Comets dominate Tigers to claim maximum points

The home side were dominant from the outset, racing into a 15-3 lead after just three heats and never looking back, with every rider contributing to a strong all-round performance.

Fraser Bowes was in blistering form, rattling off four straight wins on his way to 14 points, only denied a maximum in Heat 15.

He was superbly supported by birthday boy and flying Finn Antti Vuolas, who delivered a faultless four-ride paid maximum before settling for third in the finale, finishing on 13+1. Youngster Jacob Hook also shone with two race wins and 7 points, while captain Jye Etheridge chipped in with a solid 8.

The GT Tyres Comets’ strength in depth was evident throughout, with reserve pair Hook and Vinnie Foord piling up vital points in the early heats to put the Tigers under pressure.

Glasgow’s challenge never really materialised despite flashes of resistance. For the Tigers, Kyle Howarth battled hard for his side, top-scoring with 9+2, including a fine.

Guest Jason Edwards offered some support with 6+1, but elsewhere the Tigers struggled to match Workington’s firepower, with their lower order unable to provide the backup required.

The early stages set the tone as Workington struck with three consecutive heat advantages, Bowes and Troy Batchelor opening with a 5-1 before Hook and Foord repeated the feat in Heat 2.

Etheridge and Tate Zischke made it three in a row in Heat 3, and although Harris and Edwards responded with a Tigers 5-1 in Heat 5, the hosts quickly reasserted control.

By Heat 10, Bowes and Batchelor combined for another 5-1 to stretch the lead to 18 points, effectively putting the tie beyond doubt.

Despite the scoreline, there was some excellent racing from both sides to name a few, Hook managed brilliantly, lined up and passed Chris Harris in Heat 11, and a heat 12 four-lap long battle between Tate Zischke and Dan Thompson, with Tigers man just edging the battle to the line.

Even when Glasgow did manage race wins, the GT Tyres Comets consistently packed the minor places to prevent any comeback.

Vuolas remained imperious, taking three classy wins, while Hook’s impressive Heat 14 victory to pass Leon Flint capped a solid team display.

The final heat was shared with Tigers heat-leader and former Comet Kyle Howarth, beating the two unbeaten maximum men, Antti Vuolas and Fraser Bowes, to the line.

GT Tyres Comets team boss James Denham said:

"That was the kind of performance I was looking for tonight. Every rider dug deep, and the way the boys went on the attack from Heat 1 set the tone.

"Beating a strong Glasgow side by that margin at home shows the character and hunger in this team. The fans were brilliant as always – they played their part – and I couldn’t be prouder of them all tonight."

"Fraser and Antti were fantastic, it's a shame Kyle spoiled their maximums in the last heat, but it is what it is, and they were on fire all meeting.

"Troy I feel deserved more points from his efforts, he rode like a skipper tonight fending off riders and sometimes his team mates could've probably helped him out a bit with some team riding, but on the whole I was very pleased with how not only we started the meeting but put them under constant pressure throughout."

"Even if we weren't making the gates, you could tell our lads wanted it, and I think over the two legs we were the deserved winner of the aggregate points, but credit to both sides for putting on a great show."

"We now need to carry on with this form, and although the play-offs are a stretch, it's about finishing the season strongly in our last few meetings.

"We have Berwick home and away next weekend, which will be a challenge, but if we can get maximum points out of that tie, we will be putting pressure on those other play-off chasing sides, and who knows what could happen."

Denham shares some details on an extra meeting to add to the diary in September:

"We are going to run a meeting in memory of Jay Cartmell. Jay's mum and dad, Leigha and James, have done a great job so far of organising it - we just have a few things to put in place before we confirm any details.

"So far, it looks like a cracking lineup, and it will be a four-team tournament style, something which we don't see anymore in speedway.

"It's a really good cause for the fans to get behind, and hopefully it will be an entertaining meeting with a good crowd."

"We should be a position to announce more details next Sunday at home to Berwick but if anyone wants to help out with the meeting, as there is a few costs associated with running it, then please get in touch with either the club or get in touch with Leigha or James."