Tempers run high as Kings rule the roost at Belle Vue

TENSIONS and tempers were running high during Belle Vue’s National League clash with the Kent Kings last night as the home team went down 40-50, to put their play-off ambitions on hold.

The Cool Running Colts opened proceedings in their usual fashion and made certain to emphasise to the visitors that they would not go down easily.

But discord swept across Mancunian shale after a hard move by substitute No.1 Nathan Greaves on Kings captain James Shanes soon descended into the fabled ‘handbags’ scenario post-race.

The Heat 6 incident would linger at the forefront of the pair’s remaining appearances.

Dissension then invaded the Cool Running Colts’ pit zone when, on the third running of Heat 13, Greaves clashed first with opposing No.1 Rob Branford and then again with team-mate Lee Payne.

The latter was visibly furious with the Belle Vue guest for a collision which nearly brought both men down on the fourth turn and had to be restrained from a further tussle upon his return to the pits.

Barring any minor repercussions, the evening concluded in a typical straightforward manner, though skipper Matt Williamson confessed his disappointment at the heightened emotions.

He said: “It’s not what we want, especially amongst ourselves. But there’s so much testosterone flying around and when tempers run high, you can sometimes get passionate about what you say.

“I’ve done it myself and I’m not proud of it but in the heat of the moment you can’t help your actions.

“Once the boys have calmed down things will get back to normal. It’s one of those things. Obviously, the fact that it was such a difficult meeting meant everyone had stepped up their game even further. We knew it was going to be tough because Kent are an exceptionally good team.”