AFTER a traumatic two weeks, when the future of speedway in Workington seemed to be on the line, the Comets roared back into action in devastating fashion.
The Workington septet took out any frustrations they have had over non-activity with a remarkable 51-39 win at Northside against reigning Championship title holders Poole Pirates.
As an important added bonus the crowd was much improved and the fans, enjoying their speedway again, saw this terrific racing venue enhanced by the glorious sunshine.
Although Tate Zischke and Antti Vuolas spearheaded the Comets charge to victory, there were important contributions throughout the order.
Workington had taken some heavy defeats last season against the Pirates so this was as sweet a victory as it was possible to record. But probably more important was the manner in which the team responded to the recent club suspension - which was implemented by the BSPL over unspecified 'administrative matters'.
It couldn’t have started much better for the Comets as they swept into a 22-8 lead after five heats, laying the solid platform which eventually saw them home with 12 points to spare.
Although it was 8-7 to Poole for heat wins the most telling statistic was that the home side only ran five last places to the Pirates ten.
Ex-Comet, the west Cumbrian Richard Lawson only had a first and second to start with but then reeled off four straight heat wins but Paul Starke, who was with the Comets last season could only manage two points.
Some of the best racing was delivered by Zischke and Vuolas for the Comets as they both had two wins apiece, with the young Australian in particular looking as though he was getting back into top racing groove after a slow start to the season.
'We want to keep the ball rolling'
Workington manager James Denham said: “Credit to the guys, all seven of them worked hard and they wanted it more, and they came from behind in some races as well.
“It was good to see Tate back to his old self, with thanks to Jacob Hook lending him an engine, and this is what we need. We want to keep the ball rolling and take each week as it comes.
“There’s a lot more to come from these guys, and I believe in all seven of them. The better team won on the night.”
Poole boss Gary Havelock said: “I was a bit shocked as since I came on board as a manager with Poole I have never seen us start like that. Three 5-1's against us in the first three races. It was incredible.
“Workington won the toss and went for the best gates so I wasn't too perturbed at that stage as I thought the gates would come to us and we should be alright, but we just didn't get to grips with the track all day.
“We knew it was going to be slick, but we didn't realise it was going to be as slick as it was, and I think a couple of the lads were riding with the wrong set-ups in their early races.”
Results
Workington Comets 51
Troy Batchelor 7+2; Fraser Bowes 6+1; Tate Zischke 12+1; Jye Etheridge 5+2; Antti Vuolas 11+1; Jacob Hook 5; Vinnie Foord 5+2.
Poole Pirates 39
Richard Lawson 15; Tobias Thomsen 5+1; Lewis Kerr 2+1; Zach Cook 8; Anders Rowe 6;
Paul Starke 2; William Cairns 1.
Share