ACES SECURE TITLE GLORY

BELLE Vue have clinched their third ROWE Motor Oil Premiership title in five years after a convincing Grand Final display against Sheffield at a packed National Speedway Stadium.

The Aces were able to celebrate in front of their own Manchester fans as they won the second leg 53-37 for a 20-point aggregate success, officially sealing the crown with three races remaining.

There was a brief scare for the title favourites when they conceded a 5-1 in Heat 2 which erased their four-point lead from the first leg at Owlerton – but the response was swift as the Aces opened up a 12-point margin across the next four races.

The Belle Vue top five were in dominant mood with Jason Doyle (11), Norick Blordorn (10+2) and Zach Cook (10+1) all in double figures along with unbeaten guest Nicolai Klindt (11+1), whilst skipper Brady Kurtz was unbeaten after running a rare last place in Heat 1.

The visitors were restricted to just three race wins, skipper Josh Pickering topping their scorechart with 8+1 whilst Rising Star reserve Luke Killeen impressed with 7+2.

Belle Vue manager Mark Lemon said: “It’s been a magic night. The fans have waited 54 years for this moment, to win a league championship at home, and I’m delighted that they didn’t go home disappointed!

“The support we’ve had has been amazing from the fans and the sponsors, and it’s just been a really good year.

“Some years you win it and it’s by a little bit of luck and chance, but I think this year there’s no excuses for anybody – we were the best team.

“It takes a long time to get here, and the hard work goes well and truly in prior to the season, but credit to our team. It’s just been a fantastic season.”

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Photo credit: IAN CHARLES