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Here is the Barracudas news from 2007 ....
 

BARRACUDAS PLANS – TO BE ANNOUNCED AT THE PRESENTATION

Preparations are well in hand for the Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas Presentation Evening which will take place at Pinchbeck Village Hall near Boston on Friday 23rd November from 7.30 pm until late.   A few tickets remain available and these can be reserved by calling 07768 073284, the cost being £10 each which includes a full buffet meal and also music and dancing provided by Paul Frieston’s Calypso Disco.    All of last season’s team have been invited and the event will provide an opportunity for the Club’s Promotion to make some important announcements about the arrangements for 2007 and the longer term plans for the Club.   “These are quite important matters and I want the opportunity for our real supporters to hear the news first and this would seem the best way to achieve that.” said Co-Promoter Dale Allitt.    “There is good news to come but if we are to be successful we have to ensure that our sponsorship levels are maintained due to the ever rising operational costs that we face.    We are very upbeat about the future of the Club at present and it is fair to say that we could be on the cusp of our best opportunity of moving forward but that cannot happen unless the ways in which people support us which are mainly sponsorship and direct support through the turnstiles are maintained.   I don’t want to say any more now, we will deliver our important statements about a number of issues at the Presentation Evening but folks must know what a battle we have year on year whilst we remain in exile and that is the point I am making.” he expressed very seriously.

There will undoubtedly be the usual level of fun and games at the Presentation Evening with former Boston grass track rider Jack Bell presenting his own prize for the season and no doubt delivering a tale or two in his inimitable style.

The Club has launched a new website which will be updated very regularly as soon as there is any news to report especially with regard top the new season..   The URL for the website is www.bostonspeedway.net.

BARRACUDAS ALREADY PLANNING 2008 CAMPAIGN

Although the ink is hardly dry on the pages of the 2007 final programme Boston Co-Club Chairman Dale Allitt is already putting together an action plan in readiness for the 2008 season.   This is a very different situation to that which surrounded the future of the smallest club in speedway, as they like to be known, at the end of 2006 when the Barracudas seemed destined to return to the history books.   Just twelve months after an initial announcement that the Club would close, the new Promotion are confident that not only will they run in 2008 but they intend to leave nothing to chance in their detailed planning fro the new season.

“With a year behind us and also a very sharp learning curve it is time already to put what we’ve learnt into practice so that next season we can continue along our planned route towards a permanent home of our own, although I would stress that although this is being pursued with renewed vigour we are at still short of the green shoots stage at the moment.” said Allitt at the weekend.   “But there is a plan in an embryonic state and one of the aims of the Club is to return to the Boston area sooner rather later.” he added.    “Next season we will operate at Kings Lynn again and I have had some preliminary discussions already with Jonathan Chapman and will continue these soon.  There are many things that we have in mind and I intend to devote my attention to sponsorship and examine ways and means of improving what we can offer our sponsors.   It is very easy to merely take peoples’ money but we want to give them something of real advantage in return such as better advertising through the success of the club and we want to try and do more for them on match days and make them feel the very important part of the Club that they are.    Last season we always seemed to be rushing around but we have to make time for the people that are supporting us in every way but especially our sponsors.   They are the lifeblood of our Club if not the whole sport and at the present time we could not exist without their financial backing and in return for that we shall try hard to improve what we can offer them.” said Allitt.

Boston are also anxious that the Conference League continues to develop and that it remains an attractive option for existing teams and also for any potential newcomers.    “I am looking forward to the next meeting of Conference Chairmen and there are some very serious issues to be considered.   The most important issue is the situation governing team strengths and the equalisation of the teams at the start of the season.   It is very important that the supporters of all teams feel that their club has a chance of doing well and that the entertainment provided at our matches is worth what we charge to our customers to see it.  The two go together and if we can get the first part right the second will lead to better attendances.   It is time to take a fresh look at the situation of grading systems or other methods of equalising team strengths and I hope that the Conference League will grasp these problems and consider how best to take this issue forward.” said Allitt.

Various Boston riders have been in action since the Barracudas completed their own fixtures.   Simon Lambert has successfully taken part in two Cup Finals first with parent club Kings Lynn and then guesting for Redcar at Birmingham on Sunday his return for the Bears including a vital race win at Perry Barr.    A number of the Boston Scottish clan plus Wayne “MacDunworth” took part in the Hethersfield Gold Helmet competition at Ashfield and although the meeting was truncated because of the rain Adam McKinna was runner up in the event.

ELITE CLASS SHINES THROUGH

The “Staffsmart” Boston Barracudas rounded off their season when a “Boston Select” quartet finished third in the Big Bang 2 Event at Mildenhall on Sunday.   It was a most enjoyable afternoon with warm sunshine enhancing the meeting and it was a real privilege for Boston to feature such great names in their side with Lewis Bridger, Kevin Doolan, Carl Wilkinson and James Brundle, who together with Matthew Wright acting as reserve, certainly made their presence felt at West Row.   Indeed, Carl Wilkinson’s epic battle with Chris Schramm provided the race of the day whilst Lewis Bridger’s overtake down the back straight that took him from last to first was also the move of the match in many people’s eyes.  

It must be stated, however, that from the outset the Elite League class of Peterborough stole the show and with three new track records along the way the Panthers dominated proceedings.  For the rest it was a battle to see who would be runners-up and although Boston looked likely to fill that position they fell away towards the end and eventually took third place.

Peterborough 38, East Anglian Select 27, Boston Select 22, Mildenhall 21.

Boston Scorers: Lewis Bridger 11, Carl Wilkinson 5, James Brundle 3, Kevin Doolan 3.

With the season now at an end for the Barracudas the new Promotional Team and their supporters can reflect upon a good season of results certainly the best the Club has enjoyed for a number of years and plans are being laid in readiness for next season and beyond.   Discussions are beginning to open up on a number of fronts that may ultimately provide a more secure long term future for the club and news about these matters will be regularly reported as the winter months go by.

The Club has noted with interest the comments of some other Conference League Clubs recently in these columns concerning the approach to gradings and other matters.   “Last week Mike Bowden of Plymouth suggested a need for averages to be introduced to control team strengths and I think that would be our view.  The present grading situation is one of the most urgent problems facing the Conference League and since we have to be able to market this level of speedway to the public it must be seen to operate on a level playing field.  This has proved difficult in my view with the grading system which creates anomalies with some really good riders graded much lower than their actual ability because of the age limitations within the grades.  That in itself creates a serious flaw in the distribution of strength around the teams and is something that must be addressed in my opinion.” said Boston Team Manager Malcolm Vasey.   “The use of averages would create a much more accurate measure of ability but there would still be flaws because of the very rapid development that certain younger riders can achieve at this level these days.  But with averages there would be far less anomalies and the imbalance created by the existing Grading System would definitely be reduced.   Opportunities for younger riders could be protected by limiting teams to the use of only one rider over 25 or some other appropriate measure that needs to be agreed.   Efforts also need to be made to more accurately assess riders with experience in other countries because that can cause problems too.” added Vasey.    “It is vital for the sport that third tier racing is able to continue and it was gratifying to see so many ex-Conference League riders in the Premier League playoff matches between Rye House and Sheffield.   Only Stefan Ekberg was not an ex-Conference League rider and several of them have appeared at that level during this season.   Added to that is the fact that many of the present Premier League teams came from the Conference League which helped them to either re-establish themselves at Premier level or they were new teams able to enter the sport at its lowest level and move up.  Can speedway do without that input?” was the question that Vasey posed.

It would seem that there will be plenty of significant importance to discuss when the Conference League Chairmen meet this winter.

CUDAS FINISH FOURTH

Two disappointing defeats for the Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas but never the less the Club enjoyed their best League position for some years by clinching fourth spot in the Conference League table by virtue of taking the bonus point in their second match of the weekend at Rye House.

Boston 36 Scunthorpe 56 (Conference League Play Off Semi Final First Leg)

Scunthorpe win 119 – 66 on aggregate

Once again the Scorpions stamped their authority over Boston and whilst the process may have been entertaining it was definitely a disappointment to the Barracudas who had hoped to finish their season at home on a high note.  After winning the toss and choosing gates 2 and 4, Boston were outgated in Heat 1 although Brundle quickly passed Haines but could not catch Woffinden who was only one second outside the four year old Conference Track record. 

Adam Lowe’s engine suffered major damage just prior to the meeting and he did not make the start of Heat 2 and with McDade an early faller Scunthorpe coasted to a 5-0 advantage.

The track continued to remain grippy and some riders struggled with it and in particular Matt Wright was far from his usual self as Cockle passed him coming out of turn four of the opening lap and, with Lambert unable to catch Auty, Scunthorpe registered another 4-2 in Heat 3.   The next race was shared with Mallett passing Compton on the first lap to romp away to a fine victory but Scunthorpe scored another 4-2 in the next race in which Woffinden looked invincible.  A tactical ride for Brundle came in Heat 6 which he won and with Adam McKinna narrowly holding off Compton after the two had battled for four laps Boston reduced  Scunthorpe’s lead to four points.  Mallett led Auty for three laps in Heat 7 before the Scorpion neatly switched inside his line as they entered the final lap.   Heat 8 was a disappointment for the Barracudas as Haines and Bekker scored a relatively easy 5-1.

