COVENTRY Storm’s season-opener against Cradley ended in frustration for all in attendance – with the meeting abandoned after six races.
A torrential downpour in the build-up to the Travel Plus Trophy clash left track conditions very wet at start-time, and although sawdust was applied to both bends riders quickly began to get into difficulties.
There were a series of incidents sandwiching a break for track grading, with some of the more experienced riders coming to grief – whilst Cradley’s Danny Phillips was lucky to escape uninjured after a spectacular spill on the exit of turn 2 in Heat 4.
The score at the time of the abandonment was 18-18 with the City Gearboxes Storm’s Oliver Greenwood having won both of his races, whilst Luke Crang produced a fine ride given the conditions to win Heat 6, which turned out to be the last prior to the abandonment.
For Cradley Nathan Greaves was an impressive winner of Heat 1 and reserve Matt Williamson also showed up well, but the nature of the meeting meant little could be read into the results as a guide to the future.
Coventry co-boss Laurence Rogers said: “It’s a big disappointment. The afternoon downpour came at the wrong time – if it had come earlier there would have been the chance for it to dry out a bit.
“The boys tried hard on a very difficult track but it was getting very dangerous, and when experienced riders are falling off and not being able to get around the bends properly, it’s not speedway.
“Whatever the competition, rider safety is paramount and we could have had a bad crash. A couple of riders came down on the back straight and they could have been run over.
“I know some of the fans were upset and I do understand that, but from the clubs’ point of view we have 14 riders who are in one piece, and that is the most important thing.â€
Supporters should retain their re-admission tickets for use at a future National League meeting, and details of the discount to be applied in accordance with the regulations will be provided in due course.
CITY GEARBOXES STORM 18: Oliver Greenwood 6, Ryan Terry-Daley 3+1, Luke Crang 3, James Sarjeant 2, Stefan Nielsen 2, Dan Greenwood 2, Martin Knuckey 0.
CRADLEY 18: Matt Williamson 5, Steve Worrall 4+1, Nathan Greaves 3, Ashley Morris 3, Tom Perry 2, Danny Phillips 1, Max Clegg 0.
