires take on near neighbours Buxton at Loomer Road on Wednesday (27th) and the Potters next home meeting is on Sunday, July 1 starting at 7.30pm against Berwick.

Sam Dore feels the Spitfires can have the measure of Buxton on Wednesday.

"I think we can handle whatever they throw at us, though they always seem to go well around here" said the Australian.

FRIDAY 22 JUNE

Stoke promoter Dave Tattum feels that the Easy Rider Potters will come under huge pressure when they face Kings Lynn at Loomer Road starting at 7.30pm.

"Kings Lynn generally figure there or thereabouts in all competitions and that is because they are a good travelling side," he said.

"They tend to go well around here and I really am expecting them to come here and give us a real test. But the way we are going right now, I'd fancy our chances to beat any side here and I'm sure it's going to be one heck of a meeting."

Kings Lynn recently drafted in former Stoke rider Grant MacDonald in to the side at reserve.

WEDNESDAY 20 JUNE

Stoke Easy Rider Potters put together another good away performance when they held Isle of Wight to a 48-42 victory last night.

The Islanders have regularly run up 60+ point scores and Stoke's effort pleased team manager John Adams.

"Very few teams will come here and frighten them as we did,"he said.

"There was some bad luck on both sides but a six point defeat here is not bad going at all."

Isle of Wight started off with a 5-1 and built a 12-6 lead after heat 3 where Claus Vissing was excluded after a tangle with Jason Bunyan.

Rusty Harrison took heat 4 and a 4-2 from Glenn Cunningham and Ben Barker in heat 5 took the scores to 17-13. Barker, who missed out on a World Under 21 Final spot, won heat 8 and a 5-1 from Harrison and Barrie Evans in the following race saw the scores levelled at 27-27.

The scores were still level going in to heat 13 where the home side got a 5-1 after Cunningham suffered an engine failure. Lee Complin and Barrie Evans forced a drawn heat 14 but Harrison completely missed the gate in the last race and though Complin split the home duo, Stoke lost 48-42.

"The riders are a bit deflated but that's a good feeling in a way because it shows how close we run them.

"We showed a lot of character and we will need that again on Saturday when we face Kings Lynn at home."

IOW 48: C Holder 12, C Gathercole 7+2, J Bunyan 1, K Stojanowski 10, G Phillips 6+1, A Bargh 9, C Johnson 3.

STOKE 42:  G Cunningham 6, B Barker 6, C Vissing 3+1, L Complin 10, R Harrison 9, B Evans 7+3, J Hargreaves
1+1.

MONDAY 18 JUNE

Lee Complin made the most of a guest booking for Edinburgh yesterday with a top score of 18+1 as the Monarchs won away 42-47 at Newport.

SUNDAY 17 JUNE

The weather wiped out two Stoke home meetings last week – the SAS Spitfires clash with Boston last Wednesday and the Easy Rider Potters fixture against Edinburgh on Saturday (writes Neil Evans).

"It must have rained for four days or so and the track drains just couldn't take any more water," said promoter Dave Tattum after calling off the Saturday meeting around mid morning.

"The forecast is for more rain and there is no way that we can get the track in to the condition we would want it to be for a meeting."

The Potters travel to Isle of Wight on Tuesday (19th) and then host Kings Lynn on Saturday.

"Isle of Wight will be a massive test for us because they have such a big home track advantage," added Tattum.

Stoke are continuing to dovetail with Sheffield in terms of maximising all fund raising efforts for Garry Stead. Stead faces spending the rest of his life in a wheelchair following a track crash at Somerset last month and was moved to Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield last week.

Former Potter and Spitfire Luke Priest entered hospital this week for an operation to remove a growth from his bladder. "I hope to be out within a few days and maybe even get back on a bike within the next few weeks," he said.

SATURDAY 16 JUNE

Stoke Easy Rider Potters home fixture with Edinburgh tonight has been called off due to a waterlogged track and the prospect of further rain.

"We've had that much rain and surface water on the track that we are struggling to clear the drains now," said Dave Tattum.

"I have given John Campbell (Edinburgh promoter) some dates but a re-arranged date has not yet been confirmed."

FRIDAY 15 JUNE

Former Wolverhampton riders Theo Pijper and Ronnie Correy spearhead a strong Edinburgh side that travels to Stoke on Saturday.

"We are expecting a hard meeting again because Edinburgh has a terrific record at our place," said Dave Tattum.

"They always give us a hard time and this will be a great opportunity for our supporters to watch the likes of Ronnie Correy who really does have a great record in the sport."

THURSDAY 14 JUNE

Stoke SAS Spitfires home meeting against Boston last night was called off due to heavy rain and the prospect of more to come.

"It was disappointing but there is nothing that we can do about the weather," said Dave Tattum.

Garry Stead was transferred to Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield yesterday where he will continue his rehabilitation following the serious injuries which have left him paralyzed from the waist down.

WEDNESDAY 13 JUNE

Stoke Speedway are to hold a Benefit Meeting for injured Garry Stead in August. Stead faces spending the rest of his life in a wheelchair following a track crash at Somerset last month.

"We will do all we can to support the fund raising for Garry," said Dave Tattum.

Jack Hargreaves should be back for SAS Spitfires meeting against Boston at Loomer Road tonight. Hargreaves missed the trip to Mildenhall on sunday after a crash at Stoke on saturday but should be fit for tonight.

Tattum added: "Jack seems ok and we are looking for the win."

TUESDAY 12 JUNE

Ben Barker warmed up for his semi final of the World Under 21 championship in Latvia on Sunday with an 11+3 score in Stoke's home win over Newport on Saturday.

"That was probably my best meeting in a Stoke race jacket and it has really given me a confidence booster ahead of this weekend" he said.

"I'm determined to get through to the final, though in all honesty all I was thinking about over the weekend was doing my best for Stoke.

"I'd had a decent meeting at Redcar on Thursday and saturday's home meeting just fell into place for me. My gating was not good, but I had speed and confidence to come through from the back and it's great to know that the bike is working."

**  Stoke SAS Spitfires take on Boston at Loomer Road on Wednesday.

SATURDAY 09 JUNE

Guy Kendrew and John Branney suffered knocks as Stoke SAS Spitfires lost 67-25 at Plymouth last night.

"The track was very rough and rutted and with losing two riders, we struggled", said John Woolridge.

"Barrie Evans top scored by a long way but some of the riders weren't keen at all."

FRIDAY 08 JUNE

Stoke Easy Rider Potters banked a point from a 45-45 draw at Redcar last night.

"Rusty Harrison struggled badly all night with ignition problems and the lad was quite distraught afterwards", said Adams.

