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Dudley Heathens Vs. Plymouth Devils 08/09

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DUDLEY Heathens can go back to the top of the National Speedway League with a win over Plymouth at Birmingham's Perry Barr Stadium on Wednesday (7.30).

 

The former Cradley club, who share their home meetings between Birmingham and Wolverhampton, are on a fine run of form and only last week picked up a stunning home win over title rivals Newport.

 

And if they can remain top until Sunday, Will Pottinger's men will have first pick of opponents in the all-important play-offs. League bosses have confirmed the cut-off for play-off standings is on that day.

 

Said Pottinger: "The boys are buzzing and we're looking forward to this meeting, although it's only the third time we've raced at Perry Barr so we cannot take anything for granted.

 

"I'm sure we will have the backing of a big crowd once again and hopefully we can send them home happy with three league points."

 

Heathens reserve Richard Franklin is seeing a doctor in Coventry to see if he will be fit enough to race after his crash in the win at the Isle of Wight last Thursday.

 

Admission prices for Heathens meetings are just £10 adults, £5 concessions and £2 children.

 

DUDLEY: Lee Smart, Micky Dyer, Tom Perry, Jake Anderson, Barrie Evans, Ashley Morris, Richard Franklin.

 

PLYMOUTH: Nicki Glanz, Jamie Pickard, Matt Bates, Seemond Stephens, Mark Simmonds, David Gough, Ben Reade.

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Weather forecast is good so we should have a meeting today. All the best to the Heathens, I reckon they will be close to hitting 60 points once again.

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Richard Franklin is confirmed fit to take part. Has the Plymouth team been confirmed?

 

Big night for us. We need to post a big score if at all possible, and then it's over to the others to see what they can do. :)

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Courtesy of the speedway updates site...

 

KOPIOWANIE TYLKO ZA ZGOD¥ ADMINISTRATORA

 

Please remember that these updates cost the texter and updater money, please don't ruin it for others by posting the score up before the updater has had a chance to update this screen

 

All Updates will appear in this window, please feel free to post any comments below.

 

Trackside: 21stcentury

 

Updater: Mikeyt

 

 

Dudley Heathens = 54

 

1. Lee Smart - 3, 2, F/x, 3 = 8

2. Micky Dyer - X, 1', 3, 3 = 7+1

3. Tom Perry - 2, 2', 2, 3, 1' = 10+2

4. Jake Anderson - 1', 3, 1', 3, 2, = 10+2

5. Barrie Evans - 1', M, 3, 1 = 5+1

6. Ashley Morris - 3, 1', X, F/x = 4+1

7. Richard Franklin - 2', 2, 2, 2', 2' = 10+3

 

 

Plymouth Devils = 41

 

1. Nicki Glanz - 2, 1, 2, 0, R = 5

2. Jaimie Pickard - 1', 0, 0, 1' = 2+2

3. Matt Bates - 0, 0, 2, 1 = 3

4. Seemond Stephens - 3, 3, 1', 4! = 11+1

5. Mark Simmonds - 3, 3, 6!, 2, 3 = 17

6. Bob Charles - X, F/x, 0 = 0

7. Ben Reade - 1, 0, 1, 0, 1 = 3

 

 

Heat Results

 

Heathens won the toss and take gates 1&3

 

Heat 01: Re-run: Smart, Glanz, Pickard 3-3

Line Up: Smart, Dyer, Glanz, Pickard

Comments: Stopped! Dyer picked up a touch too much drive on the inside of turn 2, clipped Pickard who bailed out before the fence. Up immediately and perfectly ok. Dyer discluded. Re-run: From the gate and well spread.

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Nice to see Smarty taking time to talk to the 2 young Dudley reserves as they come out for heat 2

 

Heat 02: Re-run: Morris, Franklin, Reade 5-1, 8-4

Line Up: Morris, Franklin, Charles, Reade

Comments: Race stopped. Charles failed to turn going into turn 1. He hit Morris and high sided, credit to Reade for laying his bike down quickly to avoid his team mate. Morris briefly got off the bike and fell to the floor holding his leg. All riders up quite quickly though and back to the pits under their own steam. Charles is discluded. Whilst waiting for the re-run, Smarty is again out on track chatting to Perry this time. (Updater comment: Seems like Lee is doing a great job up at Dudley, good to see). Re-run: Even start between Morris and Reade. Morris moved over to cover Reade on turn 1 and 2 to clear off for the win. Dreadful start and tentative first lap by Franklin gave Reade a healthy head start but Franklin got on with business and reeled in the Plymouth man, making an inside pass on him on the back straight of the final lap.

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Heat 03: Stephens, Perry, Anderson, Bates 3-3, 11-7

Line Up: Perry, Anderson, Bates, Stephens

Comments: Tapes to flag win. Anderson always close but way slower than Perry who was blocked throughout by his partner. Perry finally found a little gap coming off the last turn and almost passed both of them.