Heat 9 was shared, providing the first win of the evening for Simon Lambert and Cockle was excluded in the next when his fall clearly impeded McKinna, Brundle winning the re-run despite a hectic chase by Auty to give Boston a 4-2.  But the eight point deficit became 12 points when Woffinden and Haines led all the way for another Scunthorpe maximum in Heat 11.  Auty was too fast for Lambert in Heat 12, yet another 4-2 to the visitors a score repeated in the next as the lead stretched to 16 points.  Matthew Wright demonstrated his true ability with a fine win in Heat 14 but Tactical Substitute Simon Lambert clearly tiring during his second match of the evening could make little impression on Bekker and Cockle.   In the final race Mallett made the gate but first Woffinden and then Auty passed him during the first lap the former completing an 18 point maximum.

A big crowd had stayed on to watch the match following Kings Lynn’s Premier League fixture and they witnessed another power house display from Scunthorpe’s talented team.  Woffinden has the hallmark of a future champion and Auty could well be bracketed with him.  Joe Haines, still at an earlier stage in his career, also appears to have some special abilities and may well attain the heights of his illustrious team mates next season.   Boston did their best and Brundle, Mallett and Lambert were always in the thick of the action.  McKinna battled hard and Wright won a race after struggling to get to grips with the track in the early stages.

Boston: Brundle 13, McKinna 4, Lambert 9, Wright 3, Mallett 7, Lowe 0, McDade 0.

Scunthorpe: Woffinden 15, Haines 7, Auty 13, Cockle 3, Compton 6, Richardson 4, Bekker 8.

Rye House 61 Boston 33 (Conference League)

This was a match postponed on a number of occasions because of the summer’s rainy weather but it was significant to both sides in their attempts to secure fourth place in the table.  Boston went into the match without either of their recognised heat leaders and by the careful use of their tactical options they managed to mount a successful damage limitation exercise to ensure that they took the aggregate bonus point and fourth place in the League.

The Rye House Raiders plundered most of the early races with a sequence of race wins on the slick surface but as Boston became used to the conditions they managed to regain some ground to achieve their main objective.

The match hinged on the Tactical ride by McKinna in Heat 11 and the Tactical Substitute ride by Wright in the next race both securing second place with battling displays for a total of eight points between them in the two races.  It was a backs to the wall performance and the team can be proud of their efforts.

Rye House: Bowen 8, Mear 16, Halsey13, Karlis 18, Newman 6, Filmer 0.

Boston: McKinna 8, Lambert 5, Wright 10, Mallett 3, McDade 4, Lowe 3, Morris 0.

“Defeat at home to Scunthorpe is never something that we or our supporters take to easily but we recognise the special talents of the 2007 Scorpions and I rate it as possibly the best third tier team of all time although there is a case to argue for the Peterborough team of 1997 and the Mildenhall team of 2004.  Peterborough were similar in many ways with David Howe, Oliver Allen and Simon Stead burgeoning youngsters but at that time doubling up in the way that it happens nowadays was not an option and therefore it is hard to say whether at that stage of their careers that particular trio would have matched Tai Woffinden and Josh Auty at a higher level.   Also, Scunthorpe are so strong in depth and there lies the difference in my view.” said Boston Team Manager Malcolm Vasey.

After the match at Rye House Co-Club Chairman Dale Allitt called the Boston riders together and thanked them for their efforts throughout the season highlighting the winning of the Conference Pairs and the two semi final places in the League Play Offs and the KO Cup as worthy achievements for a side that suffered plenty of injuries during the course of the season.

Matthew Wright won the Shareholders Junior Championship at Mildenhall on Sunday with fellow Barracuda Darren Mallett in third place to cap a successful afternoon in the Fens and not without some support from the Boston area in the crowd.   Also taking part were Boston reserves Adam Lowe and Kieran Morris who filled the reserve berths for the event and rode well enough when called upon to take the place of injured riders.

A Boston select will take part in the Big Bang 2 meeting at Mildenhall on Sunday (4.30 pm) when an appropriately structured select side will face Mildenhall, Peterborough and an East Anglian Select hoping to lift the prize.   Boston have their regular No. 1 James Brundle who will be joined by former No.1 Carl Wilkinson whilst Kevin Doolan and Lewis Bridger will add power ready to take on the strength of the opposition sides.   “The afternoon promises to provide great entertainment with the Big Bang in shape of the fireworks at the end and although we are a composite team they all have at least slight Boston connections and I hope our supporters will come along and help  us to win it and enjoy a good afternoon at West Row.” said Dale Allitt.

The Club are awaiting dates of meetings with other Conference League Clubs in order to address the issues raised during the 2007 season and to start planning effectively for 2008.   Clearly the re-engineering that could take place at a higher levels within the sport will impact upon the Conference League but it is essential that some aspects of the League are reviewed and where possible improvements considered.

BOSTON OUT TO AVENGE DOUBLE DEFEAT

Boston 30 Scunthorpe 62 (KO Cup Second Leg – held at Scunthorpe)

Scunthorpe win 113 – 75 on aggregate

This meeting proved to be a big disappointment for the Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas” who had hoped to improve on their showing at the same venue just five days earlier when they restricted the Scorpions to a mere six point advantage.  But the return to the Scunthorpe ranks of Tai Woffinden appeared to raise everyone else’s game and although the match was interesting and attracted a good crowd, in reality there was only ever one team in it.  Boston will point to some reasonable individual performances and hope that these will inspire others to greater things when the two clubs meet at the same venue yet again on Sunday.  

The immaculate Woffinden opened his account with a superb race win over Paul Cooper in Heat1 with Joe Haines passing Adam McKinna for the third place point.  Heat 2 left the Barracudas with major problems when McDade spun and fell in the path of Adam Lowe as the pair came out of turn two, the latter striking his grounded partner and was thrown from the bike which then proceeded to a spin violently out of control across the infield luckily hitting no-one before it eventually came to rest.   Lowe himself was excluded for a fall in the re-run to complete a disastrous start for the “home” team with the Scunthorpe pair cruising to a 5-0 at the third attempt to stage the race.   Things did not improve with consecutive 5-1’s for Scunthorpe who led by an incredible 19-4 after four races.   Lambert managed to split Woffinden and Haines in Heat 5 resisting pressure from the latter who almost squeezed past and with Cooper scoring a six point Tactical Ride victory in Heat 6 the beleaguered Boston had climbed back to within 14 points of the Scorpions.  Slight relief fort the barracudas came in Heat 7 when Cockle slid off his bike whilst third but it was merely the calm before the storm. 

Scunthorpe continued their relentless attack with four more maximums in the last eight heats demonstrating their strength right across the board.  Race victories during the final onslaught came from Haines (twice), Bekker, Woffinden and Auty the Barracudas being swept aside by a sea of talent that was both devastating and efficient in its execution.  A fall by Woffinden in Heat 9 was the only blemish and it was left to Cooper, Lambert and Mallett to provide any real opposition to one of the greatest sides that the Conference League has seen and who would appear destined to claim all of the major team events at this level in 2007.

Boston: Cooper 12, McKinna 1, Lambert 7, Wright 3, Mallett 6, Lowe 1, McDade 0.

Scunthorpe: Woffinden 14, Haines 10, Auty 16, Cockle 5, Richardson 7, Bekker 10.

Scunthorpe 63 Boston 30 (Conference League Play-Off Semi Final First Leg)

 Scunthorpe achieved an emphatic 63-30 victory in this third meeting of the two clubs inside eight days with only Paul Cooper and Simon Lambert making significant contributions for Boston and leaving the Barracudas with a mountain to climb in the second leg at Kings Lynn on Friday.

The meeting started badly for Boston when Paul Cooper blew a hole in the casing of his best engine in the re-run of Heat 1 after he had touched the tapes in the first attempt to stage the race.   Boston made the most awful of starts in the first four races with only Lambert splitting the Scunthorpe pair in Heat 3 the other races being 5-1 in favour of the home team.   Cooper mounted on his second machine managed to win Heat 5 but it was business as usual for Scunthorpe with another maximum in the following race.
Simon Lambert won Heat 7 but with Matthew Wright unable to get to grips with the track the race was shared and McKinna fell in Heat 8 another maximum to the Scorpions.   The Scunthorpe onslaught was unabated until Paul Cooper scored six points from a Tactical Ride in Heat 11 with McKinna third as Boston tried to salvage some degree of pride.   Lambert outpaced Auty in the next as Boston fought to try and preserve respectability in the score line but Cooper’s second places in Heats 13 and 15 were all that Boston could muster in the closing heats.

