Post by Mr X on Jun 13, 2006 20:44:41 GMT
Monday 12 June 2006, Wolves 47 Eastbourne 43. Elite League (B)
Parry’s International Wolves: 47
1 Peter Karlsson- 3-2-3-2-3 = 13
2 Magnus Karlsson- 0-0-3-0 = 3
3 Ronnie Correy- 2-2'-2-3 = 9+1
4 Freddie Lindgren- 1*-3-0-3 = 7+1
5 Billy Hamill- 0-3-3-1'-2' = 9+2
6 Ben Wilson- 0-0-F = 0
7 Christian Hefenbrock- 3-1-2'-Fx-0 = 6+1
Eastbourne Eagles: 43
1 David Norris R/R
2 Edward Kennett- 2-1-1-1'-0 = 5+1
3 Dean Barker- 1'-3-1'-1'-1'-0 = 7+4
4 Adam Shields- 0-0-2-2-1' = 5+1
5 Nicki Pedersen- 3-3-3-2-3-1 = 15
6 Cameron Woodward- 1'-1-1 = 3+1
7 Lewis Bridger- 2-2'-0-2-2 = 8+1
Pre Meeting: This was an eagley (geddit?) awaited contest between two evenly matched teams who are both excellent on the other side’s track. Wolves’ hopes soared (ignore it) beforehand when David Norris pulled out injured after the track walk. Obviously a bit too far for him, poor love.
The toss: PK used all of his experience to call “heads” just before the coin came down “heads”. Or perhaps he called “tails” and it came down “tails”. Either way he said “we’ll take gates 1 and 3 please Bob” and we were off.
Heat 1: 56.21 P.Karlsson, Kennett, Barker, M.Karlsson. 3-3
Easy win for PK from the gate.
Heat 2: 57.44 Hefenbrock, Bridger, Woodward, Wilson. 3-3, 6-6
Great ride from Christian, right round the outside on the 1st lap. Ben Wilson briefly has 3rd place but Lewis Bridger snatches it away from him. Tsk, kids today eh?
Heat 3: 57.17 Barker, Correy, Lindgren, Shields 3-3, 9-9
It’s a ragged start which was proved by the sight of Dean Barker in front. Ronnie looks quick but can’t quite find a way past, Freddie not so fast.
Heat 4: 57.22 Pedersen, Bridger, Hefenbrock, Hamill (Tapes – 15 metres). 1-5, 10-14
An even worse start as Hamill and Pedersen are next to each other and both anxious to get away. Nicki moves, possibly touching the tapes, Hamill goes with him and the tapes go up, catching Billy as they go. Hamill’s exclusion light is on, and before he has chance to return to the pits and protest the 2 minutes are on again. Hamill indicates to referee Graham Reeve that Pedersen was at fault but reluctantly takes his place from 15 metres back. In the rerun, Bridger passes Hef on the 3rd bend and neither Christian or Billy can make the ground up.
Heat 5: 56.81 Lindgren, Correy, Kennett, Shields, 5-1. 15-15
Wolves level the match immediately as Freddie looks much quicker and is followed home by a wide riding Ronnie Correy. Talk on the terraces is that it has taken Ronnie 19 years to find the outside line, possibly because he was contractually obliged to ride the white line and let Sam ride around the boards. He had to wait for Sam to retire to try the outside and now he likes it - remember where you heard it first.
Heat 6: 56.98 Pedersen, P.Karlsson, Woodward, M.Karlsson 2-4, 17-19
It’s PK v NP Round One – Pedersen is faster from the start but PK stalks him in characteristic fashion. Peter covers every inch of the Monmore track as he goes under Nicki, round Nicki and very nearly through him but can’t quite make the pass stick. A superb race from two totally committed riders. At the back, unseen by everyone, Magnus loses to Cameron Woodward.
Heat 7: 57.23 Hamill, Shields, Barker, Wilson. 3-3, 20-22
Billy makes up for lost time with an easy win but Ben runs a poor last.
Heat 8: 58.29 M.Karlsson, Hefenbrock, Kennett, Bridger. 5-1, 25-23
It’s heat 8 so it must be Magnus time! He makes a fine start from the outside (though he later admits to playing 1-2-3 GO) and is quickly joined at the front by the hard charging Hef. Christian rides an excellent race to keep Edward Kennett out, Magnus isn’t really quick enough (note the slower time) but Christian’s excellent track craft and team riding keeps a faster rider behind them. It’s a 5-1 and to quote the Porky one “You know what that means dow ya?” Yes it’s Dad at the disco time.