"These things happen and when they do the rest of the team have to stand up and be counted. They did just that and, bearing in mind what news had hit the media that day, (the Garry Stead situation), I thought we put on one heck of a good performance tonight."

Stoke were strong throughout. Barrie Evans and Jack Hargreaves put the Potters in front with a 5-1 in Heat 2 and Glenn Cunningham beat James Grieves three races later.

Lee Complin and Claus Vissing, both riders visiting the venue for the first time, scored a 5-1 over Chris Kerr in Heat 7 and the scores were tied at 30-30 after 12 races.

Adams gambled on putting out Hargreaves for Harrison in Heat 13 and switching Evans for Hargreaves in the next, and the moves paid off.

"It was asking a lot of Jack to do much in Heat 13, but he was right up there and ran them close as Glenn put in a terrific ride to lower Gary Havelock's colours", said Adams.

"Barrie popped out to win Heat 14, but Lee (Complin) only managed third which took the score to 40-44 to us – had Ezergailis not blatantly stayed down after falling and we got a 5-1 we'd have won there and then.

"As it turned out, Havelock and Grieves got a 5-1 in the last over Glenn and Claus and we had to settle for a draw. But a very good draw indeed."

**  Kriss Irving has retired from the sport after failing to make any sort of impact this season.

REDCAR 45:  G Havelock 13+1, M Tresarrieu 6, J Grieves
12+1, A Bugeja 3, C Kerr 0, K Ezergailis 0, R Hodgson
3+1.

STOKE 45:  G Cunningham 10+1, B Barker 6+1, C Vissing
8+2, L Complin 7+1, R Harrison 1, B Evans 9+1, J
Hargreaves 4+1.

THURSDAY 07 JUNE

Garry Stead is facing spending the rest of his life in a wheelchair following a track crash whilst riding for Stoke Easy Rider Potters at Somerset on May 18.

Stead, a Sheffield asset, suffered multiple injuries and has had several operations since. Sheffield co-promoter David Hoggart saw Stead in hospital and confirmed "Garry knows that he has suffered paralysis below the waistline and will be confined to a wheelchair.

"He also suffered a head injury which initially affected his speech but doctors are hoping he will fully recover from that.

"Under the circumstances, he is quite optimistic about the future and fully intends to reach enough mobility to continue being involved in the sport in some capacity."

Stoke promoter Dave Tattum added, "We are working along with Sheffield in an attempt to maximise any fund raising for Garry.

"It all needs to be coordinated and we are working closely with his parent club on this."

***

Stoke Easy Rider Potters travel to Redcar tonight. The Potters will be at full strength and team manager John Adams is looking for a solid performance.

"The league is our priority now and we need to start stock piling points", he said.

"If we can get amongst them tonight and put up a decent score, that will set us up for our home fixture against Newport on Saturday."

Stoke will allow anyone aged 15 and under in to that home fixture against Newport for free providing they are accompanied by a paying adult.

TUESDAY 05 JUNE

Stoke will admit those aged 15 and under free in to the Easy Rider Potters home fixture against Newport on Saturday (9th) providing they are accompanied by a paying adult.

"It's a way of saying thank you" said Dave Tattum.

"The fans have stuck by the lads and anyone aged 15 and under, providing they have ID and are accompanied by a paying adult, will be admitted free on Saturday."

A fixture change sees Boston travel to Stoke on Wednesday (13th) in the Conference Trophy competition.

Paul Pickering is still hoping to find a team berth.

"I have been out practising and just hope that people don't forget me too easily" he said.

MONDAY 04 JUNE

There was bitter disappointment for Stoke Easy Rider Potters over the weekend as they were eliminated from the KO Cup competition by Newport.

Stoke had won their home leg 49-41 but lost 50-40 in south Wales on Sunday to go out 89-91 on aggregate.

"It is a real sickener and everything came down to a last heat decider" said Dave Tattum.

"I suppose it couldn't have been scripted better and there was some terrific racing over the two legs. But they needed a 5-1 to win and got it and it really is a sickener to get so close and dip out."

Barrie Evans top scored with 10+1 at Newport and Tattum feels that an engine failure for Claus Vissing whilst he was out in front contributed to the narrow defeat.

But he was also fuming at what he felt was poor refereeing by Chris Durno in the first leg.

"Rusty Harrison had to use a tyre that was 'out of true' and the ref wouldn't even look at it" pointed out Tattum.

"On top of that, Vissing was excluded after coming off on the first turn and then he excluded Lee Complin after Chris Schramm came off in Heat 9. It was a very poor decision because Lee didn't touch him and that cost us big time.

"I'm not taking anything away from Newport and maybe we could have scored a couple more points somewhere along the line. But the ref made some poor decisions on Saturday."

SUNDAY 03 JUNE

Stoke beat Newport 49-41 in a hard fought first leg of their KO Cup clash at Loomer Road last night to keep the outcome in the balance.

"We will run with that because we are going there (Newport) today to win"
said Lee Complin.

Stoke built an early lead and though Newport reduced the deficit to just two points, Stoke pulled away for a good win.

SATURDAY 02 JUNE

Stoke Easy Rider Potters team manager John Adams has labelled this weekend's fixtures against Newport in the KO Cup as being very important.

Stoke are at home tonight (Saturday) in the first leg and travel to south Wales on Sunday.

"It is important that we make the most of our home leg and I'm looking for a sizeable lead to take to Newport on Sunday" said Adams.

"We have Glenn Cunningham back and if everyone rides to their ability, we should be OK.

"We won't underestimate Newport for a moment and I do think it will be quite a battle on Saturday.

"But if we get through this round we are just two meetings away from the final and we have to focus hard on that."

FRIDAY 01 JUNE

Glenn Cunningham will be back for Stoke Potters home and away clashes with Newport in the KO Cup this weekend. But it is a case of one in and one out for Stoke as Ben Barker will be in Hungary for the Under 21 World Cup qualifying round.

"We are pleased for Ben in one sense but disappointed that it clashes with two important meetings for us" said promoter Dave Tattum.

"Ben would rather miss it and put Stoke first, but he has been called up for international experience and good luck to him.

"It's pleasing to have Glenn back and we might use rider replacement for Ben in our home leg on Saturday. We are obviously looking for a big first leg lead to take to south Wales on Sunday and we will have Ben Powell in for Barker on Sunday."

THURSDAY 31 MAY

Stoke SAS Spitfires put up a solid team performance to beat Sittingbourne 52-43 at Loomer Road last night and complete their first league double of the season.