It must be said that Scunthorpe are a remarkable side with Haines now almost as good as the peerless Woffinden and the outstanding Auty and try as they might Boston just could not match this fine side.

Scunthorpe 63: Woffinden 13, Haines 12, Auty 10, 7, Compton 7, Richardson5, Bekker 9.
Boston 30: Cooper 13 McKinna 2, Lambert 10, Wright 0, Mallett 2, Morris 2, McDade 1.

The whole of the Boston setup were bitterly disappointed with the two results at Normanby Road.   Many of the team felt that they did not do themselves justice and whilst it is true that one or two riders looked out of touch it must be said that Scunthorpe are clearly one of the best sides at Conference level certainly since the introduction of the Grading System and arguably since the introduction of speedway’s third tier in 1994.   “We still have an opportunity to try and beat them again at Kings Lynn on Friday and we intend to do our very best to do so.” said Co-Club Chairman Dale Allitt, referring to another crunching encounter with the Scorpions immediately after the Kings Lynn fixture against the Isle of Wight at the Norfolk Arena tomorrow.   “I am totally convinced that we will give them a real run for their money on Friday and you just never know.” he added.   “Some of our riders were quite distraught after Sunday and are determined to improve matters at home.” said Allitt.  

The Barracudas complete their fixtures with a League match at Hoddesdon on Saturday when they face the Rye House Raiders.   The Club would like to end their season on a high note and feel that their achievements in 2007 should not be lost in the midst of a series of defeats to such a good team as Scunthorpe.   “We won the Conference Pairs and we reached the semi finals of the Cup and the Play offs and these are the best collection of results that Boston have achieved for some time.” said Allitt.   “Not only that but we had more than our fair share of bad luck with injuries but always managed to come out of each situation with an appropriate solution so all in all I have to be pleased with that.    The riders deserve a lot of credit and it upsets us when people, especially on the Internet, fail to make allowance for the strength and quality of the opposition.”

Boston were bemused to learn on Monday that despite having to shoe horn in their two semi final  fixtures with Scunthorpe following the rain off two weeks ago, that Plymouth have been allowed to decline to race their Cup Final at Scunthorpe this weekend despite the possibility that the clubs will meet in the Play off Final as well.  “I understand that we had to comply with the tight fixture schedule partly because of pressure from Plymouth who now seem in no hurry to get on with their programme.  It will be a major disappointment for the League if the weather should close in and cause further difficulties.” said Boston Team manager Malcolm Vasey. 

Friday’s match at the Norfolk Arena follows the Kings Lynn v Isle of Wight Premier League fixture which will start at 7.30 pm and admission will be £15 for the two matches with concessions admitted for £11, Juniors £5 and Children Under 11 free of charge.   The match will provide a final opportunity to see at first hand riders of the ability of Tai Woffinden and Josh Auty who will grace the higher Leagues within speedway full time next season and also Chris Holder of the Isle of Wight tipped by many to be the next Australian World Champion.  It should be a night to remember.  Boston complete their league fixtures at Rye House (Hoddesdon) on Saturday evening (7.00 pm start).   It is understood that admission to this match is free as a generous thank you to Rye House supporters and obviously this will apply to any Boston followers present.

The Barracudas have been forced to change the date and venue of their Presentation Evening which will now be held on Friday 23rd November 2007 at the Pinchbeck Village Hall near Spalding.

MAGNIFICENT EFFORT FROM BARRACUDAS AFTER YET ANOTHER RAIN-OFF

Scunthorpe 51 Boston 45 (Conference KO Cup Semi Final First Leg)

With yet another rain off for the Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas at the Norfolk Arena on Friday they certainly made a brilliant recovery after a terrible start at Normanby Road on Sunday coming back from an 18 point deficit to end the match a mere six points adrift of their multi Champion opponents.   Indeed after trailing 10-2 after just two heats the Barracudas outscored mighty Scunthorpe over the remainder of the match not something many teams can do at the “Normanby Fortress”.  

Forgetting the score line it was a memorable afternoon of Conference League speedway demonstrating totally the entertainment value at this level of the sport.   After a poor start by Boston as so often happens they started the fight back with a shared Heat 3 followed up with another drawn heat after Byron Bekker fell close to the end of Heat 4.    Paul Cooper won Heat 5 for Boston but Scunthorpe were still looking very strong at this stage and their lead had advanced to sixteen points by the end of Heat 8.  After sharing Heat 9 an outstanding last bend pass by Josh Auty gave the Scorpions a 4-2 and an eighteen point lead. 

Paul Cooper was nominated for a Tactical ride in Heat 11 and with Adam McKinna fending off the challenge from his opponents Boston scored an 8-1.  The next two heats were shared with a battling performance from Simon Lambert in Heat 12 in which he used the dirt line of the outer tack edge to great effect to out pace the Scorpions pair.   Paul Cooper, who was inspirational both on the track and in the pits enabled Boston to share Heat 13 with his third race win.   Boston pulled Simon Lambert back 15 metres in the penultimate race to enable him to double his points scored if he beat one of the Scunthorpe riders.   It took the Boston Captain three laps top get past Richardson who blocked his every move but as Lambert swept passed him on the final turn he maintained his momentum to go under James Cockle in one of the manoeuvres of the season to take a 6-3 advantage from the race. 

In Heat 15 Josh Auty reared at the gate allowing Paul Cooper an easy victory with Lambert nursing a sick motor around to take third place to end a remarkable match.

Scunthorpe: Auty 11, Haines 14, Cockle 7, Compton 6, Richardson 5, Bekker 8.

Boston: Cooper 16, McKinna 4, Lambert 15, Wright 2, Mallett 5, Lowe 1,McDade 2.

So once again the cruel hand of fate has interrupted Boston’s plans and damaged their chances of a major success with the inglorious weather taking centre stage last Friday leaving Boston’s hopes of a cup upset against the might of Scunthorpe  somewhat in tatters as numerous great minds combined to try and find a way out of the fixture chaos that the Barracudas are facing,    Every possible fixture permutation was examined and for one reason or another rejected some not financially viable and some logistically impossible when allowing for travelling and work commitments.   There is a need to complete this semi final tie in time to allow the winners the opportunity to race against Plymouth, conquerors of Weymouth and the emerging team from the other half of the draw.   There is also the need for Boston and Scunthorpe to meet in the two leg Play-off semi finals with the attendant risk perhaps of another postponement somewhere.   Ultimately, after considerable reflection, the Boston Promotion decided to accept the offer to hire Scunthorpe’s track at Normanby Road this Friday evening (5th October at 7.30 pm) to stage their home leg and these and the proposals made for the remaining Boston fixtures this season have been accepted by the BSPA with the Scorpions visiting Kings Lynn on Friday 12th October for the second leg of the Play-Off semi final.    The First Leg of the Play-Offs is at Normanby Road on Sunday afternoon and that should provide yet more excitement as this series between Lincolnshire’s two speedway clubs develops.

“It was the only equitable situation that did not impact on the staging of the Final and hopefully the weather will be kind to us this time.” said Boston Co-Promoter Dale Allitt.   “I understand that some of our supporters will find the 65 mile journey to Scunthorpe a problem but I do hope that they will bear with us and try and make it.   We are going there to try and win and there have been bigger upsets in speedway.” he added.    “We are very grateful to the Scunthorpe Promoters for allowing us to use their track in this way it was such a serious fixture log jam and at least we have a solution that we can manage.   Trying to get a team together for a short notice midweek fixture is virtually impossible given the travelling involved.” suggested Allitt.   No such problems would exist if the Club had its own track in Boston and it is a social disgrace that they and their followers remain exiled at Kings Lynn after eight years where they have to play second fiddle to the Premier League Kings Lynn Stars.   Surely some member of the Boston Borough Council could champion their cause for a track of their own and direct some corporate municipal effort into the exercise.   It is a sad fact that on the edge of the town a lightly used facility is based that was built with the aid of Council Taxpayers’ money and is surely a drain on the public coffers.  The feasibility of offering the Barracudas a permanent home there or elsewhere is surely now becoming a must for the authorities,  The galling feature of Boston racing at Normanby Road instead of in the Borough is that the facility used by Scunthorpe is on land designated by the Council for such use something that does not appear to exist in Boston.   This situation continues to rob the Borough residents of an entertainment feature and the local economy is denied the revenue that such activity as regular speedway racing would bring.   Boston’s main sponsor “Staffsmart” are keen to direct financial help to such a project and will work with the Club and the Council to ensure the achievement of a dream.   It is time for the Council to signal its intent to do the same for its residents and the commercial sector instead of remaining ominously silent.

