Cobras Edged Out in Table Topper
Newport 49 Rye House 40
(National League, Friday July 16th 2010)
The Kart Raceway Cobras can consider themselves unlucky not to come away with at least a match point in this battle between the top two teams in the National League standings.
True, the Cobras managed only five race wins against the Hornets’ ten, and had little answer for the Hornets’ leading lights of Tony Atkin and Mark Jones. However, they also looked the better team in terms of strength in depth, with six of the side paid for 6 points or more. The home side in contrast certainly had a lopsided look with three riders - half its roster - contributing just 3 points between them.
In the end, the outcome was ultimately decided by a relentless run of misfortune for young Ben Morley. The 16 year old deserved better than four falls when placed for points, as his personal woes ultimately tipped the match the Hornets’ way.
The Cobras trailed by just 3 points at Heat 9, and although a 5-1 from Tod Kurtz and Mark Jones then pushed the home side clear at 33-26, they responded with a maximum of their own – courtesy of Kyle Hughes and guest Adam Allott (in for Jamie Smith) – against the same pair in Heat 13 to bring the score back to 40-37 with just two races remaining. With Atkin (twice) and Jones featuring in those heats, the final advantage was with the Hornets, but the Cobras will be out to even the score when the Welsh team visits Hoddesdon on Saturday, July 31st.
Rye House scorers:
Adam Allott (guest) 9+1 (5 rides)
Marc Owen R/R
David Mason 4+2 (5)
Lee Strudwick 8 (5)
Kyle Hughes 11 (5)
Shane Hazelden 7+2 (5)
Ben Morley 1+1 (5)
Newport scorers:
Todd Kurtz 10 (5 rides)
Mark Jones 12+3 (6)
Tim Webster 1+1 (5)
Tony Atkin 17 (6)
Kyle Newman R/R
Tom Young 1 (3)
James White-Williams 8+1 (5)
Match points: Newport 3 Rye House 0
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