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Heat 04: Simmonds, Franklin, Evans, Reade 3-3, 14-10

Line Up: Evans, Franklin, Simmonds, Reade

Comments: Gate to flag win but decent pressure by Franklin. Evans disappointingly half a straight behind them. Reade reasonably close to Evans.

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Heat 05: Anderson, Perry, Glanz, Pickard 5-1, 19-11

Line Up: Perry, Anderson, Glanz, Pickard

Comments: Anderson from the gate. Perry missed the start badly and then compounded it by trying to turn as though he was at Monmore, almost ending up on the centre green! From what must have been at least 30 metres back, he reeled in the Devils pair who were side by side 30 metres ahead of him. He passed Pickard outside on the back straight of lap 3 and Glanz a lap later. This kid is a star in the making!!

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Heat 06: Re-run: Simmonds, Smart, Dyer 3-3, 22-14

Line Up: Smart, Dyer, Simmonds, Charles

Comments: Stopped! Charles appeared to 21stcentury to hit the curb on turn 1 and fell on his own. He had virtually cleared the track with the other 3 still on home straight. No need to stop what had developed into a great race. Smart moved Simmonds out turn 1 and 2 to allow cut back for Dyer. Simmonds tried to dive bomb the pair going into turn 3. Shame! Re-run: Gate to flag win for Simmonds. But he was under plenty of pressure from Smart. Smart on outside but then tried a huge cut back coming off turn 4 of lap 3. Slight misunderstanding between the Heathens as he found Dyer in the way which ended his challenge.

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Heat 07: Stephens, Franklin, Morris, Bates 3-3, 25-17

Line Up: Evans Franklin, Morris, Bates, Stephens

Comments: Evans misses the 2 minutes and is replaced by Franklin. Gate to flag win for Stephens but good pressure again from Franklin. He just seemed to lack that little bit extra to sneak through. Some confident looking heat winners for the visitors tonight. They're going to make us work for it!

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Heat 08: Dyer, Franklin, Reade, Pickard 5-1, 30-18

Line Up: Dyer, Franklin, Pickard, Reade

Comments: From the gate. Dyer gets it together to win by a mile looking fast and comfortable. Pickard slipped off turn 1 but got straight up to finish. Heathens 12 clear now, so Simmonds to don the Black and White helmet in heat 9.

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Heat 09: SIMMONDS, Perry, Anderson, Charles 3-6, 33-24

Line Up: Perry, Anderson, SIMMONDS, Charles

Comments: Simmonds takes a tactical ride for Plymouth. Brilliant race! Simmonds and Anderson gate together. Simmonds moves Anderson out on turns 1 and 2. Perry made a clever turn from gate 4 down to the curb to pass both down the back straight. Simmonds though went back passed Perry exiting turn 4 of the opening lap. Perry then spends 3 laps all over Simmonds back wheel on the inside and outside. He almost got half a wheel infront a couple of times but a good ride by Simmonds to hang on for 6 points under massive pressure. Credit to both!

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Heat 10: Re-run x2: Dyer, Bates, Stephens 3-3, 36-27

Line Up: Smart, Dyer, Bates, Stephens

Comments: Unsatisfactory start as Bates jumps it, all 4 back. Re-run: Stopped! Heathens on an easy 5-1 when Smart takes a heavy fall on turn 4 of lap 2 after his chain snaps mid bend. He has taken a whack in the family jewels but otherwise seems to be ok. Will be re-run because Stephens was so far behind he hadn't completed 2 laps when the race was stopped! Smart discluded. Texter says, it was lucky Smart was on the outside when he fell else it could have been a lot worse for the team riding stars! Re-run x2: From the gate and well spread out. Dyer flying now! Stephens about quarter of a lap behind and even popped a mini wheelie on the back straight of laps 3 and 4. Is that really the guy that won his first two rides!?

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Heat 11: Re-run: Evans, Glanz, Pickard 3-3, 39-30

Line Up: Evans, Morris, Glanz, Pickard

Comments: Stopped! Morris ran into the back of Glanz because he was so much quicker going into turn 1. Neither really to blame as Morris desperately tried to turn under Glanz to avoid his back wheel but without brakes he had no chance! Morris discluded which is right 21stcentury supposes because Glanz was ahead, under perfect control and didn't change line. Unfortunate! Re-run: Evans comes to the party with a great ride. Made the start initially but a good turn from Glanz saw him lead going into turn 3 for the first time. Big handful around the outside by Evans to scrape passed as they cross the line into lap 2. Not room for a fag paper between the riders!!

