Coventry Cycle Speedway team made an encouraging start to the 2015 season in slipping to a narrow 90-88 defeat at top Manchester side Bury on a rain affected track last Sunday afternoon.
Bolstered by the inclusion of three times British champion Andy Angell, Coventry handed a debut to winter Australian signing Bobby McMillan, and together with Myke Grimes, Coventry paraded a potent spearhead in a match that went to a last heat decider.
Brilliant early wins to Angell, including a classic effort from the back, supported by second strings Mason Phillips and Dan Drewett, ensured Coventry maintained the lead throughout the first period, leading 46-43 at the half way stage, heat 9.
In an entertaining and very sporting clash, Coventry`s lack of match fitness showed after the interval, and together with several costly mistakes, Bury just managed to assert the upper hand in the second period to pull ahead.
With Coventry two down entering the last heat, they had to produce the first man home to square the match but in a blanket finish, the ever pressing McMillan just lost out on the final bend.
Angell dropped just a single point, with the robust McMillan supporting well on 16. There were mature performances from fast improving youngsters Phillips and Drewett, whilst Kelvin Williams faded after a bright start.
Coventry point scorers: Andy Angell 19, Bobby McMillan 16, Myke Grimes 16, Dan Drewett 11, Adam Watson 11, Mason Phillips 7, Kelvin Williams 5 and Joe McLaughlin 3.
With Charlie Barnett, Josh Marsh and debutant Matt Hambidge in superb form, Coventry turned the tables on their Bury junior counter-parts by romping to an 84-66 success.
Coventry have selection problems ahead of their challenge match trip to Elite League champions Horspath this Sunday (15th March) at the tight Oxfordshire circuit in the first match between the teams since 2007.
They are without number 1, Polish star Dominik Rycharski, and several other first team riders, including top junior Kyle Roberts and Dave Frith. They name Mark Winwood, who rode for the club in 2012 and 2013, and include Wilshire based James Bailey as replacements.
Coventry team: 1 Mark Winwood 2 Kelvin Williams 3 Bobby McMillan 4 James Bailey 5 Mason Phillips 6 Tom Sensicall 7 Matt Lawrence 8 Joe McLaughlin
For more information on Coventry Cycle Speedway, including how to get involved, you can visit www.coventrycyclespeedway.co.uk or follow the club on Twitter using @CoventryCSC.