"That's three very good points in the bag and I thought we were well worth the win" said team manager John Woolridge.

"There were a number of very good individual performances and the highlight for a lot of us was seeing Guy Kendrew win a couple of races and score eight points."

Gary Flint was drafted in to the side in place of David Haigh and had a mixed night. Flint won his first ride but was fined £300 by referee Graham Flint after the Stoke rider had hit Danny Warwick following a Heat 14 clash.

Stoke led from the start as Jack Hargreaves and Sam Dore took a 5-1 in Heat 3 and Hargreaves got his second win of the night in Heat 5 as he outpaced Dean Felton.

Kendrew took Heat 8 with Kriss Irving picking up third place as Stoke went 29-19 up, a lead they stretched in the next as Hargreaves did a good covering job on Dore to block Warwick's hard runs.

Hargreaves again showed a lot of good team riding in Heat 12 as Kendrew took the win though Warwick outpaced Evans and Branney in Heat 13. Sittingbourne gained a 8-1 out of that ill-tempered Heat 14 but Stoke had done enough to secure the win.

STOKE 52:  B Evans 10, K Irving 2, J Hargreaves 11+2, S Dore 6+1, J Branney 12+1, G Flint 3, G Kendrew 8.

SITTINGBOURNE 43:  D Felton 8, J Reynolds 4+2, A Cross 3, M Baseby 10+1, D Warwick 14, A Baseby 3, G Hart 2+1.

TUESDAY 29 MAY

Claus Vissing top scored with 12 points as Stoke put up a much better performance at Workington last night before going down 40-32 in a meeting that was abandoned after 12 heats.

"Claus was superb, but the whole team responded and maybe this is the performance that sees us turn the corner" said team manager John Adams.

"Claus beat James Wright in his opening ride and won another race as well as three second places.

"We kept them to six points until Heat 9 when Rusty fell off, but Vissing and Lee Complin got a 5-1 in the next and we drew the last two races to lose by just eight points."

STOKE 32:  G Cunningham (r/r), B Barker 3, C Vissing 12, L Complin 5+2, R Harrison 7+1, B Evans 2, J Hargreaves 3.

** 

Garry Stead will have an operation on his back today.

His partner Liz said "Garry has been transferred to Leeds and seems in good spirits.

"The surgeon has told me he will have more news after the operation."

SUNDAY 27 MAY

Stoke Potters were soundly beaten 34-56 by a strong Workington side last night.

"We always knew it was going to be difficult and having to use rider replacement for Glenn Cunningham put extra pressure on us" said team manager John Adams.

Claus Vissing made a good debut by scoring 5+1.

"I must learn more but I enjoyed it" he said.

FRIDAY 25 MAY

Stoke have signed 20 year old Claus Vissing as a replacement for the injured Garry Stead.

"We had to act due to Garry`s long term injuries and rather than pay out another loan fee, Vissing becomes a Stoke asset and will be part of our future” said Dave Tattum.

"He comes highly recommended by Jan Staechmann and we thank Stekkers for his help in this deal."

Vissing had two wins for a Danish Select that raced at Stoke in March and he makes his Easy Rider Potters debut on Saturday against Workington.

THURSDAY 24 MAY

Stoke SAS Spitfires were soundly beaten 36-58 by Scunthorpe at Loomer Road last night.

Two falls for Jack Hargreaves didn't help the home side, though 12 points from John Branney suggested he could be a threat when he is back at Loomer Road on Saturday with Premier League Workington. "John rode well, but we knew it was going to be very hard against what could be a Premier League side" said Dave Tattum.

"We are trying to use the Conference League to introduce young riders whilst Scunthorpe is full of riders either with or could be Premier League standard."

Richie Dennis and Andrew Tully got the visitors off to a good start with a 5-1 in heat 1 and the Scorpions doubled their score in the next race though Branney won Heat 7 as a tactical rider.

Scott Richardson fell in Heat 9 as Tai Woffinden headed Hargreaves and Sam Dore and Scunthorpe were 28-47 up after 12 races.

Barrie Evans was given a tactical substitute ride in Heat 14 and was awarded two points after falling to miss Joe Haines who pulled up sharply with a puncture on the final turn. Scunthorpe finished off with a 5-1 in the last race.

STOKE 36:  B Evans 8, K Irving 3, J Hargreaves 4, S Dore 6+1, J Branney 12, D Haigh 2, G Kendrew 1+1.

SCUNTHORPE 58:  R Dennis 10+1, A Tully 10+2, J Auty 9, B Bekker 7+1, T Woffinden 13+1, S Richardson 5+1, J Haines 4.

WEDNESDAY 23 MAY

Stoke SAS Spitfires take on Scunthorpe at Loomer Road trying to extract some respectability following their 69-21 defeat against the same side in Lincolnshire on Sunday.

"We were quite poor in that meeting and simply weren't at the races" said team manager John Woolridge.

"We should be at or near full strength tonight because John Branney is back and, along with Barrie Evans and Jack Hargreaves, we do have some experience in the side."

Scunthorpe are the form team in the Conference League and have a very strong squad which includes Tai Woffinden, Josh Auty, Richie Dennis and Andrew Tully.

*** 

Sheffield skipper Andre Compton is leading the effort to raise funds for Garry Stead who received multiple injuries in a crash at Somerset last Friday.

Stead is due to be moved out of intensive care and into an orthopaedic ward this week.

Compton has arranged an immediate donation from the Speedway Riders' Benevolent Fund and has now set up a bank account for donations.

Cheques made payable to Andre Compton can be sent to: AKNac Ltd, Garry Stead Appeal, Commerce Court, Challenge Way, Bradford, BD4 8NW.

The appeal has the full backing of the Speedway Riders' Association, and further details can be obtained from:

andre.compton@akn.org.uk

MONDAY 21 MAY

Team manager John Woolridge was far from pleased following Stoke SAS Spitfires 69-21 defeat at Scunthorpe on Sunday.

"They are one of the strongest teams in the league admittedly, but we just didn't compete and it was a poor team effort."

SUNDAY 20 MAY

Stoke Easy Rider Potters lost 42-48 to Somerset at Loomer Road last night (Saturday).

Guests Tony Atkin and Ricky Ashworth top scored for the home side but the visitors were only behind twice throughout the meeting. Ashworth and Atkin combined for a 5-1 in Heat 6 and Atkin and Jack Hargreaves did likewise in Heat 8. 

Rusty Harrison won Heat 9 to level the scores at 27-27 and a 5-1 from Atkin and Ashworth over Emil Kramer in the next race put Stoke ahead for the first time. But the visitors finished the stronger and had the result in the bag with one race to go.