Last Sunday Boston fought back in terrific fashion at Scunthorpe to go into the second leg just six points adrift of their powerful neighbours.   It had looked a gloomy picture in the early stages but Boston fought back with tactical ride successes for Simon Lambert and Boston man of the match Paul Cooper who was devastating after a disaster in the first race.  “Paul Cooper helped lead the fight back and then Simon Lambert’s heroics in Heat 14 were simply unbelievable.” said Boston Team Manager Malcolm Vasey   “I know Scunthorpe had some problems but so did we with Matt Wright losing the use of his No 1 bike just before the parade and Simon also lost power in his final ride.   Paul was amazing dishing out advice to the other riders about where to ride the track he really is a top guy.” said Vasey.

Looking ahead to the weekend Boston feel that they can eliminate Scunthorpe from at least one of the competitions.  “By Sunday we will think it is our home track and that could set us up to complete the task next week.  Similarly six points adrift on Friday and this lot fear no-one.  It just could happen.” said Simon Lambert.  “If the season was just starting we would be the ones to watch and we are out to show that.”   

BARRACUDAS AIM FOR CUP FINAL

What a treat in store for speedway fans in Lincolnshire and North Norfolk during the next two weekends with Boston and Scunthorpe going head to head in first the Knockout Cup Semi Final  with those mouth watering matches taking place on Friday at Kings Lynn (7.30 pm) with the conclusion 48 hours later at Scunthorpe on Sunday afternoon (3.00 pm).    But it doesn’t end there because the Clubs will meet again in the Conference Play-Off semi final on Sunday 7th October at Scunthorpe and on Friday 12th October at the Norfolk Arena.    Four matches that would grace any Conference League scenario at any period in the history of this level of the sport and the equal of some of the great Boston and Mildenhall matches of the Drury era when it was inadvisable to look away for a second as the action progressed relentlessly.

Barring any last minute hitch the “Staffsmart” Barracudas will be at full strength for both fixtures this weekend alternating their No.1 with James Brundle racing at Kings Lynn and then making use of Paul Cooper’s superb track knowledge for the return leg at Scunthorpe.   “Both of these lads have been outstanding for us since they shared the No.1 role after Jon Armstrong’s departure and it is quite appropriate that we use the two in this way.” said Boston Team Manager Malcolm Vasey.  “We have looked very closely at the two sides and have highlighted one or two points that will form the basis for our attack on the Scorpions and we hope that this will perhaps give us an edge.   But you know there are fourteen great Conference League riders taking part in these matches and as we saw in our double header two weeks ago, inspiration can come from just about anywhere.” added Vasey.

An added bonus will be that James Brundle can expect some support from Kings Lynn fans on Friday whilst Sunday may see some travelling support from Sheffield for Paul at Scunthorpe.   Indeed James is looking forward to racing in front of as many Stars fans as possible given his recent departure from the Kings Lynn side.

It is clear that these fixtures are not just about the riders in the No.1 race jackets but also an opportunity for other Boston riders to continue the high level of performance that they have displayed recently to reach their present position.  To do that the Club has seen outstanding performances from their Captain Simon Lambert and his partnership with Matthew Wright has been devastating for opposing teams in recent weeks.   Wright has hit his best form of the season and possibly his career and is attracting guest bookings from the Premier League.   He was the man of the match at Sittingbourne when the team took a few heats to get into their stride and that follows other top performances since his return from injury.  Simon Lambert underlined his liking for the Normanby Road track at Scunthorpe when a problem with his coil followed some kind of carburration problem prevented him reaching the Final in the David Nix Memorial Trophy last weekend.    Simon’s sudden loss of power on his second bike impacted upon Darren Mallett who was close behind, his evasive action leaving him at the back of the field.   In fact Mallett rode as well as ever at Normanby Road last weekend something of an encouragement to all at Boston.  

“All of our riders are reaching personal heights.” said Co-Club Chairman Dale Allitt.   “I would cite Adam Lowe’s racing against Buxton as a personal best and the Scottish lads have also been strong even though Adam McKinna has struggled a bit with his knee.  Cal McDade has all of his old enthusiasm back and at the start of the season we said that the team would improve.  Well that has happened and anyone getting in the way of us now will know that they have been in a match.   We surprised Scunthorpe when they came here five weeks ago but we have cranked it up a notch since then.” added Allitt.

Some great battles will be fought out starting at Kings Lynn on Friday.    They pose key questions upon which that Cup Final spot may ultimately depend.  Can James Brundle get the better of Woffinden and Auty the latter will want to seriously improve on his showing the last time the clubs met?  Will the dynamic partnership of Lambert and Wright cope as well with what Scunthorpe can throw at them as they did with Jon Armstrong, himself a mighty warrior at the Norfolk Arena.   Will Adam Lowe sweep around the opposition by using the dirt line to great effect like he did last time out for Boston.  These are just some of the battle ground areas that will decide the outcome of the first leg and it may be that the tactical battle will form the centre spread at Scunthorpe.   It is a totally intriguing situation with the current Champions and KO Cup holders possibly looking over their shoulders a little more than is often the case as Boston seek to announce themselves in the best way that they know how  and every one present is in for an absolute thrill packed weekend. 

It is another one of those ties that provides spectators with an opportunity of seeing at first hand a real battle of all talents at Conference level.  Boston come into the series on the back of three victories whilst Scunthorpe have lost three times all season in all competitions.   There is the opportunity to see the prodigious talent of sixteen year old Tai Woffinden, the Conference League Riders Champion and Under 18 Champion crowned with both of those titles after outstanding performances in the last ten days.  He is arguably the best sixteen year old the sport has seen and in fact races for the Premier League Riders Championship when the clubs meet on Sunday.   Josh Auty has been signed by Elite League Coventry in readiness for his career at the highest level and Boston will challenge these two with scant regard for the reputations that they have built for themselves.    This really is an opportunity to see, smell and feel the action in a sport that is regaining its popularity on a national scale with the Boston management still hopeful of a return to the Borough in the future.  They have been looking at a possible option for the last few months but want to go into any project with the noise of their supporters ringing in their ears.   What better chance to do that than against the might of Scunthorpe?       

Teams at Boston:

Boston: Brundle, McKinna, Lambert, Wright, Mallett, Lowe, McDade

Scunthorpe:                

Teams at Scunthorpe:

Boston: Cooper, McKinna, Lambert, Wright, Mallett, Lowe, McDade

Scunthorpe: Woffinden, Haines, Auty, Cockell, TBA, Richardson Bekker.

(team to be revised for Sunday’s fixture)

Tickets for the Barracudas’ Presentation Evening will be on sale at the match this taking place on Saturday 24th November at St Thomas Church Hall, Boston.   The price of tickets is £10.00 each and numbers are limited.   In the past demand for this event has always exceeded availability and those wishing to attend are advised to get their tickets as soon as possible.

SUPER BARRACUDAS – THREE GOOD WINS

Three battling victories during a hectic weekend have virtually assured the Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas of a place in the Conference League play-offs and with a 39 point lead over the Rye House Raiders it would require that to be squandered in the return fixture and a sequence of other adverse results to deny the Barracudas of their place.    It was a tough weekend and the entire team deserves great credit for the way that they worked very hard as a team to achieve these results. 

Boston 65 Rye House 26 (Conference League)

With Boston’s injury list almost disappeared and Rye House struggling to field a team with Cottham and Strudwick injured and Luke Bowen in action for the Rockets it was perhaps no wonder that the final score line saw 39 points separating the two teams.

However, the Barracudas tore into this match as if their lives depended on it opening with a salvo of three 5-1’s against the depleted Raiders who although outclassed in the early stages had two heroes in the shape of Robert Mear and Daniel Halsey who did their utmost against massive odds to keep the Boston victory level down.

But the Barracudas were simply awesome as they progressed to 29-7 after six heats leaving stand in Team Manager Jack Lee with a heavy frown as he looked for ways and means of obtaining points for his team.   A Tactical Ride for Robert Mear in Heat 7 produced the first shared heat of the evening but two more 5-1’s for the Barracudas and the match was all over by the end of Heat 9 with a score line of 43-13 in favour of the home team.  Robert Mear shot from the tapes to bravely win Heat 10 and Halsey joined Ezergailis to share the points in the following race as Rye tried to edge towards respectability.  Indeed Mear took second place in Heat 12 as he split Lambert and McDade and Halsey did the same one race later getting between Brundle and Mallett.   Kye Norton fell and Shane Henry retired in the penultimate to gift a 5-0 to the rampant Barracudas before Mear and Halsey snatches a 3-3 in the final race maintaining their effort to the end.

Every one of the Boston team rode well with Lambert looking especially sharp and Mallett making a return after breaking his collar bone for a useful eight point haul.

Boston: Brundle 10, McKinna 9, Lambert 14, Wright 10, Mallett 8, Lowe 6 McDade8.

Rye House: Ezergailis 3, Mear 13, Henry 0, Halsey 9, Laurence 1, Norton o       

Boston 58 Buxton 34 (Conference League)

This was a really exciting match spiced up for Boston and their fans by the first return visit of their early season No.1 Jon Armstrong, who left for Birmingham in May but who is now with Buxton after the Brummies terminated his services.  

