Belle Vue Colts v Edinburgh Academy

Report

BELLE Vue moved up to second place in the National Development League with a 54-36 home win over Edinburgh.

The Colts maintained their 100 per cent home record and also did enough to take the aggregate point having faced a ten-point deficit from the reverse fixture.

James Pearson (14) and Jack Smith (11+1) led the way for the Colts and both were unbeaten prior to Heat 15, which was won by Monarchs Academy guest Ashton Boughen – who piled up a remarkable 16-point score from six races.

Belle Vue reserve Luke Muff (7+1) said: “We have to give credit to Edinburgh. They had over half their regular team missing but they still put up a tough fight and they made us work hard.

“A few of our lads were disappointed to drop a couple of points here and there but I think overall we can be satisfied with how we rode; we got the win and that was the main thing.”

Edinburgh boss Scott Wilson said: “It was another case of what might have been for us, which is becoming the story of our season.

“We hung in well through the middle part of the meeting after Belle Vue built an early lead but Heats 12 and 13 proved crucial for the aggregate point.

“Mickie (Simpson) rode very well with some good gates and hard riding, he has put in his best two displays of the season in our last two meetings. And of course Ashton was a star guest – we thank him greatly for his efforts.”

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
BELLE VUE 54: James Pearson 14, Jack Smith 11+1, Sam Hagon 10, Luke Muff 7+1, Matt Marson 5+2, Freddy Hodder 5+2, Paul Bowen 2+1
EDINBURGH 36: Ashton Boughen 16, Max Clegg 9, Mickie Simpson 6+1, Dayle Wood 4+2, Connor Coles 1, Mark Parker 0, Alex Spooner r/r
Belle Vue win the aggregate bonus point

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Photo credit: IAN CHARLES