"It was disappointing but the lads are a bit down after the events of Friday night," said team manager John Adams.

**  Ben Barker and Glenn Cunningham could be fit for next weekend. Both riders got away with swelling and bruising following their Heat 1 crash at Somerset on Friday. But Garry Stead faces some time in hospital with a broken back, leg, pelvis and ankle following a crash in the same meeting.

"Garry has had an operation to stop internal bleeding and that is good news" said Dave Tattum.

STOKE 42:  R Ashworth 10+1, T Atkin 11+2, G Stead (r/r), L Complin 8+1, R Harrison 7, B Evans 1, J Hargreaves 5+1.

SOMERSET 48:  M Zetterstrom 11+1, S Katt 3, E Kramer 12, J Frampton (r/r), R Hawkins 9, S Walker 5+2, D Warwick 8+1.

SATURDAY 19 MAY

Stoke's meeting at Somerset was abandoned after three races last night after crashes which left Stoke a depleted side.

Glenn Cunningham and Ben Barker were hurt in the opening race and Garry Stead was taken to hospital with a broken leg and pelvis after a crash in Heat 3.

"It was a nightmare" said team manager John Adams.

"Ben and Glenn might have got away with bad bruising but Steady is in a bad way."

Promoter Dave tattum stressed that tonight's meeting against Somerset will go ahead. "I will asses the situation this morning and bring in guests" he said.

FRIDAY 18 MAY

Stoke Easy rider Potters travel to Somerset tonight and face the Rebels again at Loomer Road on Saturday.

Team manager John Adams feels that after a slow start to the season the teams fortunes are changing for the better...

"It is to be hoped that we can do enough to hold them to a reasonable score and then come back with a good home performance tomorrow" said Glenn Cunningham who spent five seasons with Somerset before being left out for 2007.

"It will be an emotional night for me. But my focus is with Stoke and I hope we do well against them."

Barrie Evans and Jack Hargreaves are included in the Potters line up and that has resulted in Stoke SAS Spitfires not sending a team to the Conference Fours championship at Plymouth tonight.

"It's disappointing that we can't defend our championship, but there is no way that we could go without our top two riders" said Dave Tattum.

WEDNESDAY 16 MAY

Stoke SAS Spitfires home meeting with Buxton tonight has been called off due to a waterlogged track.

MONDAY 14 MAY

Stoke Easy Rider Potters were beaten 50-40 at Loomer Road on Saturday by a Mildenhall side that had 11 race wins.

"That was our big problem" admitted team manager john Adams on the meeting that saw rain throughout.

"We just didn't trap at all and with so much spray about, that made our job even harder."

Lee Complin won a very good Heat 5 from Tom P Madsen but Mildenhall went in front in Heat 7 as Kyle Legault and Jason King scored a 5-1 over Rusty Harrison.

Harrison was out again in Heat 8 and just pipped Daniel Giffard for second spot after switching lines to run up the inside.

"I had to keep trying because I wasn't getting out of the starts" said the Australian.

"The track had looked good before the rain started and I think we were caught out more than the away riders."

Barrie Evans and Harrison suffered motor failures in Heats 12 and 13 respectively as Mildenhall went 10 points up and a 5-1 from King and Giffard in Heat 14 confirmed victory for the visitors.

STOKE 40:  G Cunningham 11+1, B Barker (r/r), G Stead 9, L Complin 7+2, R Harrison 7+1, B Evans 5+1, J Hargreaves 1+1.

MILDENHALL 50:  T P Madsen 6. S Tacey 6+1, K Legault 13, J King 6+1, M Jirout 11, M Thompson 0, D Giffard 8+2.

***

Ben Barker, another former Somerset rider, has qualified for the semi finals of the World Under 21 championship.

"The details are a bit sketchy, but Ben rang to say he was definitely through and we are all pleased for him" said Dave Tattum.

***

Stoke SAS Spitfires face Buxton on Wednesday (16th) starting at 7.30pm boosted by a 44-49 away win at Sittingbourne on Sunday.

"The lads rode very well" added Tattum.

"There was only one point in it going in to the final race and we took that for a very good away win."

FRIDAY 11 MAY

Stoke Easy Rider Potters hope to continue their winning ways when they face Mildenhall at Loomer Road on Saturday.

The Fen Tigers have a strong team including Jason King, Mario Jirout and Tom P Madsen, but John Adams has called for a big effort from his team.

"These are the sort of meetings we need to win well to give us a chance of the bonus point" he said.

"We are an improving side and I will be pushing for a big home score."

THURSDAY 10 MAY

Ben Barker sets out today for his World Under 21 qualifying round in Croatia.

"This is a big, big meeting for me because if I get through this round I will be in the semi finals" said the 19 year old who is travelling by road.

"I was going to fly, but have decided to stick with the van and bikes just in case anything goes wrong."

TUESDAY 08 MAY

Stoke SAS Spitfires home fixture with Boston tomorrow night (Wednesday) has been cancelled.

"We have a check by the local electricity board and that is unavoidable" said Dave Tattum.

MONDAY 07 MAY

Stoke Easy Rider Potters are through to the quarter finals of the KO Cup after beating Berwick 57-35 at Loomer Road last night, 99-86 on aggregate.

Trailing by nine points from the first leg on Saturday, Stoke had wiped that out by the sixth race as Glenn Cunningham and Ben Barker got a 5-1 over Andreas Bergstrom.

The race of the night came in Heat 8 as Jack Hargreaves and Ben Barker combined to block Stanislaw Burza and from then on Stoke piled on the pressure and earned many of their points from the back.

"Even when we were holding a good lead, the commitment from the riders was superb – probably a commitment we have not seen for a while here" said Dave Tattum.

"The team is buzzing at the moment and we now face Newport in the next round. There are important meetings to come before then, but we are building momentum at a good time."

STOKE 57:  G Cunningham 7+1, B Barker 8+1, G Stead 11+2, L Complin 9+1, R Harrison 11, B Evans 4+2, J Hargreaves 7+2.

BERWICK 35:  M Makovsky 10+2, M Coles 1, S Burza 13, J Rempala 4, A Bergstrom 5, B Compton 2, R Grant 0.

SUNDAY 06 MAY

Stoke Easy Rider Potters gave themselves a good chance of KO Cup progression when they hauled themselves back from a 20 point deficit to lose 51-42 in the first leg at Berwick last night (writes Neil Evans).

"It was a superb effort by the lads because Berwick made a terrific start and were 28-8 up after six races", pointed out team manager John Adams.

