Birmingham Brummies v Scunthorpe Scorpions

Report

SCUNTHORPE edged out Birmingham 46-44 in a topsy-turvy first leg KO Cup tie at Perry Barr on Wednesday.

Both sides went six points up at stages of the meeting, with an impressive Alfie Bowtell (11+2) involved in all three of the Brummies’ 5-1s.

But Ryan Douglas was outstanding for the Scorpions with a 15-point maximum, and after team-mates Jake Allen and Joe Thompson had put them back ahead in Heat 14, Douglas won the last race to give his side the lead heading into their home leg on Friday.

Scorpions boss Dave Peet said: “We’ve set ourselves up very nicely for the second leg at Scunthorpe.

“It was very good ride by Jake in Heat 14 to shepherd home Joe, and that set us up for the win on the night.

“Ryan was brilliant tonight, even when he wasn’t on his own bike, while Joe had a good meeting from No 7. Everyone scored points tonight and played their part.”

Birmingham co-owner Nigel Tolley said: “Overall, while we’re obviously disappointed with the defeat, I think things were looking better tonight.

“I think the riders are starting to get used to the new track set-up, the riders themselves are coming together more and I’m leaving the stadium feeling much more optimistic after that.”

CHAMPIONSHIP KO CUP QUARTER-FINAL, 1st leg
BIRMINGHAM 44: Alfie Bowtell 11+2, Nick Morris 10+2, Paco Castagna 8, Justin Sedgmen 7, Stefan Nielsen 3+1, Ty Proctor 3, James Pearson 2+1
SCUNTHORPE 46: Ryan Douglas 15, Joe Thompson 9+1, Michael Palm Toft 8, Jake Allen 7+1, Connor Mountain 4+2, Simon Lambert 2, Lee Complin 1

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Photo credit: PAUL ROSE