The match began badly for the Barracudas when Brundle and McKinna took the lead before Brundle shed a chain and McKinna hit the fence when trying to re-pass Armstrong giving the Hitmen a 5-1 to start their campaign.    Lewis Dallaway led Heat 2 from start to finish but the Boston reserves were comfortably ahead of Paul Starke when he retired with a problem.   Lambert and Wright looked a very strong pairing as they put the Barracudas on terms with a 5-1 in the next and Mallett showed little sign of his recent injury when he won Heat 4 with McDade collecting third place to put Boston ahead for the first time.  Matthew Wright rode a fine Heat 5 and with Lambert behind him resisting the challenge of Armstrong the crowd began to buzz with anticipation as their lead was stretched to six points.   Another win for Mallett in a shared Heat 7 was followed by an impressive effort from Lowe as he took Heat 8 replacing the injured McKinna with Hodgson presenting a threat which the youngster staved off to take the win.   Lambert and Wright increased the lead with a 4-2 in Heat 9, Lambert and Armstrong battling for the lead which changed hands several times before the Boston Captain won the race.  Brundle and McDade scored another 4-2 in Heat 10 with Ben Taylor eventually passing the Scot to prevent another Boston maximum.   Darren Mallett passed Jon Armstrong who took a Tactical Ride for the Hitmen in Heat 11 to minimise the damage as Buxton clawed two points back Boston leading 38-30 with four heats remaining.

The Barracudas then despatched the Hitmen with four consecutive 5-1 race wins to end the match but that does nothing to reflect their efforts in achieving such a grandstand finish.   Simon Lambert won the first of the sequence with Adam Lowe adopting a round the boards style that earned him second place with the crowd gasping at his flirtation with the outer limits of the track.  The impeccable Brundle and Mallett gave Armstrong no chance in Heat 13 and then Lowe returned to his exploits passing and re-passing Ben Taylor around the outside actually brushing the fence on one occasion to win his battle with Taylor bravely whilst Matt Wright powered home with great drama, which had the crowd on their feet, going on behind him.  It was heady stuff and marked Lowe’s best performance for Boston and the match was completed when Wright and Mallett took yet another 5-1 in the final race.   Boston’s play-off hopes were still alive and a very supportive crowd cheered them loudly on their victory lap.                  

Boston: Brundle 9, McKinna 1, Lambert 11, Wright 12, Mallett 13, Lowe 8, McDade 4.

Buxton: Armstrong 11, Hodgson 6, James 5, Taylor 7, Dallaway 5, Starke 0.

Sittingbourne 40 Boston 53 (Conference League)

Boston made a terrible start to this match with the Crusaders and were trailing 17-7 after just four heats and looking all at sea on a very slick track which contained a number of ruts making cornering difficult especially on turns three and four.  James Brundle was given a Tactical Ride in Heat 5 and with Adam McKinna following his No.1 home the Crusaders lead was reduced to three points.  Another 5-1 to Sittingbourne in Heat 6 was quickly reversed by Wright and Lambert in the next before eventually the superior skills of the visitors showed as they got more and more used to the track eventually easing to a comfortable win.  This was achieved without the services of McKinna after Heat 5 in which he caught his right leg in a rut leaving him with further damage to his knee.

Sittingbourne:  Felton 12, Cook 11, Reynolds 4 Cross 4, Baseby 3, Hart 6, Mullins 0.

Boston: Brundle 12, McKinna 2, Lambert 9, Wright 13, Mallett 6, Lowe 4, McDade 7

So, a tremendous weekend for the Barracudas ended on a high note when the three points gathered at Sittingbourne just about put Boston into the play-offs with one match to go against Rye House.  It began with a superb evening on Friday when the five points on offer were snapped up in the double header fixture with Rye House and Buxton and was followed up with that win at Sittingbourne and three more precious points in the bag.   Most pleasing of all for Boston was the high level of individual performance from the whole team and the way that they pulled together at the Old Gun Site after a disastrous start, on a track that had deteriorated during a long day, was quite exceptional.

On Friday evening the reserves had to dig deep when Adam McKinna was injured in the first heat of the second match of the double header and although Cal McDade was feeling very weary he produced points at vital times with some electric gating.   Adam Lowe stepped up to the plate towards the end of the same match when after a fairly heavy fall in Heat 11 he took the route that can best be described as the “outer limits” brushing his way around the safety fence to notch six paid points in his last two rides with some of the bravest riding seen from Boston this season.  “You cannot single out anyone because the whole team weighed in all weekend with massive contributions.  I believe that was Adam Lowe’s best match for Boston but Matthew Wright was also exceptional in almost every race he was in and for Darren Mallett to come back from a broken collar bone and take nine races on Friday evening was amazing, especially when we considered leaving him out of one match.” said Team Manager Malcolm Vasey.   “Not only that but he was paid for 23 points during the evening.   Let’s not forget that Simon Lambert is getting over a horrendous crash and that James Brundle was sidelined with tonsillitis a few days earlier.   Adam McKinna has had his share of injuries and with James he led the revival in Heat 5 at Sittingbourne before catching his foot in a rut and being ruled out of the meeting with a very swollen knee.” added Vasey.   “And finally who was out on the track with his bike when Mallett had a problem at the Old Gun Site.  Yes – Simon Lambert playing his Captain’s role to the full so generously ensuring that our overworked reserves did not have to take any more extra rides and Darren obliged with two wins on Rambo’s bike.” he stressed.    “This was a real team effort every single one of them gave his all and our supporters can be very proud of them.” said Vasey.  

Boston are without a fixture this weekend and the only definite fixture ahead is the KO Cup semi final with Scunthorpe which is spread over the last weekend of the month at Kings Lynn on 28th September and at Normanby Road two days later.   These will be mouth watering fixtures for the supporters of both clubs with the Scorpions anxious to avenge the blemish on their League record which Boston made when the two met at Kings Lynn in August.   “We are already planning for these matches and have one or two ideas up our sleeves.   We had a bit of a plan last time and I still don’t think anyone quite worked it out, at least nothing I have read would suggest that they have.” said Co-Promoter Dale Allitt.          

This week is a big week for the Conference League with Simon Lambert representing the Club in the Conference Riders’ Championship at Rye House on Saturday evening (7.00 pm).  Matthew Wright has been named as a reserve and the two lads could do with support at the event.  The field is very strong and well worthy of support on the terraces. 

IT’S ALL OR NOTHING FOR THE BARRACUDAS

Three matches in two days will decide play-off aspirations

Just about everything is on the line for the Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas this weekend as they fight to consolidate a position amongst the top four of the British Speedway Conference League which would give the Club the massive boost of a place in the Play-offs for the Championship.  They also have a Cup semi-final coming up shortly but at the moment their attention is highly focussed on play-off qualification.    On Friday evening at Kings Lynn (7.30 pm) the closing scenes of a dramatic Conference League season will be played out with double header fixtures against Rye House and Buxton from which the “Barracudas” hope to take the five points available to them.  They then travel to Sittingbourne on Sunday (12 noon following Sittingbourne v Plymouth) to face a rejuvenated Crusaders side hoping to collect three more points from a win including the aggregate bonus point.   A successful weekend as outlined above would virtually assure the Barracudas of a play-off place with the return fixture at Rye House to be arranged.  

The Club are hoping that their many fans in Boston and South Lincolnshire will turn out in force on Friday to help inspire them to the victories that their efforts this season undoubtedly deserve.   It has been a wretched season for the Club with an inordinate number of injuries to contend with as well as many problems with fixture postponements because of the weather.   In spite of these difficulties they have acquired riders like white rabbits out of a magician’s hat to maintain their challenge always trying to maintain a level of team strength appropriate for a play-off challenge.  The matter is just about in their own hands with the recent demise of Plymouth who face a very tough season’s end and Boston believe they have the team to take them further.   “We really deserve to do well enough to qualify and the lads are well up for it.” said Team Manager Malcolm Vasey.  “We are the only Club to register a League win over Scunthorpe this season and we believe that we can improve upon that during these last few weeks if we make the finals.   Friday is going to be like the Alamo and Custer’s Last Stand all rolled into one with a massive prize for us if we can achieve our goal.” he added. 

Oxford 50 Boston 43 (Conference League)

Everyone associated with the Barracudas can be very proud of the way that the team performed at Oxford where despite the difficulties faced by both sides due to injuries a highly competitive and entertaining match was played out at Sandy Lane which brought considerable appreciation from many Oxford supporters and their Promoter Alan Trump.  For Boston it was an opportunity to end a dismal run against Oxford but with so many riders missing through injuries the run of Oxford victories was extended to eight – and they are Barracudas’ bogey team by a long way.   Simon Lambert, Matthew Wright and Adam McKinna all delivered outstanding performances as did Cal McDade promoted to No 2 for one week and he turned in a fine display.  “I’m really up for it again now and I think that’s starting to show.” he said. “I’ve got my bikes going well again and that is so important.” he stressed.