"Jack Hargreaves was leading Heat 2 when he came off and was only able to take one more ride before pulling out. That didn't help and neither did a poor refereeing incident when Garry Stead was blocked by one of their riders.

"Steady was very quick around there and he and Lee Complin scored a 5-1 in Heat 7 which got the ball rolling. Then Barrie Evans and Ben Barker did the same in the next race and we got an 8-1 in Heat 10 when Steady won it as a tactical rider and Lee followed him home.

"We were just seven points down and though they pulled in a couple of points, we should be able to overcome that sort of deficit in the return at Loomer Road tonight.

"That's going to be one heck of a meeting and if the supporters get behind the riders, we will come up trumps."

Hargreaves has declared himself fit enough to ride in the second leg which goes ahead at Loomer Road tonight (Sunday) starting at 7.30.

BERWICK 51: M Makovsky 12, M Coles 3+1, S Burza 11+2, J Rempala 9, A Bergstrom 5, B Compton 6+2, R Grant
5+1.

STOKE 42:  G Cunningham 6, B Barker 3, G Stead 9, L Complin 10+2, R Harrison 9, B Evans 5+1, J Hargreaves 0.

FRIDAY 04 MAY

Stoke have a change of race night this weekend as they face Berwick in the KO Cup.

Stoke travel to Berwick on Saturday and host the second leg on Sunday starting at 7.30pm.

"I think we would prefer to be at home for the second leg because we will know exactly what we need to do" said team manager John Adams.

"I think we can at least contain them up there and finish the job off on Sunday."

Stoke will be at full strength whilst Berwick include two former potters in Michael Coles and Rob Grant.

TUESDAY 01 MAY

Having finished fourth in the British Under 21 Final at Eastbourne last Saturday, Ben Barker travels to Croatia for the quarter final of the World Under 21 Championship.

"That was the big aim of mine this season and I'm delighted with my performance at Eastbourne and the fact that I am now in the world rounds" said Barker.

"I will have to miss a Stoke meeting (May 12) but that can`t be helped. This is going to be another massive learning curve for me and I just want to soak it all up and do my very best on the day."

MONDAY 30 APRIL

Stoke Easy Rider Potters registered their first win of the season as they beat Newcastle 55-38 at Loomer Road on Saturday.

Rusty Harrison dropped just one point in six rides and Barrie Evans added 12+3 in what was a strong team effort.

"This was a real pressure meeting for us and I think we coped very well" said promoter Dave Tattum.

"We stepped up a gear in the second part of the meeting and didn't really give Newcastle a sniff.

"I've got to say that the supporters were just brilliant. Bearing in mind we have lost so many meetings before now, they have stuck by us and given the lads a lot of encouragement."

Lee Complin and Jack Hargreaves had problems early on but bounced back strongly and every Stoke rider had at least one race win to his name.

** 

Ben Barker has qualified for the World Under 21 rounds after finishing fourth in the British Under 21 Final at Eastbourne on Saturday.

SATURDAY 28 APRIL

Stoke Easy Rider Potters face Newcastle at Loomer Road tonight.

"This is a massive meeting for us and one that we must win" stressed team manager John Adams.

"We are improving all the time and it is about time we got some points on the board."

Stoke will be without Ben Barker who is riding in the British Under 21 Final at Eastbourne.

***

Rusty Harrison top scored with 14 as Stoke Easy Rider Potters were beaten 53-35 at Edinburgh last night.

"We used Rusty as best we could and he came up trumps in his rides" said team manager John Adams.

"The score isn't a true reflection of the effort put in, but the bottom line is that it's another defeat and that cranks up the pressure when we face Newcastle tonight."

EDINBURGH 53: R Correy 14, D Sneddon (r/r), W Lawson 16+2, H Moller 5+1, M Wethers 8+1, S Stoddart 5, A Tully 10+2.

STOKE 35:  G Cunningham 7+1, B Baqrker 4, G Stead 6, L Complin 1, R Harrison 14, B Evans 0, J Hargreaves 4.

FRIDAY 27 APRIL

Jack Hargreaves returns to the Stoke side for tonight's trip to Edinburgh.

"It is the first time in a while that we have included a full first choice team and we hope to put on a good performance up there" said team manager John Adams.

Stoke host Newcastle at Loomer Road tomorrow. Ben Barker will be absent as he rides in the British Under 21 championship at Eastbourne.

WEDNESDAY 25 APRIL

Stoke SAS Spitfires home meeting against Scunthorpe tonight (Wednesday) has been called off due to a waterlogged track.

"We have had a lot of rain during Monday night and Tuesday and with the prospect of more rain to come, I thought it best to make an early decision to save people travelling" said Dave Tattum.

The meeting has been rescheduled for May 23.

***

Paul Pickering says that he hopes to get fixed up with another club before too long. "I am bitterly disappointed about what has happened, but I haven't packed in and I'll join another club if I can", he said.

Robbie Kessler has joined Middlesbrough on a short contract whilst another former Potter, Paul Thorp, is close to joining a northern track.

TUESDAY 24 APRIL

Jack Hargreaves had practise sessions at Stoke yesterday and should take his place in the SAS Spitfires team to meet a strong Scunthorpe side at Loomer Road tomorrow night.

"Jack looked as though he had never been off a bike and providing there is no adverse reaction, he should be with us tomorrow and then for the Potters two meetings later in the week", said Dave Tattum.

Scunthorpe will include Tai Woffinden, Josh Auty, Andrew Tully and Joe Haines in their side.

MONDAY 23 APRIL

Glenn Cunningham top scored with 15 as Stoke put up a spirited performance at Newport before losing 49-44.

"I thought it was a very good effort on our part and there are definite signs that the new signings are having a positive effect on team spirit as well as on the track" said team manager John Adams.

"Without making excuses, were it not for some bad luck again, we would have got something out of the meeting yesterday. Glenn pulled up in the first Heat when his plug cap came loose and Garry Stead threw a chain whilst leading.

"Glenn was absolutely superb and gained a lot of his points from the back.
But everyone chipped in and I do feel that we are getting things together now."

Ben Barker and Tom Brown combined for a 5-1 in Heat 8 and Barrie Evans made a good start to win Heat 14. Also catching the eye was Lee Complin who scored 5+2 and earned points in each of his races.

"The team spirit is buzzing again and I thought we have put together two very good meetings over the weekend despite losing both of them" added Dave Tattum.

Newport 49:  N Simmons (r/r), T Hedley 4, P Morris 15, T Atkin 4+2, C Schramm 12+3, M Stajowski 13+1, K Mason 1

Stoke 44:  G Cunningham 15, B Barker 4, G Stead 6, L Complin 5+2, R Harrison 5, B Evans 6+1, T Brown 3+2.

