Aces pull clear at top of the pack after seeing off House

BELLE Vue are really picking up momentum in their Premiership title chase after beating Rye House at the National Speedway Stadium to go two points clear at the top of the table.

They are now in a prime position to pull further ahead when they journey to Poole on Monday – where they are targeting maximum points at Wimborne Road.

Things still got too close for comfort for Aces boss, Mark Lemon, after a strong start from his side was met by a surge in form from the visitors, who tied the scores at 24 apiece at Heat 8.

It was a challenge for the home team to re-establish their advantage, with Rye House seemingly adapting well to conditions while the Rentruck Aces struggled with several mechanical failures.

But even though Steve Worrall and Rohan Tungate each, at one point, ended up riding one of their team-mate’s bikes, it did nothing to quash their determination to overcome their opponent.

Star guest Troy Batchelor completed his first 14+1 maximum of the season riding in Belle Vue colours with fellow countryman Max Fricke hot on his heels, scoring 13 hardearned points .

Lemon said: “It was a fantastic win for the guys and, boy, did we need that, particularly at home. Although it would be much better if we could get the job done sooner rather than later.

“Rye House came here and gave us a classic meeting, and they put on a really good show. We actually had quite a few dramas in the pits during the night, more than you would usually see.

“Steve Worrall had the worst luck with both his bikes packing up, and one of Rohan Tungate’s did likewise, so they had to jump on one of the other boy’s machines, which is not really ideal.

“But that’s the spirit of this team. Everyone rallied and helped wherever they could to get the result we needed and to be fair, the Rockets really made us work hard.”