Simon Lambert rode through the pain barrier and even scored a Tactical Ride six point victory in Heat 11 whilst Matthew Wright and Adam McKinna weighed in with very important victories.

Oxford: Smethills 16, Hughes 3, Martin 14, Andrews 2, Campos 6 Johnson 9.

Boston: Lambert 11, McDade 5, Dunworth 0, Wright 13, McKinna 9, Lowe 3, Pickard 2.

With riders beginning to return to fitness there is a growing confidence in the camp that they can make the play-0ff series.   Darren Mallett will test his broken collar bone at Kings Lynn on Wednesday and is optimistic of riding in Friday’s massive double header fixture at home to Rye House and Buxton.   “Darren’s return will make a big difference to us if he can hit form quickly and knowing Darren’s determination I am sure that will be the case.” said Co-Club Chairman Dale Allitt.   “We are quite literally asking everyone with an interest in the Barracudas to come and support us on Friday and see thirty heats of thrilling white knuckle speedway because that is how it has to be for us this week.” he added.  “We are determined right through the side to win all three matches this weekend, we are at Sittingbourne on Sunday and judging by their recent results that’s no easy matter either.    But we do need a noisy home crowd on Friday and I can promise you that we will do all in our power to deliver the goods.   We also face the return of Jon Armstrong to the Norfolk Arena who started the season with us and is now at Buxton and we look forward to some exciting races with Jon who goes so well at Kings Lynn.” stressed Allitt.   “If we can make the play-offs anything could happen and we will have a good crack at anybody.  Those who came and saw us beat Scunthorpe can expect more of the same that’s how it’s going to be.  This is the big night of the season and our determination throughout the team is running very high I can tell you.”

Boston are currently fifth in the League Table but feel that they can outscore at least one of their other main rivals for a top four spot.  “Some of the remaining fixtures look difficult for the other teams battling it out with us and I feel sure that nine more points will get us into the play-offs.  We can get eight of those this weekend and that is our target.” said Club Captain Simon Lambert.  “I am also asking for a whole lot of noise around the first bend area on Friday.  Come out and help us win the battles.” was Lambert’s plea.

Rye House have delayed selection due to injuries affecting Cottham and Laurence but the pair are making progress and expected to be fit.

Teams: Boston (all three matches) Brundle, McKinna, Lambert, Wright, Mallett (prov), Lowe, McDade.

Rye House: Karlis, Mear, Cottham (prov), Halsey, Laurence (prov) Norton.

Buxton: Armstrong, Hodgson, James, Taylor, Dallaway, Starke.             

BARRACUDAS SIGNING TO HELP INJURY CRISIS

Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas have a very serious collection of injury problems ahead of Friday night’s fixture against Oxford and have been forced to make an emergency re-declaration in order to field an appropriate team for the visit to Cowley (7.30 pm).   

At the present time Darren Mallett, Shane Waldron and Simon Lambert are all ruled out through injury Lambert being the latest to suffer injury problems when he crashed out of the match between Kings Lynn and the Isle of Wight at the Norfolk Arena last Friday.  “There is a great deal that I could say about that particular situation and we are very unhappy that Simon was used as a guest without the Island team complying with our request about this matter before going ahead.   This is becoming a problem for Conference League Clubs and whilst we did discuss this with the Islanders final clearance was never given and they were advised to clear the matter with Kings Lynn which they never did.   Last week Lambert was named by Workington for their visit to Kings Lynn and although the match was rained off we had not even had the courtesy of a request from them.   It is not right and some discipline and courtesy needs to be brought into these matters.” said Boston Co-Promoter Malcolm Vasey.   “Under normal circumstances we are as helpful as anyone but we are entitled to common courtesy surely.” he added.  “If people call us and then ignore what we tell them what was the point of the call?   Worse still how do they get away with not even calling us at all?   It is an intolerable situation.” he stressed.    “ I would suggest that riders be limited as to how many times they can guest at one venue, I would certainly not like to see the same rider lining up against my team every other week.   Lambert is a Kings Lynn tack specialist and as such is in demand at the Norfolk Arena when visiting teams have reserves out injured.   But the situation has got out of hand and something needs to be done about it.” he pointed out.

Looking ahead to the Oxford match the Club have secured the services of Jamie Pickard who has finished a loan spell at Stoke and clearance has been given by Plymouth Co-Promoter Mike Bowden for Boston to take the Midlander on loan.   “We are very grateful to Mike and I can confirm that Jamie will take up a reserve berth against Oxford with various other adjustments taking place in an attempt to minimise our injury problems.” said Malcolm Vasey.    “We are also very anxious not to suffer any further injuries otherwise we will be in meltdown.” added Vasey.   “Jamie is pleased to be joining us on loan and having seen him recently at Stoke I feel that we are very fortunate to have acquired him albeit temporarily.” he went on to say.    Boston have other possibilities in mind and are likely to announce another signing shortly but are waiting to see how their injured riders recover in the next few days.   They have a double header fixture at the Norfolk Arena on 7th September when the face both Rye House and Buxton and will want the fullest possible squad available for those matches.  

The news about Simon Lambert is that he has no broken bones and is racing against time to try for next week.    He has severe burns on various parts of his body, lots of bruises and is generally very stiff and sore but a week and half should perhaps see him fit to race again.   Kieran Morris went to hospital for surgery on his shoulder last week but the hospital doctors are pleased with his progress and surgery may not now be necessary for the young Scot.  Shane Waldron and Darren Mallett are both keen to get back to racing as soon as possible and will be ready sometime during September and as far as the Barracudas are concerned the sooner the better.   Ben Johnson is now about a month away from riding again after his car crash in April.    It has been a very difficult season for the Barracudas and yet they are still on the verge of the Conference League play-offs and have a Knockout Cup semi-final against Scunthorpe to look forward to.    They are the only team with a League victory over Scunthorpe this season.

Team at Oxford:  James Brundle, Cal McDade, Wayne Dunworth, Matthew Wright, Adam McKinna, Adam Lowe, Jamie Pickard.   

BOSTON END SCUNTHORPE’S PROUD RECORD

 Boston 46 Scunthorpe 43 (Conference League)

This was a remarkable match in many ways with the sheer grit and determination of the Barracudas eventually prevailing over the undoubted strength of the Scorpions in a classic local derby battle that featured some very interesting racing in front of a  good crowd.

The match opened with drama when Josh Auty looped at the gate in Heat 1 and received an exclusion.   Adam McKinna retired from the re-run with a machine failure and in this strange opening race Benji Compton defeated James Brundle who was riding Simon Lambert’s machine after his own gave him problems.   Heat 2 was won by Joe Haines leading by a country mile with the Boston pair well clear of Scott Richardson.   Simon Lambert gave a foretaste of things to come with a fine victory in Heat 3 with Compton and Bekker behind him and he repeated his victory in Heat 4 leaving the teams separated by one point in the visitor’s favour after the first four heats.  Josh Auty retired in Heat 5 in which Boston scored a 4-2 to take the lead for the first time something which they hung onto with considerable grit throughout the rest of the match.  Heat 6 saw that lead extended to three points when Brundle, back on his own bike, outpaced Richie Dennis with Adam McKinna well clear of an out of touch Richardson. 

Real drama came in Heat 7 when Auty crashed on the third bend with Bekker and Lambert close behind forced to take evasive action and ending up in the fence.  The two had been only two feet apart when the accident occurred and it was surprisingly announced that the race would be awarded.  Apparently this announcement was made prematurely whilst the Referee Tony Steele and Trainee Referee John Homer were still deliberating the situation and subsequently a re-run was announced with Auty excluded as the prime cause of the stoppage.   This had always seemed the most logical option although obviously it caused some consternation for the Scorpions’ management and supporters even though it appeared to be a fairer decision.   In the re-run Lambert won despite feeling the effects of his skirmish with the fence and with Lowe third behind Bekker the home team’s lead was now up to five points.  Scunthorpe replied with a 5-1, Joe Haines showing all the skills in his youthful armoury with Compton close behind.  

At this point the situation required more courage from Boston and that was provided by Matthew Wright who after a modest start to the match suddenly found his form and with Dennis unable to catch him and McKinna third Boston edged away again from the League Champions.   Brundle and McKinna gave the Barracudas another 4-2 in Heat 10 and by now the home fans were beginning to sense that the seemingly impossible might just be about to happen.  But those thoughts went back on ice when Compton beat Lambert in Heat 11 with Haines third to cut Boston’s lead back to three. 

The atmosphere was tense as Heats 12 and 13 were shared and in an interesting and vital Heat 14 a superb effort by McDade held up Bekker long enough to allow Wright to distance himself from the South African although well behind Haines ensuring that Boston went into the final race one point ahead of the Scorpions.  

