British Final @ Belle Vue

Report

ADAM Ellis was crowned British Champion for the first time with victory at Belle Vue on Monday.

The Sheffield and Scunthorpe man finished third in his opening ride but then reeled off four straight wins to qualify directly for the Final.

He then took that race from the inside ahead of pre-meeting favourite Dan Bewley, who was joined by his Belle Vue team-mate and former champion Charles Wright in the top three. Three-time winner Chris Harris was just off the rostrum.

Ellis said: “It feels amazing to hold this trophy. It’s been a long, tough night and I’m beyond delighted to walk away with the win.

“I honestly didn’t expect this. I certainly wanted it and I wasn’t here to make up the numbers, and there have been quite a few shock winners in the British Final over the last few years.

“We all knew that Dan was the man to beat and I knew I’d have to work hard, but anything can happen in this meeting and I’m just thrilled to have won on the night.”

QUALIFYING SCORERS: Adam Ellis 13, Charles Wright 12, Dan Bewley 12, Chris Harris 11, Kyle Howarth 10, Scott Nicholls 10, Craig Cook 9, Lewis Kerr 9, Steve Worrall 8, Danny King 6, Simon Lambert 6, Rory Schlein 5, Richard Lawson 5, Ben Barker 3, Anders Rowe 1, Paul Starke 0.
SEMI-FINAL: Bewley, Harris, Howarth, Nicholls.
GRAND FINAL: Ellis, Bewley, Wright, Harris

OFFICIAL REFEREE SCORECARD
Available here

Photo credit: IAN CHARLES