VATCHER PRAISE FOR U19 FINALISTS

YOUTH boss Neil Vatcher has praised the competitors in Wednesday’s British Under-19 Final for putting on a fine show at Birmingham.

The youngsters had to wait four months for their major event as the meeting had been abandoned due to bad weather at Perry Barr in June, but it was Dan Thompson who triumphed in the re-staging, defeating Nathan Ablitt in a run-off after both scored 14 points, with Joe Thompson third.

Vatcher said: “Congratulations to Dan who was, obviously, one of the standout riders of the night.

“Along with Nathan, they both rode very well and while Nathan was disappointed with how his night finished, he obviously played his part in taking things right to the very end.

“A big well done to all 16 riders involved though; this was a first British Championship Final for some of them and that experience will stay with them and stand them in good stead I’m sure.

“A big thank you to all the supporters that came out in such cold weather as well, your support for the lads and the event really was appreciated.”