Heat 15 would settle everything one way or another with Scunthorpe needing a 4-2 for victory and Boston only needing to share the race.   Scunthorpe won the toss and took gates one and three with Brundle speeding around the field from gate four and he led Compton down the back straight with Lambert in third place always well clear of Dennis.   The race looked safe with Boston in control and on the night the Barracudas were worthy winners ending a very long run of Scunthorpe success over them and taking their unbeaten League record from them.

Boston: Brundle 17, McKinna 4, Wright 8, Lambert 12, Lowe 3, McDade 2.

Scunthorpe: Auty 0, Compton 14, Bekker 9, Dennis 6, Richardson 0, Haines 14.

So it turned out to be another yet another remarkable weekend for the Barracudas starting with the victory over arch rivals Scunthorpe on Friday followed up by consecutive days rain-offs at Rye House and Sittingbourne.  The victory over the Scorpions was Boston’s first defeat of the old enemy for almost two years and was achieved with a massively improved team performance and whilst much has been made about problems in the Scunthorpe side due to missing riders Boston went into this match without the services of Waldron and Mallett.

Boston feel that their victory over Scunthorpe will spur them on for the rest of the season and they feel that a play-off place has been brought within their grasp after their disappointment against Oxford seven days earlier.  Hero of the hour was James Brundle who won an demanding Heat 15 in style to clinch the match but was quick to point out that the result was very much due to the efforts of the whole team.  “It was a team victory.” he announced modestly “Everyone had a part to play and contributed to the result.   I always felt that I could win Heat 15 but all of the lads rose to the occasion throughout the match and we got what we deserved.” added Brundle surrounded by the victorious Barracudas.  The two teams meet in a Knockout Cup semi final and Boston’s victory has perhaps forewarned the Scorpions that their recent invincibility can be threatened.  

One of the main reasons behind the Barracudas’ improvement was the quality of the track that the staff at Kings Lynn were able to provide after a slightly drier previous day and no rain on the actual day allowing the track to be somewhat grippier than that for the Oxford match.   Keith Chapman carried out the preparations prior to the match and produced an excellent racing surface that allowed riders of both teams to provide some excellent overtakes right throughout an exciting meeting.

The remainder of the weekend was frustrating with the Barracudas on a high and ready for just about anything.   The Rye House match was called off early on Saturday whilst the situation at Sittingbourne initially provided hope for a possible late start but eventually Referee Chris Gay, in consultation with both teams, had to call it a day as the rain seemed to be set in for the afternoon over the Old Gun Site.    Boston have a free weekend over the Bank Holiday to prepare for what should be a cracking match at Oxford at the end of next week.

“BARRACUDAS MUST BEAT SCUNTHORPE” – LAMBERT TO LEAD THE CHARGE

Two four point defeats in forty eight hours have left injury hit Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas’ play-off qualification hopes in serious disarray to say the very least and the Club are taking a complete back to the drawing board approach to the present situation.   Whilst there was at least one obvious contributory factor to the defeat at home to Oxford last Friday when an ultra slick surface seemed to suit their opponent’s more than themselves but that would seem to be only part of the problem and the defeat at Buxton has left the feeling amongst the all three Boston Promoters that some straight talking is the order of the day in certain quarters as the Club search for ways and means of improving on these narrow defeats ahead of three matches in three days this weekend.    The fact that the first is at home to Scunthorpe should provide all of the impetus necessary to help to try and mount a general recovery at the expense of the best team in the division.     “We have to go into that match against the Scorpions believing that we can beat them and on the right track and with the right effort I am sure that the task is not impossible.   This is the last stand in many ways and the situation is that the Barracudas must really beat Scunthorpe.” said Boston Captain Simon Lambert who certainly led from the front in all three matches in the last week.  His effort off 15 metres in the dry gulch like conditions in Heat 14 against Oxford may have been only partially successful but it proved, as Oxford’s Danny Betson also proved, that passing was possible despite the slick nature of the surface. 

At Buxton the match was won and lost in the first three heats when the Hitmen established a six point lead that they defended successfully despite Boston’s best efforts to catch them and eventually forcing a last heat decider that turned out to be in vain.   “It was very similar to what happened the last time that we were there and we have to find a way of not giving them a start.” said Boston Team Manager Malcolm Vasey.    “We have reached the point of no return now as far as the play-offs are concerned and we need a mighty effort to try and snatch something from Scunthorpe on Friday.  We proved in the second half of our fixture at Normanby Road what can be done and we have to start with Heat One this time.” he stressed.   “We are looking at one or two options and it is not impossible that there will be a change ahead of Friday but whatever we have to be right at the top of our game otherwise it will be the usual story.” added Vasey.   “Success on Friday requires good management, some great performances and a great deal of support from the terraces to rally our lads in the face of what will be the usual invasion from North Lincolnshire.   I would urge our supporters to turn out in force the lads need you and this is the moment.  If you only come from Boston once a season this is the time we really need you.” stressed Vasey. 

Looking at Boston’s injury list it seems that only Keiran Morris has any chance of racing again this month and that is by no means certain.  He also has to have surgery on his shoulder at some point but provided that his damaged knee is better by the weekend he may be considered.  Darren Mallett is beginning to feel improvement in his broken collar bone but cannot be considered for racing before September.   Shane Waldron is in good spirits although frustrated by his lack of track action since breaking the splint bone in his leg at Cleveland.   Shane hopes to race in the British Under 18 Championship Final which is late in the season and could be in action for Boston before the end of next month if his present improvement is maintained.   He is having oxygen tank treatment under the aegis of Brian Simpson in Ipswich and is working hard to keep his upper body as fit as possible.  It is quite possible that he will be fit in time for the KO Cup semi final in late September.   Ben Johnson is about a month away from being able to ride again and he is not likely race in the Conference League this season.   It has been a tale of woe for Boston once again on the injury front and like other clubs they look at the number of older riders who would like to race in the Conference League but who cannot be fitted in because of their grades.  This is a matter that may need some attention during the winter.

Stoke 46 Boston 46 (Conference League)

Boston raced into an eleven point lead and looked as if they would score a great victory in the Potteries but the Spitfires fought back with a Tactical Ride win from Evans and when Cooper’s machine shed a chain on the line in Heat 13 luck ran against the Barracudas.   A 4-2 in a dramatic penultimate race gave them a further chance of victory but the Stoke pair scored a 5-1 in the final race to snatch a draw after a most exciting match.

Stoke: Evans 15, Legg 2, Branney 16, Kendrew 0, Dore 4, Pickard 4, Isherwood 5,

Boston: Cooper 12, Lambert 11, Wright 8, McKinna 9, Lowe 5, Morris 1.

Boston 43 Oxford 47 (Conference League)

This match produced some close racing but with the track surface dry and slick the generally quick gating Cheetahs proved just too strong for Boston.   The lead changed hands on several occasions and the match could have gone either way before three disastrous heats from 11 to 13 that left Boston eight points behind.  Team Manager Malcolm Vasey put his Captain into heat 14 for double points from a 15 metre handicap and although Simon Lambert captured a gallant second place he could not pass the impeccable Betson and the heat was shared.

Boston: Brundle 13, Lambert 19, Wright 5, McKinna 4, Lowe 1, McDade 2.

Oxford: Smethills 10, Hughes 5, Betson 15, Martin 8, Piper 0, Johnson 10.

 Buxton 47 Boston 43 (Conference League)

Boston lost this match in the first three heats as they struggled initially with the tight and difficult track but from that point they made a tremendous fight that ended in the final race when Buxton scored a 4-2 to ensure their victory.   Boston never gave up and entertained the home crowd with some excellent speedway as they battled back into the match but although they reduced Buxton’s lead to two points they could not get on terms.   Lambert was again a real hero and Brundle also produced some good races although the reserves struggled to match Lewis Dallaway who was perhaps the main difference between the teams.   

Buxton: Bethell 10, Hodgson 1, James 5, Taylor 13, Roberts 8, Dallaway 9, Starke 1.

Boston: Brundle 13, Lambert 11, Wright 7, McKinna 8, Lowe 2 McDade 2.

So the Barracudas tackle on the might of Scunthorpe at kings Lynn on Friday (7.30 pm)  ahead of yet another busy weekend schedule that takes them to Rye House on Saturday (7.30 pm – second part of double header ) and Sittingbourne on Sunday (12 noon - first part of a double header).  It is imperative that Boston manage to take a minimum of four points from these fixtures although they are firm favourites to beat Sittingbourne which would give them three of those points including the aggregate bonus.   A win or a draw against Scunthorpe or Rye House would leave them right in the thick of the play-off battle but so often in the past with their big following Scunthorpe have turned away matches against Boston into a home match atmosphere.   There is no doubt that the atmosphere at the Norfolk Arena will be white hot on Friday evening and the Kings Lynn management have promised a real racers’ track with plenty of grip which should suit Boston.   It is going to be an exciting weekend with a determination amongst the Barracudas to achieve something special………………….  