Heat 9: 57.82 Pedersen, Correy, Woodward, Lindgren. 2-4, 27-27
Nicki is fastest away again and resists an inside charge from Freddie on the 3rd bend. With Pedersen out wide looking for the drive, Freddie unwisely decides to go round him and almost loses it on the pits bend, allowing Woodward through for a gift point. Inexperience or intimidated by Pedersen’s reputation? Hard to say but either way a poor decision.
Heat 10: 57.53 P.Karlsson, Shields, Barker, M.Karlsson. 3-3, 30-30
Peter Adams puts his faith in Magnus where many fans would have opted for Christian. Maggie may, but doesn’t. Easy win for PK.
Heat 11: 57.49 Hamill, Pedersen, Kennett, Wilson (Fell) 3-3, 33-33
Billy Hamill is an out and out racer who attacks each race with total aggression and determination. Put him against Nicki Pedersen and he becomes an animal. Pedersen is unbeaten and off gate 4. Hamill is angry and off gate 1. Billy flies from the start and decides he’d like all of the first bend please and Nicki wisely decides he can have it. Brilliant stuff from Billy who has always, to the best of my knowledge, been a true Wolf. [Clears throat]. Alarming moment on the 3rd lap as with all eyes on the front of the race, Ben somehow finds himself lying sideways across the back straight having parted company with his bike. No I didn’t see it either.
We have a fairly long interval of track grading and watering as Wolves fans ponder the heats to come. It’s level but Magnus and Ben have finished their rides and Christian just might be the match winner…
Heat 12: 57.63 Correy, Bridger, Barker, Hefenbrock (FX) 3-3, 36-36
… however, he takes a heavy fall on the first bend and is excluded. With the match still level the rerun looks a worry but Ronnie comes up with another excellent ride, right out by the fence to take Barker’s line and pull away for an excellent win.
Heat 13: 57.54 Pedersen, P.Karlsson, Hamill, Kennett 3-3, 39-39
Nicki makes a jet propelled start from gate 3 as the Wolves riders take a lap to decide who gets to chase him first. PK brilliantly takes rock to Billy’s scissors and gives chase. Another storming ride from Pete but Nicki just about holds him off by half a bike’s length on the line. The scores are still level with two to go.
Heat 14: 58.00 Lindgren, Bridger, Shields, Hefenbrock 3-3, 42-42
Christian has shaken off the effects of his crash (handlebars in the guts apparently) but his bike obviously hasn’t and refuses to start. With the seconds ticking away, it’s great to see the Wolves camp falling over themselves to offer a bike and he eventually beats the 2 minutes mounted on Hamill’s machine. It has an effect however and he’s sluggish from the start. Shields leads briefly but Freddie won’t be denied and takes the win. Hef doesn’t look the same rider on borrowed machinery and makes no impression at the back. 42-42 and a last heat decider coming up…
You are tense. You are excited. Your heart skips a beat and you feel sick. You can’t bear to watch but you don’t want to miss it. You hate the feeling but you’re addicted to it. You wish it was all over. You wish Wolves were 20 points up, but deep inside you know that this is why you come and you wouldn’t miss it for the world. Yes, it’s 2006 and the good times are back at Monmore Green… now if only PK and Billy can beat Pedersen.
Heat 15: 57.53 P.Karlsson, Hamill, Pedersen, Barker 5-1, 47-43
Wolves win the toss and take gates 1 and 3. The atmosphere is electric as they come to the tapes. It’s PK and Billy versus Nicki Pedersen. Dean Barker is there to watch the fireworks from a safe distance back. Maybe even pick up the odd point when they fall. And surely they will fall? The tapes go up and Nicki is like lightning once again. Not nice pretty, colourful lightning but ugly, scary party-spoiling lightning. He blocks PK on the inside on the way to the first bend then swoops wide to pick up the drive and stop Billy. PK rides the tightest of bends, just hugging that white line and somehow finds the drive to fly past Pedersen going down the back straight to take the lead. Can he stay there? Pedersen goes wide for the dirt again on the 3rd bend but Hamill comes charging through on the inside, cutting across the corner and clattering into Pedersen as the exit the 4th bend. If Pedersen goes down, surely Hamill must be excluded? For one horrible moment it looks likely, but self preservation kicks in and Nicki fights the bike and wins his battle to stay on. Wolves are on a 5-1. The crowd goes bananas. PK goes beserk, he’s 30 – 40 yards in front with his head down charging like a man possessed. Truth be told I’m pretty bloody pleased myself. Absolutely brilliant.