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Heat 12: Perry, Franklin, Bates, Reade 5-1, 44-31

Line Up: Perry, Franklin, Bates, Charles Reade

Comments: Reserve change sees Reade replace Charles for the Devils. Comfortable for the Heathens but Bates not tailed off although not close enough to challenge. Somehow the Heathens worst gaters found a start at the same time and from the opposite gates to the ones they'd prefer! If this were a game show they should shout BANK because I bet they don't do that again this season lol!!!

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Heat 13: Smart, Simmonds, Evans, Glanz 4-2, 48-33

Line Up: Smart, Evans, Glanz, Simmonds

Comments: Smart from the gate but pushed all the way. Evans worked Glanz for a couple of laps and then passed him inside turn 1 of lap 3.

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Heat 14: Anderson, STEPHENS, Reade, Morris(F/x) 3-5, 51-38

Line Up: Anderson, Morris, STEPHENS, Reade

Comments: Stephens takes a tactical ride for Plymouth. Brilliant turn 1 and 2 from Anderson to go around Stephens as he tried to push him out. Stunning turn 3 and 4 from Morris to come from nowhere at the back to pass both Plymouth riders as they levelled off for the home straight. Sadly Morris then slides off on his own at end of home straight lap 3. He's gone down at high speed and given the fence a real crack. But after a few mins he has walked away. Race awarded.

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Heat 15: Simmonds, Anderson, Perry, Glanz(Ret) 3-3, 54-41

Line-up: Perry, Anderson, Glanz, Simmonds

Comments: Devils win the toss and take 1 and 3. Glanz lapped after having a bike problem on lap 1 and retires. Perry had a bike problem on lap 2 but nursed home for the point. Anderson almost got a line on turn 1 and 2 of the opening lap to get around Simmonds but went too wide and it was game over after that. Anti climax really! Oh well! Decent smattering of good races with a few crackers thrown in. Few points went begging for the Heathens tonight but we never looked threatened in truth as even when the Devils were winning races there wasn't back up for heat advantages against us. So the Heathens set the target at 42 Buxton and Newport to chase.

One final note, Chris Kerr and Ty Proctor are now having a practice. Kerr in his Brummies kevlars, Kerr in his Aussie ones! Both due to ride in an individual meeting a Perry Barr next week.

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*************************

 

Comments:

 

Teams now confirmed.

 

Quick mention for the Plymouth fans who have made the trip. There are 3 little groups that the texter has spotted. Good on them for making the long journey! The centre green announcer had a chat with them about whether they are from Devon or Cornwall! lol.

 

Congratulations to the Heathens on all 3 league points. Well done to the Devils who I think kept the score down well. Thats all folks, big thanks to 21stcentury for his brilliant, fun and detailed texts and to you all for watching, good night.

 

© 2005-2010 All meetings are copyrighted to Speedway Updates, permission must be sought and we must be fully credited before they are used elsewhere.

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Enjoyed this meeting, so glad I was here and not at Kings Lynn to watch the Brummies capitulate.

 

Eventful is not the word, crashes galore but thank god it seems all the riders are okay. Plymouth I feel deserve huge credit for coming and giving their all with an absolutley sensational performance from Mark Simmonds. In all truth the Devils were really a two man team with Seemond Stephens doing well in his early rides but even he had engine trouble in his final rides. Nicki Glanz was shocking, could not belive how poor he was considering his high average. :shock:

 

The Heathens were a bit hit and miss. The top two of Lee Smart and Barrie Evens had below par meetings, hope Lee is okay after his nasty crash. His chain snapped mid race throwing him off the bike head first onto the track. Ashley Morris tried but he was involved in a nasty crash at the end of the home straight when it slid off at speed into the fence. Dudleys best rider was Richard Franklin, who gave 100% and rode well fair to him. Anderson was another did well but does know the track after his short stint with us.

 

Tom Perry was brilliant entertainment once again, personally he can miss the gate in every it race doesnt bother me :P . Heat 9 was just a superb race between Mark Simmonds and Tom Perry, Simmonds held him off after Perry was all over him a rash going inside. Fair play to both for a great race.

 

Decent crowd, not the Monmore standards but also good seeing 'Porky' on the microphone. He cracks me up sometimes and he had some good banter with the Plymouth fans. He was winding them up by asking if Plymouth was in Devon or Cornwall. :shock::lol: .Got to say really impressed with the turn out from the Devils fans, considering its a long journey up and mid week you deserve a lot of credit. I for one hope to see you back at Perry Barr next season taking on the Brummies in the Premier League. :approve:

Edited by Brummie Kev

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Got to say really impressed with the turn out from the Devils fans, considering its a long journey up and mid week you deserve a lot of credit. I for one hope to see you back at Perry Barr next season taking on the Brummies in the Premier League. :approve:

