Stags win thriller at Belle Vue

The Scunthorpe Stags won a thrilling match against the Belle Vue Colts at the National Speedway Stadium last Friday, but it could have gone either way with the lead swinging back and forth throughout.

Jamie Halder, guesting for the Stags, was the only NL rider in the match and his class showed with a faultless 3-ride maximum. James Chattin recorded his first win in only his second MDL match when he rode with speed and confidence to fend off the race…-long pressure from Sam Woolley in Heat 3. Sam Chapman and Ditchy struggled to get out of the gate all night but they both made up for it with some heart-stopping passes inside and out to collect vital points on a track where passing had been at a premium all night.

Sam Woolley and Stephen Whitehouse battled hard for the Colts, as did Jake Isherwood who deserved more than his 2+1 score, but came off worst in a tough first bend in Heat 4 and then fell in the last heat trying desperately to split the two Scunthorpe riders. Connor Fletcher, brought in to replace Joe Lawlor who had been promoted into the preceding NL match, showed plenty of spirit and might have scored more if it wasn’t for the determination of the Stags.

A thoroughly enjoyable match with all eight riders contributing to entertain the pleasing number of fans who had stayed on to support the MDL.

It was also a great way for the Stags to end their MDL fixtures, and although they just miss out on the chance to race in the Grand Final, they can all be very proud of the progress they’ve made throughout the season. These young Stags have certainly caused some surprises this year.