Verdict: Another Monmore classic in a fantastic season of speedway. Eastbourne arrive short handed and again push us all the way, but don’t underestimate the loss of William Lawson, whose replacement failed to score. Either way, a classic.
Weather: A baking hot day with the risk of thunderstorms thrown in. A couple of heavy downpours early in the day quickly dry up in the heat.
Track: Despite very difficult weather conditions, another excellent racing surface. Doc Bridgett and his staff should conduct schools on track preparation.
Attendance: Very healthy despite the counter attraction of this World Cup Soccer thingy.
Wolves Performance: Not totally convincing. Too many last places from Magnus and Ben and costly mistakes from Freddie and Billy. Made it exciting though.
Entertainment: Absolutely superb yet again.
Referee: Graham Reeve. Harsh to exclude Hamill in heat 4. Otherwise fine.
Man of the Match: A very tough call. PK and Billy both deserve it for heat 15 but paid 10 from a second string is a true match winner. Take a bow Ronnie Correy.
Rider Ratings: (now on a scale of ten with 6 being the average expectation)
Peter Karlsson: 9 Fantastic effort in the two races he lost and a brilliant win in the last heat.
Magnus Karlsson : 4 Owed his race win to Christian. Otherwise woeful. Badly needs July and a spell at reserve.
Ronnie Correy: 9 Young Ron really shows ‘em how to ride that outside line.
Fredrik Lindgren: 6 Should be streets ahead of everyone except Pedersen but failed to take advantage of a very kind programme of races. Redeemed himself with a vital win in heat 14.
Billy Hamill: 8 Brilliant wins over Pedersen who has certainly met his match in Billy. If he had an ounce more aggression he’d be locked up.
Ben Wilson: 3 Poor. He’s much better than this performance would suggest.
Christian Hefenbrock: 7 Excellent in the first half but hampered by a fall and engine problems in his last two rides.
Last word goes to Steve Evans, who returns home to California on Sunday. “I want to come again next week!”
Mark Rowe.
Parry’s International Wolves: 47
1 Peter Karlsson- 3-2-3-2-3 = 13
2 Magnus Karlsson- 0-0-3-0 = 3
3 Ronnie Correy- 2-2'-2-3 = 9+1
4 Freddie Lindgren- 1*-3-0-3 = 7+1
5 Billy Hamill- 0-3-3-1'-2' = 9+2
6 Ben Wilson- 0-0-F = 0
7 Christian Hefenbrock- 3-1-2'-Fx-0 = 6+1
Eastbourne Eagles: 43
1 David Norris R/R
2 Edward Kennett- 2-1-1-1'-0 = 5+1
3 Dean Barker- 1'-3-1'-1'-1'-0 = 7+4
4 Adam Shields- 0-0-2-2-1' = 5+1
5 Nicki Pedersen- 3-3-3-2-3-1 = 15
6 Cameron Woodward- 1'-1-1 = 3+1
7 Lewis Bridger- 2-2'-0-2-2 = 8+1
Pre Meeting: This was an eagley (geddit?) awaited contest between two evenly matched teams who are both excellent on the other side’s track. Wolves’ hopes soared (ignore it) beforehand when David Norris pulled out injured after the track walk. Obviously a bit too far for him, poor love.
The toss: PK used all of his experience to call “heads” just before the coin came down “heads”. Or perhaps he called “tails” and it came down “tails”. Either way he said “we’ll take gates 1 and 3 please Bob” and we were off.
Heat 1: 56.21 P.Karlsson, Kennett, Barker, M.Karlsson. 3-3
Easy win for PK from the gate.
Heat 2: 57.44 Hefenbrock, Bridger, Woodward, Wilson. 3-3, 6-6
Great ride from Christian, right round the outside on the 1st lap. Ben Wilson briefly has 3rd place but Lewis Bridger snatches it away from him. Tsk, kids today eh?
Heat 3: 57.17 Barker, Correy, Lindgren, Shields 3-3, 9-9
It’s a ragged start which was proved by the sight of Dean Barker in front. Ronnie looks quick but can’t quite find a way past, Freddie not so fast.