SUNDAY 22 APRIL

Stoke Easy Rider Potters travel to Newport today for their first league meeting of the season in better spirits despite losing 42-47 to Sheffield last night.

"This was a much better performance and we are just missing Jack Hargreaves now" said team manager John Adams.

"Garry Stead, Glenn Cunningham and Rusty Harrison looked very competitive and I am quite sure Lee Complin will do us a job once he has settled down.

"I'm not too dispirited at all because there is light at the end of the tunnel now."

FRIDAY 20 APRIL

Lee Complin is set to breach a five year gap by returning to speedway as Stoke shuffle their pack again.

Complin, 22, comes in to replace Paul Pickering and makes his debut in the home fixture against Sheffield, the club that owns his contract, at Loomer road on Saturday.

"I'm really looking forward to it and only wish I had been able to ride at Sheffield last night" he said.

"I didn't want to give up racing before, it was down to family pressures. But that's all behind me now and I'm really up for this and firmly believe I can start scoring points fairly quickly."

Dave Tattum had tried a nuimber of options before plumping for Complin.

"Other riders kept putting me off and I needed to act quickly because of the averages."

Stoke lost 65-25 at Sheffield last night.

THURSDAY 19 APRIL

Stoke SAS Spitfires take a 10 point lead to Weymouth tomorrow night for the second leg of the KO Cup following their 50-40 victory at Loomer Road last night.

The SAS Spitfires had to go in to the meeting without Jack Hargreaves who is still carrying a back injury and team manager John Woolridge said "There was some terrific racing and this turned out to be Stoke's first win of the season – but I would have liked to have had a few more points in the bag to take to their place."

Barrie Evans and Kriss Irving got a 5-1 over David Mason in Heat 5 to put Stoke six points up whilst Sam Dore had to go out in the next three races and picked up two second places and a third.

The six point gap remained after Heat 13 as David Mason beat Evans and Branney but Kriss Iriving jumped from the start to win the penultimate race with Dore in third place

John Branney won the last with Evans splitting the two Mason's, David and Karl.

STOKE 50:  B Evans 15, D Haigh 1, J Hargreaves (r/r), K Irving 7+2, J Branney 13+1, S Dore 14+1, G Kendrew 0.

WEYMOUTH 40:  D Mason 10, N Irwin 4+1, K Mason 7, S Hurst 5, J Westacott 7, A Filmer 3+2, T Day 4+1.

***

Stoke Easy Rider Potters travel to Sheffield tonight for their final Premier Trophy away meeting.

The two sides meet again at Loomer Road on Saturday.

WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL

Stoke SAS Spitfires start their first home meeting of the season when they face Weymouth in the first leg of the KO Cup at Loomer Road tonight starting at 7.30pm.

"They have an experienced squad with Karl Mason, Jamie Westacott and David Mason so we need to hit them hard early on", said team manager John Woolridge.

"We want a decent lead to take to Weymouth on Friday for the second leg and that means everyone has to do their job tonight."

Stoke include John Branney but will be without Jack Hargreaves who is still carrying a back injury.

MONDAY 16 APRIL

Glenn Cunningham made an impressive debut despite Stoke losing 37-52 at home to Kings Lynn on Saturday, their eighth consecutive defeat.

Following the Easy Rider Potters stuttering start to the season, Cunningham was brought in to replace the out-of-form Robbie Kessler and showed a lot of determined riding in his nine points total.

"I was quite nervous before the start but pleased enough with the way I rode" said the former Somerset rider who has been without a team place this season until now.

"I have always liked the Stoke track and I'd like to think that I will fit in here. I got a bit tired in my last ride but that will alter once I have match fitness and the only disappointment for me was that we lost."

Kings Lynn are unbeaten in this competition so far this season and they opened up a 8-21 lead after just five races on a wet track that saw Rusty Harrison and Tom Brown fall and earn exclusions whilst Lynn lost James Brundle who had to withdraw with shoulder and ankle injuries after falling and being hit by team mate Andrew Tully.

"It was just so greasy due to all the water and the bike just went from underneath me"
said Harrison who only dropped one point to an opponent in his next three rides.

Stoke rallied in the second part of the meeting and came within seven points of their opponents. But it was Kings Lynn that won the last few races and a 5-1 from Trevor Harding and Tully from Barrie Evans and Paul Pickering that consigned the Potters to their eighth defeat.

"It was a disappointing result but there were signs that we are making some improvement" said promoter Dave Tattum.

"We are missing Jack Hargreaves at reserve (out with a back injury) and it is clear we are still not firing on all cylinders. There will be options available to me as I showed last week by bringing Glenn in and I will be considering what needs to be done to rejuvenate the team in to winning ways."

STOKE 37: R Harrison 6+2, B Barker 5, G Stead 10, P Pickering 2+1, G Cunningham 9, B Evans 5+1, T Brown 0.

KINGS LYNN:  T Topinka 10+1, C Mills 6+1, D Nermark 14, T Harding 7+2, P Lee 4, J Brundle 0, A Tully 11+1.

***

It is a busy time this week with both Stoke Easy Rider Potters and SAS Spitfires in action. The Potters take on Sheffield home and away and then travel to Newport next Sunday for their first league fixture whilst SAS spitfires meet Weymouth home and away in the KO Cup.

***

Ben Barker has qualified for the British Under 21 Final at Eastbourne after winning the qualifying round at Weymouth on Friday. "That was my minimum target and now I want to go to Eastbourne and get through to the world rounds" he said.

***

Stoke Easy Rider Potters host old rivals Sheffield at Loomer Road on Saturday (21st) starting at 7.30pm.

SATURDAY 14 APRIL

Barrie Evans scored 20 points as Stoke SAS Spitfires lost 55-37 at Boston last night.

Team manager John Woolridge said "Barrie was just awesome around there. He dropped a point in his opening ride but then beat Jon Armstrong twice and just rode like a demon.

"I was pleased with Sam Dore and Guy Kendrew as well and I am sure the others will improve once we get a few meetings under our belts."

"Considering it was their first meeting of the season, we did OK."

**

Ben Barker has qualified for the British Under 21 Final.

** 

 Josh Auty will guest for Jack Hargreaves against Kings Lynn tonight.

FRIDAY 13 APRIL

Glenn Cunningham will make his Stoke Easy Rider Potters debut at home to Kings Lynn tomorrow.

Cunningham comes in to the side in place of Robbie Kessler who has been axed as Stoke try to halt a run of seven consecutive defeats.

