BIRMINGHAM had no answer to the strength of reigning league champions Belle Vue as they were beaten 60-30 in Manchester on Monday.
After a spirited display at Sheffield last Thursday, the Curtis Sport Brummies hoped they could show more encouraging signs at the National Speedway Stadium.
But they were outclassed from start to finish by the Aces who had very little trouble maintaining their 100 per cent home league record.
In fact, the Brummies managed just one race win all night – and that came courtesy of Rising Star Sam Hagon in Heat Two who produced another good showing on the road with six points.
Jonas Jeppesen scored in each of his outings whilst Jack Smith, who was drafted in at reserve late afternoon when Brummies’ bosses were refused the right to use Antti Vuolas due to ongoing issues with his Championship club Workington, also battled admirably on a rare top-flight outing and rounded of his night with two third places.
Captain Tobiasz Musielak top scored with seven but cut a frustrated figure in the pits as did Paco Castagna, whilst Matej Zagar endured bike issues in the second half of the meeting and Keynan Rew only took three outings after a wheel spokes problem ahead of Heat 14
Team manager Chris Adams said: “We were just second out the gates all night and we were on the back foot straight away.
“It’s a difficult track to come to, the boys tried the best they could but unfortunately today it just wasn’t good enough.
“Sam has been doing really good over the last couple of meetings; I was really impressed with him at Sheffield and he’s got stuck in tonight as has Jonas who’s done really good the last three meetings for us.
“There’s always something going on here at Birmingham! We’ve got a two week break now and I’ve got a few things to think about.”
• The Brummies are next in action when they host Oxford at Perry Barr on Monday, July 21 (7.30pm).
Elsewhere, the Ductair Bulls beat Kent in a Super Heat in a thrilling National Development Trophy contest. A full report will be available on Tuesday.
BELLE VUE 60: Jaimon Lidsey 15, Zach Cook 13+3, Dan Bewley 12, Brady Kurtz 10+2, Jake Mulford 6+1, Tate Zischke 4+1, Norick Blodorn R/R.
BIRMINGHAM 30: Tobiasz Musielak 7, Jonas Jeppesen 6+1, Sam Hagon 6, Matej Zagar 4, Keynan Rew 3+1, Jack Smith 2+2, Paco Castagna 2+1.
Belle Vue win the aggregate point 103-77.
