RELIEF FOR BRUMMIES

BIRMINGHAM ended their five-match losing sequence with a dramatic 46-44 win over Plymouth at Perry Barr.

The Gladiators fought back from ten points down to level after Heat 12, only for Brummies guest Josh Pickering to pull off a stunning ride from the back to win Heat 13 – and they took a vital 4-2 with Scott Nicholls suffering mechanical trouble for the visitors.

With the home side going into the decider two points up, their victory was all-but assured when Plymouth captain Hans Andersen was disqualified after clashing with Stefan Nielsen, who went down on the third bend.

Pickering top-scored for the Brummies with 13 points, whilst Ben Barker scored a superb 14 on his old home track for the Gladiators, who went away with one league point.

Birmingham boss Laurence Rogers said: “I’m very proud of all the boys tonight. I thought they rode well, I thought we deserved the victory and it was just a great night for the Brummies all round.

“We had a bit of luck on our side in Heat 13 but it’s nice for luck to go our way for a change, probably for the first time this year!

“Every point proved crucial in the end though and it was a battling job well done by the boys.”

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Photo credit: PAUL ROSE