"Something had to be done after such a prolonged run of poor results and performances and Robbie was the one who had to make way" said promoter Dave Tattum who says he will not be afraid to make further changes if need be.

"I have to think of the bigger picture in as much as the supporters, sponsors and programme advertizers as well as the riders. They all want results just as I do and I hope that the riders understand that the days of complacency here at Stoke are over."

Jack Hargreaves has ruled himself out of the British Under 21 qualifier at Weymouth tonight and tomorrow`s fixture against Kings Lynn with an on-going back injury.

Stoke SAS Spitfires start their season tonight at Boston.

THURSDAY 12 APRIL

Despite falling to another heavy defeat at Kings Lynn last night, Stoke team manager John Adams felt there were positives to come out of the 63-27 loss:

"We came pretty close to the score I had in my mind and, without any disrespect to Tom Brown, had we had Jack Hargreaves with us, we almost certainly would have topped the 30 points.

"Tom had a nasty fall in his second ride but kept going and we rode much better than the score suggests.

"Pickers (Paul Pickering) looked a bit better and Barrie (Evans) is improving and riding better with each meeting."

The meeting was marred by a high speed crash in Heat 2 which left John Oliver with a compound fracture of the leg.

KINGS LYNN 63:  T Topinka 14+1, C Mills 9+3, D Nermark 15, T Harding 8+2, P Lee 11+1, S Lambert 6+1, J Oliver 0.

STOKE 27:  R Harrison 4, B Barker 2, G Stead 6, P Pickering 4+1, R Kessler 5, B Evans 5+2, T Brown 1.

WEDNESDAY 11 APRIL

Stoke Easy Rider Potters travel to Kings Lynn tonight in the Premier Trophy competition.

"It's not an easy place to go to but we have to be positive and I will be looking for some improved performances", said team manager John Adams.

"You have to be realistic about some meetings and I would say that getting
30-35 points tonight would be a good effort. Kings Lynn recently thumped Sheffield 75-15 so that tells you how awesome they can be around their own track."

Stoke face Kings Lynn at Loomer Road on Saturday in the return fixture and Stoke SAS Spitfires start their season on Friday when they travel to Boston.

Ben Barker rides in the British Under 21 qualifying round at Weymouth on Friday.

TUESDAY 10 APRIL

Jack Hargreaves will see a specialist today after crashing heavily at Workington on Good Friday and hurting his back.

"My back is weak following a crash several years ago which damaged the vertebrae and I am always concerned about it taking too much damage", said the teenager who is likely to miss the Potters trip to Kings Lynn tomorrow.

"I have to be careful but I don't want to miss meetings either if I can help it. I won't be able to go to Kings Lynn but I would hope to be right for this coming weekend."

SUNDAY 08 APRIL

Stoke promoter Dave Tattum says his patience with some of the Easy Rider Potters line up has worn thin.

Stoke lost 35-55 at home to Workington last night, their sixth successive defeat, and whilst the Potters missed the injured Jack Hargreaves and had a number of engine failures, there was no getting away from the fact that some of the riders are not up to the mark.

"There are options available to me and once I have clarification on what route I will take, I will act" said the promoter who held behind-closed-doors with the riders directly after the meeting.

Garry Stead and Rusty Harrison both had a number of engine failures though Ben Barker and Barrie Evans again put in some telling rides.

Workington looked compact and rode with a lot of determination and Kauko Nieminen became the fourth visiting rider to score a maximum in as many meetings.

SATURDAY 07 APRIL

Stoke Easy Rider Potters were reduced to a five man team as they fell to a 68-24 defeat at Workington last night.

Hargreaves fell in Heat 2 and withdrew from the meeting with a back injury and Garry Stead also pulled out after falling in Heat 10.

"It was very disappointing but we just didn't match them in any department" said team manager John Adams.

FRIDAY 06 APRIL

Stoke Easy Rider Potters are at full strength for tonight`s (Friday) visit to Workington.

"It's an important fixture for us and we really need to keep the scoreline tight" said team manager John Adams.

Workington travel to Loomer Road on Saturday in the return Premier Trophy fixture.

THURSDAY 05 APRIL

Ben Barker has been handed an Elite League guest booking for Belle Vue at Wolverhampton on Bank Holiday Monday.

"One of my aims this season was to get as many Elite League bookings as possible and I'm really looking forward to riding at Wolverhampton on Monday", he said.

"It's a busy Easter period with two meetings for Stoke, but that's the way I like it."

Stoke travel to Workington on Good Friday and host the Comets at Loomer Road on Saturday.

TUESDAY 03 APRIL

Luke Priest and Adam Allott, two riders injured whilst wearing Stoke's colours, are making good progress from long term injuries.

Allott said, "I am having an operation quite soon to take the plate out of my arm and if that proves successful, I will up my fitness programme and then think about getting on a bike again.

"I feel much stronger these days and am keen to race again."

Priest could be back even sooner, "Apart from another operation on my ankle some time in the future, all my surgery is done and I'm feeling pretty good in myself",
he said.

"I'm going to the gym regularly and being around the tracks with the lads is a positive aspect for me. I'm being sensible and doing all the right things and my feeling right now is that I could be back on a bike within a couple of months."

** Garry Stead won Wayne Carter's farewell meeting on Sunday.

SATURDAY 31 MARCH

Stoke promoter Dave Tattum says that he intends speaking to some of his riders following the Easy Rider Potters 44-46 home defeat to Birmingham on Saturday.

Two riders – Paul Pickering and Robbie Kessler – scored 2 and 3+1 respectively which offset some strong performances from the younger riders.

"I was bitterly disappointed because that was a meeting that was there for the taking" said Tattum.

"Birmingham weren't, with due respect, that strong apart from Ulrich Ostergaard (15 point maximum) and Jason Lyons (11) and we really should have had two points at least out of that meeting.

"I'm not saying anything other than I want to find out what is happening with some of the riders. In some ways, there are a lot of very positive signs and I thought Jack Hargreaves, Barrie Evans and Ben Barker rode very well on Saturday.

"But we are not going to get very far when we are ‘carrying’ one or two riders."

FRIDAY 30 MARCH

Stoke Easy Rider Potters face Birmingham at Loomer Road stadium on Saturday in their first official home fixture of the season.

Birmingham ran out 56-34 winners at Perry Barr on Wednesday but Stoke promoter Dave Tattum feels his side wiull register its first win of the season.

"We got caught out a bit on a new track for us on Wednesday but I really do feel we will see a big difference tonight" he said.

"It's not going to be easy because Birmingham will want to do well on their first visit to us. But I am sure that we will prove too strong for them on the night and I'd urge the supporters to come and get behind the riders for what promises to be a hard fought meeting."

