JUBILANT STARS REACH CUP FINAL

KING’S Lynn are celebrating a remarkable triumph over local rivals Ipswich to reach the Premiership KO Cup Final.

The Stars travelled to Foxhall on Thursday leading 48-42 from the first leg and missing two of their regular top five riders, but they defended superbly and pulled off a 45-45 draw for a six-point aggregate victory.

Captain Nicolai Klindt played a big part at reserve with 14+1 and Chris Harris weighed in with 12+2, as the Stars had supremacy in areas below the top two where Emil Sayfutdinov (14+1) and Jason Doyle (12) were unbeaten for the home side until the latter fell in the last race.

The tie was complete by that stage, though, with Lynn clinching it in Heat 14 when guest Lewis Kerr passed Dan Thompson heading into the last lap with the Witches reserve subsequently falling.

Stars boss Rob Lyon said: “We knew it would be a tough meeting here obviously, but all six riders were tremendous, and we’re delighted to get through.

“The riders knew what was at stake and they fought for every point. You’re always conscious that one race is around the corner that could change it easily, and there were certain races where I thought Ipswich may well get a heat advantage, but the boys just dug in and rode their hearts out.

“It’s tremendous, and it’s credit to the boys. They fought really hard tonight and they’ve shown a lot of fighting spirit over the last few weeks.

“Tonight was no different, so hats off to them, they deserved it. We’ve shown what we can do as a team, and they are responding so well.”

King’s Lynn will now face Leicester in the Final with the first leg to take place at the Adrian Flux Arena on Monday July 28, and the return in the East Midlands on Thursday July 31.

OFFICIAL REFEREE SCORECARD
Available here

Photo credit: PHIL HILTON