Howe to the max for flying Scorpions

SCUNTHORPE SCORPIONS 57 GLASGOW TIGERS 36 (PREMIER LEAGUE)

DAVID HOWE scored his first maximum for the FluidAir Power Scunthorpe Scorpions for two years, as the Scorpions defeated Glasgow Tigers 57-36 at the Eddie Wright Raceway last night (Friday) to consolidate their second place in the Premier League table.

For once, the Scorpions did not leave things to the final heat around their own circuit. They were in command from the off, and had a 37-17 lead after nine races. The writing was on the wall for Glasgow the moment that Mark Lemon’s tactical ride was thwarted by Ryan Douglas and Thomas Jorgensen in Heat 7.

There was some terrific racing throughout the evening, with lead visitors Kevin Wolbert and Rusty Harrison in some ding-dong battles with the Scorpions. In particular, Wolbert’s round the boards riding outside Douglas in Heat 11, as he took six points from a tactical ride, had to be seen to be believed.

Howe, ravaged by injury in 2012 and 2013, is returning to the form that saw him top the Scorpions’ averages for three seasons between 2009 and 2011. He produced a no-nonsense outside pass around Harrison in Heat 6. He opted out of Heat 15, preferring not to risk his perfect score – his first maximum since a meeting at Newcastle in April 2012.

Nicolai Klindt made a fine seasonal debut for the Scorpions. He looked a quality act throughout on his way to a paid 13 score.

Ryan Douglas was action in the thick of the action, and the move up from reserve has not slowed up his scoring. He nearly came off on the first corner of Heat 15, but still caught up the other riders and overhauled Harrison for third, in another great race that saw Wolbert fly around Klindt to take the race win.

Well worth a mention were the efforts of Scorpions’ reserve Matt Williamson, who scored a well deserved paid six return – his best of the season.

Last night’s result consolidated Scunthorpe’s place in the Premier League table. They sit second in the Premier League table on 12 points (a point behind unbeaten leaders Edinburgh), and are five points ahead of third-placed Ipswich.

Scorpions’ team manager Dave Peet said: “That’s seven points out of seven in the last two nights. I’m very happy with the way things are going.

“The win at Sheffield was superb, and tonight we beat what was put in front of us comfortably. The lads did a professional job again.

“I was delighted to see Matt Williamson getting among the points. It actually kicked in for him at Sheffield. He didn’t score any points there, but he was in the thick of the action. He is growing in confidence. He know now when he gates, he can be up with them.

“It’s been a big learning-curving for Matt – he’s now trying out different lines and realising he really needs to get out on the fastest line around here – but he’s definitely getting there.

“Nicolai (Klindt) came straight into the team tonight and produced the goods. When he’s on-song, he’s such a fast rider. He was flying tonight. He’s a top guy and a great addition to the team.

“David Howe has come back with a different attitude to last season, when all the injuries were getting to him. This year, he’s fully fit and getting back to how he used to be. His biggest battle was in his head. He’s now got his self-belief back and he’s putting his bike about, as everyone could see when he flew around Rusty Harrison in Heat 6.

“It was another good team performance tonight.”

Scunthorpe 57: Ryan Douglas 12+1, Nicolai Klindt 12+1, David Howe 12, Ashley Birks 8+1, Thomas Jorgensen 5+1, Matt Williamson 4+2, Josh Auty 4+1
Glasgow 36: Kevin Wolbert 12, Mark Lemon 7+1, Rusty Harrison 7, Kasper Lykke 6+1, Theo Pijper 4, Steve Jones 0, Sam Chapman 0 (No.8), Dimitri Berge R/R