Heat 4: 57.22 Pedersen, Bridger, Hefenbrock, Hamill (Tapes – 15 metres). 1-5, 10-14
An even worse start as Hamill and Pedersen are next to each other and both anxious to get away. Nicki moves, possibly touching the tapes, Hamill goes with him and the tapes go up, catching Billy as they go. Hamill’s exclusion light is on, and before he has chance to return to the pits and protest the 2 minutes are on again. Hamill indicates to referee Graham Reeve that Pedersen was at fault but reluctantly takes his place from 15 metres back. In the rerun, Bridger passes Hef on the 3rd bend and neither Christian or Billy can make the ground up.
Heat 5: 56.81 Lindgren, Correy, Kennett, Shields, 5-1. 15-15
Wolves level the match immediately as Freddie looks much quicker and is followed home by a wide riding Ronnie Correy. Talk on the terraces is that it has taken Ronnie 19 years to find the outside line, possibly because he was contractually obliged to ride the white line and let Sam ride around the boards. He had to wait for Sam to retire to try the outside and now he likes it - remember where you heard it first.
Heat 6: 56.98 Pedersen, P.Karlsson, Woodward, M.Karlsson 2-4, 17-19
It’s PK v NP Round One – Pedersen is faster from the start but PK stalks him in characteristic fashion. Peter covers every inch of the Monmore track as he goes under Nicki, round Nicki and very nearly through him but can’t quite make the pass stick. A superb race from two totally committed riders. At the back, unseen by everyone, Magnus loses to Cameron Woodward.
Heat 7: 57.23 Hamill, Shields, Barker, Wilson. 3-3, 20-22
Billy makes up for lost time with an easy win but Ben runs a poor last.
Heat 8: 58.29 M.Karlsson, Hefenbrock, Kennett, Bridger. 5-1, 25-23
It’s heat 8 so it must be Magnus time! He makes a fine start from the outside (though he later admits to playing 1-2-3 GO) and is quickly joined at the front by the hard charging Hef. Christian rides an excellent race to keep Edward Kennett out, Magnus isn’t really quick enough (note the slower time) but Christian’s excellent track craft and team riding keeps a faster rider behind them. It’s a 5-1 and to quote the Porky one “You know what that means dow ya?” Yes it’s Dad at the disco time.
Heat 9: 57.82 Pedersen, Correy, Woodward, Lindgren. 2-4, 27-27
Nicki is fastest away again and resists an inside charge from Freddie on the 3rd bend. With Pedersen out wide looking for the drive, Freddie unwisely decides to go round him and almost loses it on the pits bend, allowing Woodward through for a gift point. Inexperience or intimidated by Pedersen’s reputation? Hard to say but either way a poor decision.
Heat 10: 57.53 P.Karlsson, Shields, Barker, M.Karlsson. 3-3, 30-30
Peter Adams puts his faith in Magnus where many fans would have opted for Christian. Maggie may, but doesn’t. Easy win for PK.
Heat 11: 57.49 Hamill, Pedersen, Kennett, Wilson (Fell) 3-3, 33-33
Billy Hamill is an out and out racer who attacks each race with total aggression and determination. Put him against Nicki Pedersen and he becomes an animal. Pedersen is unbeaten and off gate 4. Hamill is angry and off gate 1. Billy flies from the start and decides he’d like all of the first bend please and Nicki wisely decides he can have it. Brilliant stuff from Billy who has always, to the best of my knowledge, been a true Wolf. [Clears throat]. Alarming moment on the 3rd lap as with all eyes on the front of the race, Ben somehow finds himself lying sideways across the back straight having parted company with his bike. No I didn’t see it either.
We have a fairly long interval of track grading and watering as Wolves fans ponder the heats to come. It’s level but Magnus and Ben have finished their rides and Christian just might be the match winner…
Heat 12: 57.63 Correy, Bridger, Barker, Hefenbrock (FX) 3-3, 36-36
… however, he takes a heavy fall on the first bend and is excluded. With the match still level the rerun looks a worry but Ronnie comes up with another excellent ride, right out by the fence to take Barker’s line and pull away for an excellent win.
Heat 13: 57.54 Pedersen, P.Karlsson, Hamill, Kennett 3-3, 39-39
Nicki makes a jet propelled start from gate 3 as the Wolves riders take a lap to decide who gets to chase him first. PK brilliantly takes rock to Billy’s scissors and gives chase. Another storming ride from Pete but Nicki just about holds him off by half a bike’s length on the line. The scores are still level with two to go.
