Scunthorpe Scorpions v Birmingham Brummies

SCUNTHORPE again came on strong in the closing stages in their 54-36 victory over Birmingham at the Eddie Wright Raceway.

The Brummies had pegged the Scorpions to an eight-point lead with four races to go, but the hosts then took three 5-1s and would have added a further advantage in Heat 13 but for bike trouble on the last bend for Ryan Douglas.

Tero Aarnio top-scored with 12+1 whilst reserve Zaine Kennedy added 11+2 and Douglas scored 11. Claus Vissing (12) and Adam Ellis (10) were both in double figures for the Brummies.

Kennedy said: “I had a good meeting – I had some good races and got a lot of points on the board.

“We treated Birmingham as a threat, because you can never afford not to do that.

“We approached the meeting as we did against Leicester last week, when we were out to win every race, and again once we got it all together at the end of the meeting, and we showed what we can do around here. Overall, it was a good night.”

Brummies boss Laurence Rogers said: “When we got the 4-2 in Heat 11, I thought we were on for a league point.

“But we fell apart in those last few races and we conceded three 5-1s out the last four.

“There were some plusses that I’d like to focus on and I think we just need to find a bit more consistency as a team and I’m sure that’s not far away.”

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Photo credit: IAN RISPIN