PLAY OFF DOOR HINGES ON NEXT FOUR MATCHES

Oxford at Home Really Vital for Barracudas      

The Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas season could be determined during the next ten days when with six possible matches it is vital that their points return is sufficient to boost their claims for a place in the Conference League play-offs.   They are at Stoke tonight (Wednesday 7.30 pm start) before taking on Oxford at Kings Lynn on Friday (7.30 pm) in what is seen as a must win match.  The Cudas then travel to Buxton on Sunday (3.00 pm) before another similar round of fixtures next weekend.   “At the very least we must win two of our matches this week and I feel we can take them all.   Friday is a massive match with both ourselves and Oxford desperate to progress in the competition but both with injury problems in what may well be a defining point of the season.  If we start as we finished at Scunthorpe last Sunday I am sure that we can do it.   The atmosphere at home to Stoke last week was very much better with a bigger crowd and we need that again to lift us over this hurdle.  It will be electric and we have a lot to prove against Oxford who we have never beaten at this level in seven attempts.  No other club has the Indian sign over us like Oxford and we must produce some great racing on Friday to beat them.” said Boston Team Manager Malcolm Vasey.     

Once again fate lent a hand in Boston’s troubled season injury wise and yet another rider has ended up on the injury list as Darren Mallett broke his collar bone in a Heat 15 crash against Stoke.  “The strange thing was that Darren got a puncture as he went to the line and Matt Wright loaned him his bike. Darren crashed out on the final lap and broke his left collar bone and we are likely to be without him for about five weeks.” said Boston Team Manager Malcolm Vasey.   “We have to hope that we get no more injuries because we are so depleted and we will be in melt down if we lost another rider at this point.   Last Friday neither Paul Cooper or James Brundle were fit to ride and Cal McDade came back to take Kieran Morris’s place following his problems at Cleveland.  It is very difficult to field a side that is competitive and yet within the grade limit but we have managed to do so with Adam McKinna doing well in place of Shane Waldron.” added Vasey.

Boston 52 Stoke 44 (Conference League)

Boston began this match as though they would stroll through Stoke despite being depleted by injuries with the Spitfires also suffering from the loss of key riders for various reasons.    Indeed it was one way traffic for the first six heats as Boston piled up a 27-9 lead with the opposition looking for inspiration.  

That came in the shape of John Branney and Barrie Evans who mounted a brilliant response with some help from Sam Dore and some astute tactical moves from Manager John Wooldridge and the earlier situation was almost reversed by the Spitfires second half onslaught.

It began it Heat 7 when John Branney got the better of Darren Mallett and with Sam Dore third the visitors were back in business.   The sun caused a delay whilst the track was watered and Evans took his place as a Tactical Substitute and from 15 metres back swooped around McDade and McKinna over the first to bends to emerge in front to give his side a 6-3 advantage.    At 32-22 things were improving for the Spitfires but Simon Lambert and Matthew Wright increased that lead by four points with a 5-1 in the next.   Once again it looked plain sailing for the Barracudas but Branney and Dore had other ideas clawing back another 5-1 in Heat 10 with Mallett trying desperately to recover from a poor start to no avail.  The next three races were shared before Wright and Lowe scored a 4-2 in the penultimate race before a flying spectacular from the two Spitfires in Heat 15 with Evans taking an early lead and Branney eventually passing Lambert.  Meanwhile there was further misfortune for Boston when Mallett fell whilst fourth damaging Matt Wright’s machine and breaking his collar bone in the process.

Boston: McKinna 6, Lambert 13, Wright 12, Mallett 10, Lowe 4, McDade 7,

Stoke: Evans 19, Flint 0, Branney 16, Dore 5, Pickard 3, Isherwood 1, Kendrew 0.

Scunthorpe 50 Boston 31 (Conference League)

Boston trailed the League Champions by 17 points after just six heats before a dramatic partial recovery that saw them restrict the Scorpions to the extent that had Woffinden been excluded instead of Cooper when the two touched in the final race Boston would have gained points on their rivals during the second half of the match.  It was a tight call when Referee Tony Steele excluded Cooper in Heat 13 when he fell midst dist clouds and although contact was minimal it was a tight decision that could have gone either way.  Boston were dominated in the early heats but did enough as the match progressed to suggest that at their best they are capable of giving any team including  Scunthorpe something to think about.   The meeting ended after 13 heats when Paul Cooper’s machine damaged the circuit electrics during that incident with Woffinden.

 Scunthorpe: Woffinden 14, Compton 6, Bekker 7, Dennis 7, Richardson 5, Haines 11

Boston: Cooper 12, McKinna 5, Wright 3, Lambert 10, Lowe 1, McDade 0.

Forthcoming Fixtures
 Wed        8th August              Stoke (Away)         7.30 pm
Friday 10th August                Oxford (Home)     7.30 pm
Sunday 12th August             Buxton (Away)       3.00 pm
Friday 17th August                Scunthorpe (Home)            7.30 pm
Sat      18th August                Rye House (Away) – Provisional (details next week) Sunday 19th August             Sittingbourne (Away)           12 noon

DESPITE INJURIES BARRACUDAS GAIN MOMENTUM

Boston 55 Sittingbourne 38 (Conference League)

This was a lively and entertaining match with Sittingbourne looking anything but a bottom of the table side as their riders put together a very respectable challenge on a track that was difficult in the early stages but improved as the match progressed.

Danny Warwick won Heat 1 against Paul Cooper who was making his home debut for the Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas and with Shane Waldron a comfortable third the race was shared.   Heat 2 looked to be going the same way when a lapse of concentration spelt disaster for Adam Lowe who was leading at the time.   In the re-run Kieran Morris who had been a poor fourth in the original race shot to the front and although he came perilously close to a fall more than once, clung on gamely to win.  Darren Mallett and Simon Lambert were never troubled in Heat 3 but Boston’s four point lead was halved in the next with Mark Baseby winning comfortably with Jeran Hart third for the Crusaders.

Warwick again showed his paces when he led Mallett and Lambert from start to finish in Heat 5 and at the third attempt Baseby won Heat 6 which was also shared.  But Boston seized the initiative and quickly built up a lead when Adam Lowe won Heat 6 with Matthew Wright content to sit behind his partner to repel any possible challenge and Waldron took the next with Morris third to increase the lead to eight points.   These heats were followed by another 4-2 and a 5-1 and suddenly the Barracudas had developed their narrow advantage to 14 points.   The immaculate Warwick won the next taking a Tactical Ride to offset Boston’s advantage with a 6-3 in Heat 11 before another Boston 4-2 almost restored the status quo.   Heat 13 brought drama as Baseby was excluded as he tried a last bend dive unfairly under Wright who ended up in the fence the race being awarded although the leader completed the heat ahead of the red light to obtain a time.  Lambert and Lowe strolled to a 5-1 in Heat 14 and Heat 15 brought another exclusion for Baseby when he fell in front of Mallett but despite the frightening appearance of the incident there was no lasting damage to anyone.

Boston won comfortably enough but Sittingbourne are an improving team and their first victory cannot be too far away and in Danny Warwick they possess an inspirational figure who on his day is a match for most at this level.              

Boston: Cooper 9, Waldron 7, Mallett 10, Lambert 11, Wright 7, Lowe 6, Morris 5

Sittingbourne: Warwick 18, Baseby (A) 2, Felton 4, Theobald 1, Baseby (M) 8, Reynolds 2 Hart 3.

Cleveland 35 Boston 35 (Knockout Cup Quarter Final Second Leg)
(Boston win 84 -75 on aggregate)

This was a match marred by a series of nasty crashes and although Boston have progressed to a very attractive semi final match against Scunthorpe they are left with a string of injuries that leaves numerous problems to be resolved before their home next match with Stoke.   The incidents began as early as Heat 1 when +Shane Waldron picked up excessive drive exiting turn four just after passing Greg Blair and shot into the safety fence with his machine.   He was later diagnosed in hospital with a broken bone in his leg and possible ankle tendon and other damage which will keep him out of action for about eight weeks.

Another crash when Morris ran into the back of Lowe left both Barracudas on the track in Heat 8 and Adam Lowe followed Shane Waldron to hospital with neck and back injuries.  Morris tried to continue but was unable to complete his next race leaving Boston with no reserves and no cover for the injured Waldron.  The side rallied well and despite these handicaps clung on to their precious lead and the match was halted at after Heat 12 as the curfew time had been reached.   This was a gutsy performance by the entire Barracudas team and they are well deserving of a crack at Scunthorpe in the next round.

Cleveland: Burrows 5, Burnett 1, Johnson 5, Beaton 6, Blair 13, Wallinger 6.

Boston: Cooper 9, Waldron 0, Mallett 7, Lambert 9, Wright 7, Lowe 3, Morris 0.

There is never a dull moment for Boston it seems with the latest spate of extra-curricular activities being the unwanted kind as the promotion struggle