Heat 14: 58.00 Lindgren, Bridger, Shields, Hefenbrock 3-3, 42-42
Christian has shaken off the effects of his crash (handlebars in the guts apparently) but his bike obviously hasn’t and refuses to start. With the seconds ticking away, it’s great to see the Wolves camp falling over themselves to offer a bike and he eventually beats the 2 minutes mounted on Hamill’s machine. It has an effect however and he’s sluggish from the start. Shields leads briefly but Freddie won’t be denied and takes the win. Hef doesn’t look the same rider on borrowed machinery and makes no impression at the back. 42-42 and a last heat decider coming up…
You are tense. You are excited. Your heart skips a beat and you feel sick. You can’t bear to watch but you don’t want to miss it. You hate the feeling but you’re addicted to it. You wish it was all over. You wish Wolves were 20 points up, but deep inside you know that this is why you come and you wouldn’t miss it for the world. Yes, it’s 2006 and the good times are back at Monmore Green… now if only PK and Billy can beat Pedersen.
Heat 15: 57.53 P.Karlsson, Hamill, Pedersen, Barker 5-1, 47-43
Wolves win the toss and take gates 1 and 3. The atmosphere is electric as they come to the tapes. It’s PK and Billy versus Nicki Pedersen. Dean Barker is there to watch the fireworks from a safe distance back. Maybe even pick up the odd point when they fall. And surely they will fall? The tapes go up and Nicki is like lightning once again. Not nice pretty, colourful lightning but ugly, scary party-spoiling lightning. He blocks PK on the inside on the way to the first bend then swoops wide to pick up the drive and stop Billy. PK rides the tightest of bends, just hugging that white line and somehow finds the drive to fly past Pedersen going down the back straight to take the lead. Can he stay there? Pedersen goes wide for the dirt again on the 3rd bend but Hamill comes charging through on the inside, cutting across the corner and clattering into Pedersen as the exit the 4th bend. If Pedersen goes down, surely Hamill must be excluded? For one horrible moment it looks likely, but self preservation kicks in and Nicki fights the bike and wins his battle to stay on. Wolves are on a 5-1. The crowd goes bananas. PK goes beserk, he’s 30 – 40 yards in front with his head down charging like a man possessed. Truth be told I’m pretty bloody pleased myself. Absolutely brilliant.
Verdict: Another Monmore classic in a fantastic season of speedway. Eastbourne arrive short handed and again push us all the way, but don’t underestimate the loss of William Lawson, whose replacement failed to score. Either way, a classic.
Weather: A baking hot day with the risk of thunderstorms thrown in. A couple of heavy downpours early in the day quickly dry up in the heat.
Track: Despite very difficult weather conditions, another excellent racing surface. Doc Bridgett and his staff should conduct schools on track preparation.
Attendance: Very healthy despite the counter attraction of this World Cup Soccer thingy.
Wolves Performance: Not totally convincing. Too many last places from Magnus and Ben and costly mistakes from Freddie and Billy. Made it exciting though.
Entertainment: Absolutely superb yet again.
Referee: Graham Reeve. Harsh to exclude Hamill in heat 4. Otherwise fine.
Man of the Match: A very tough call. PK and Billy both deserve it for heat 15 but paid 10 from a second string is a true match winner. Take a bow Ronnie Correy.
Rider Ratings: (now on a scale of ten with 6 being the average expectation)
Peter Karlsson: 9 Fantastic effort in the two races he lost and a brilliant win in the last heat.
Magnus Karlsson : 4 Owed his race win to Christian. Otherwise woeful. Badly needs July and a spell at reserve.
Ronnie Correy: 9 Young Ron really shows ‘em how to ride that outside line.
Fredrik Lindgren: 6 Should be streets ahead of everyone except Pedersen but failed to take advantage of a very kind programme of races. Redeemed himself with a vital win in heat 14.
Billy Hamill: 8 Brilliant wins over Pedersen who has certainly met his match in Billy. If he had an ounce more aggression he’d be locked up.
Ben Wilson: 3 Poor. He’s much better than this performance would suggest.
Christian Hefenbrock: 7 Excellent in the first half but hampered by a fall and engine problems in his last two rides.
Last word goes to Steve Evans, who returns home to California on Sunday. “I want to come again next week!”
Mark Rowe.
?? We are just a bunch of faceless cowards!!!!
(6 being the average expectation ;D) 