Garry Stead has offered Jack Hargreaves an opportunity to go and stay with him for a while as a means to learning more.

"It was very good of Garry and I'm going to try and take it up" said Hargreaves.

Stoke will be unchanged and Birmingham are expected to be at full strength as Emiliano Sanchez has recovered from a back injury.

THURSDAY 29 MARCH

Going to a new track for the first time is never easy as Stoke found to their cost at Birmingham last night.

Numerous times the Easy Rider Potters riders made the start only to be passed by the home riders. "I just found it hard to turn the bike" said Garry Stead.

Ben Barker put in a gutsy display to top the Potters score charts after a horrendous crash in Heat 8. "It was a concertina effect – they moved out on the inside and we just had nowhere to go" said the teenager.

Barrie Evans made a good start off the inside to win Heat 2 but Birmingham showed the extra track craft with Jason Lyons recording a 15 point maximum.

Stoke were awarded maximum points in Heat 13 after Ulrich Ostergaard fell awkwardly after his primary chain broke and Brent Werner had to lay his machine down to avoid hitting him – Robbie Kessler and Harrison being handed the points.

Paul Pickering won Heat 14 but Lyons and Ostergaard outpaced Stead and Barker in the last race of the night leaving Stoke a big task to win the bonus point in the return on Saturday.

BIRMINGHAM 56:  U Ostergaard 12+3, A Collins 10+2, J Lyons 15, E Sanchez (r/r), B Werner 7+1, L Smart 5+3, B Powell 7+1, J Roberts 0.

STOKE 34:  R Harrison 4+1, B Barker 9+1, G Stead 8, P Pickering 3, R Kessler 5, B Evans 3, J Hargreaves 2.

TUESDAY 27 MARCH

Stoke promoter Dave Tattum has a message for the supporters ahead of the Easy Rider Potters visit to Birmingham on Wednesday for their first official fixture of the season.

Stoke lost their opening two challenge meetings against strong international opposition. But Tattum stressed, "Don't judge us on two challenge match defeats to what was top drawer opposition.

"The purpose of bringing in strong opposition was partly to give the riders a real test but also to let the supporters see top stars such as Sebastian UIamek and Niels Kristian Iversen that they wouldn't normally at Stoke.

"I thought there was a lot of good to come out of the two meetings and I hope the supporters get behind the riders now that the Premier Trophy fixtures have started."

Stoke have no injury concerns and line-up as they have so far this season.

SUNDAY 25 MARCH

Stoke fell to a heavy 37-55 defeat against Danish Select at Loomer Road last night.

Garry Stead top scored for the second week running but Stoke only took three race wins all night. 

"There is definitely room for improvement and we need to look at some of the preparation being done in the workshop", said Stead.

SATURDAY 24 MARCH

Jack Hargreaves is hoping to repeat his pleasing performance of last week when Stoke take on Danish Select at Loomer road tonight.

"To get a double figure score (8+2) in my first meeting of the season was quite a boost and I'm hoping to carry on that sort of form more often than not" said the Shropshire based teenager.

"The Danes will be strong opposition. But I want to test myself and I'm looking forward to the meeting."

FRIDAY 23 MARCH

Stoke Easy Rider Potters face their second and final challenge meeting before starting their Premier Trophy campaign next week when they face a strong Denmark Select side at Loomer road stadium on Saturday, 24th, starting at 7.30pm.

"Denmark team manager Jan Staechmann has included three riders from the Elite League - Niels Kristian Iversen, Henning Bager and Mads Korneliussen - along with other class Premier League riders, so we know we are in for a tough night" said promoter Dave Tattum.

"It's important we get the Premier Trophy campaign off to a good start so this is an opportunity for the riders to sort any niggles."

Rusty Harrison will make his first appearance of the season after missing last Saturday's defeat as his partner was about to give birth to their first child.

THURSDAY 22 MARCH

Sam Dore is back from a winter spell in Australia and says that he is looking forward to the new season with Stoke SAS Spitfires.

"The collar bone I broke at the end of last season has healed well and I'm really keen to start the new season" he said.

"I thought last year (his first in the British League) went well enough in the end and I hope to improve on that and then push for the odd Premier League ride."

Stoke SAS Spitfires start their season on April 11 against Weymouth in the KO Cup.

SUNDAY 18 MARCH

Stoke Easy Rider Potters lost the first of two international challenge meetings designed to blow away the cobwebs before they start the Premier Trophy campaign.

The Potters were the more compact side but lost 43-46 to a Polish Select side that was superbly fronted by Elite League star Sebastian Ulamek. The Swindon rider scored an 18 point maximum and had good backing from Andy Smith and Mateusz Szczepaniak in particular with both being in double figures.

“Ulamek made all the difference” suggested Potters promoter Dave Tattum.

“That's not a gripe because we wanted a stern test and we got one. I'm not too concerned about the defeat because I thought there were a number of positives in our display and the main thing is that we get a few meetings under our belts and sharpen up a bit as a result."

Paul Pickering won his first race after two years out but was lucky to escape a crash in Heat 5 when his chain snapped whilst challenging Ulamek for the lead.

Jack Hargreaves won a close Heat 10 but the Polish Select won the last five races to take victory on the night.

"We need to be quicker from the starts but I'm sure all that will come" added team manager John Adams.

"It's very early days yet and at least everyone gave it a good go tonight."

STOKE 43:  R Kessler 6, B Barker 6+1, G Stead 10+2, P Pickering 6, P Clews 5+1, B Evans 2+1, J Hargreaves 8+2.

POLISH SELECT:  S Drabik (r/r), S Ulamek 18, A Smith 10+1, R Ksiezak 4+1, M Kowalczyk 4, M Szczepaniak 10, M Pierarski 0.

***

Stoke SAS Spitfires start their 2007 campaign on 11 April against Weymouth in the KO Cup.

SATURDAY 17 MARCH

Experienced Elite League rider Sebastian Ulamek will front a Polish Select side at Loomer Road stadium tonight as Stoke Easy Rider Potters start their 2007 season.

Ulamek, who rides for Swindon in the British top flight and is an experienced campaigner on the world stage, replaces Slawomir Drabik.

"Ulamek really is top drawer and he will show up very well at Loomer Road" warned promoter Dave Tattum.

Paul Pickering says he is looking forward to his first meeting in two years.

"The nerves are there but I`m really looking forward to it at the same time" he said.

"I think the promotion have put together a solid side and I'm really looking forward to getting a few meetings under my belt."

Neil Evans