COLTS CHASE COMETS DOUBLE

BELLE Vue overcame the absence of two heat-leaders to defeat Workington 49-41 and keep their hopes of reaching the NDL Grand Final alive.

The two sides meet again at Northside today (Saturday) in a crucial fixture for the Colts, for whom a first away win of the season is essential.

Skipper Jack Smith piled up 16 points at the NSS with Freddy Hodder (10+1) and Matt Marson (9+3) offering fine support, whilst Comets No.1 Connor Bailey scored 13 and Luke Harrison added 10+1.

Smith said: “We knew this was going to be a difficult night. We weren’t as strong as we usually are, being without both Sam (Hagon) and James (Pearson), so this was a real team effort for everyone to pull together.

“Workington were the team that we felt would put in the biggest challenge to our home record because they have guys in their team who know Belle Vue and who have spent a lot of time here.

“And at one point they actually got their noses in front, but we didn’t hit the alarm, we knew we needed a big response and everyone dug deep and did what they had to do.”

Hagon and Pearson both return for Saturday’s reverse fixture, with the Comets again operating rider replacement for the injured Ace Pijper.

Marson said: “I think we’ve got the firepower and the knowledge to do what needs doing and being back to full strength with James and Sam with us is a huge plus.

“Had those boys been with us at home I feel we could’ve made it a more comfortable cushion, but if we can do that without them then we should be able to do even better with them.”

WORKINGTON: Connor Bailey, Sam McGurk, Luke Harrison, Luke Crang, Ace Pijper, Elliot Kelly, Harry McGurk.
BELLE VUE: James Pearson, Matt Marson, Sam Hagon, Freddy Hodder, Jack Smith, Jack Shimelt, Luke Muff.

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Photo credit: IAN CHARLES