And if they do, for any Devils fans reading this, DON'T wander about in the middle of the fast dual carriageway like some did last night! :o If you park in the One Stop, walk underneath the flyover. ;)

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I think I more or less covered everything on the updates. :P So I'll just add congrats to our lads on another comfortable win, though not the massive score one or two thought possible. That was due in part to a cracking performance by Simmonds and a very solid effort by Stephens, but also due to the Heathens letting some points slip through their fingers (though not always our fault). Twice we were on a 5-1 when races were stopped and the re-runs were 3-3 and once on a 5-1 that became a 3-5. Also Dyer's minor misjudgement in heat resulted in a disclusion. All 7 Heathens scored in every ride they completed which represents a very solid display once again. We'll just need to be careful that failures to finish races doesn't cost us big time in the final reckoning.

 

Smart - A relative nightmare for him with a broken chain (and resulting crash damage) and a bike problem (after heat 13) meaning both bikes finished the meeting is pieces.

Dyer - Disappointing start but two superb wins to end.

Perry - In cracking form again. Great to watch.

Anderson - Has been worth his weight in gold at times this season when others have had off-nights.

Evans - Disappointing score but a brave move for his win won over a few that were grumbling.

Morris - All rather went breasts vertical. One to park at the back of his mind and forget. Hope he's not too sore after a heavy fall.

Franklin - Very solid throughout and had good pace. Arguably rider of the night but that's perhaps only because we've come to expect Perry to score well and it's easy to forget he started the season as a 3 point reserve but grabbed paid 12.

 

Glanz - Very disappointing. Rarely showed the form I expected to see from him.

Pickard/Bates/Reade - All gave 100% and were far from disgraced but just couldn't handle the Heathens. Good effort all round though.

Stephens - Largely very good and a threat to our boys all night (bar one dodgy ride).

Simmonds - A rare threat to our top riders and worthy of any and all praise he gets for his performance. MOTM.

Charles - Found it tough and wasn't really at the races.

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My first visit to Perry Bar and my first experience of NL racing.....

 

I was visiting Birmingham for a short break and thought i would take in the Dudley v Plymouth match, the racing was quite good with Tom Perry being the Star for the Heathens with Simmonds and Stephens keeping the Plymouth boat afloat.

 

The support for the Heathens was very impressive for a team without its own stadium, they probably have more fans than some Pl teams!!...all kitted out in some fin club colours too... some very enthusiastic fans.

 

The only downside was the limited viewing (the track is above the perimeter) if not in the posh seats indoors... but thats not watching real Speedway :) .... i stood with the gf in the dark temporary scaffold stand.

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Now that the Brummies finally have full planning permission I am hoping that one or two things may be improved for speedway fans, but it's entirely understandable that they couldn't make the investment before knowing if they would get full PP.

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The support for the Heathens was very impressive for a team without its own stadium, they probably have more fans than some Pl teams!!...all kitted out in some fin club colours too... some very enthusiastic fans.

 

You want to see it at Monmore Green Topaz, the crowds are even bigger :shock: . Whilst the Heathens get good crowds at the Barr, its alot bigger at Monmore. I think some dont travel to Perry Barr for some reason but the crowds are very good. At Monmore for the Bournemouth meeting there was a 15-20 minute to get in plus the Newport meeting two weeks back the crowd was huge at least 2000.

 

The only downside was the limited viewing (the track is above the perimeter) if not in the posh seats indoors... but thats not watching real Speedway :) .... i stood with the gf in the dark temporary scaffold stand.

 

I can fully understand the views of a newcomer to Perry Barr about the viewing. On the first second bend even with the wooden plank to stand on your view is somewhat hampered (unless in temp stands). In the past we have been restricted as to what we can do, without full planning it makes no sense for a promotor to commit loads of money if the sport isnt certain of continuing.

 

Therefore it was interesting to read that on the day of us getting full planning, there were quotes from Tony Mole about "improving spectator viewing" thats all he said but my money is on the first/second bend with possibly the outside viewing on the home straight.

 

So we should see the viewing getting better on the bend, I dont what they are going to do. You just cant put another temp stand as you are blocking the an exit from the pits, but all they need to do is raise it somewhat especially if an Airfence is installed sometime in the future. Apparently the Council has agreed to the upgrade as they own the stadium so I hope more details are released about it soon.

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You want to see it at Monmore Green Topaz, the crowds are even bigger :shock: . Whilst the Heathens get good crowds at the Barr, its alot bigger at Monmore. I think some dont travel to Perry Barr for some reason but the crowds are very good. At Monmore for the Bournemouth meeting there was a 15-20 minute to get in plus the Newport meeting two weeks back the crowd was huge at least 2000.

 

How do the Heathens crowds at Perry Barr compare to those for the Brummies' PL matches?

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