COVENTRY Cycle Speedway started the 2016 in fine style, defeating East Anglia team Norwich 97-82.
Despite persistent rain and snow in the build up to the opening fixture of the season, a track inspection at 7pm on Saturday night proved decisive in that the meeting would go ahead.
Polish star Dominik Rycharski starred for the home side with a 19+1 maximum from five rides, he received solid support from Team GB’s Myke Grimes (18) and ‘Boy Wonder’ Kyle Roberts who chipped in with 17+1.
There was reason to be cheerful for Aussie Bobby McMillan too who posted a 17+1 score – teenagers Dan Drewett, Matt Hambidge, Ollie Morris and Sammie Marsh also rode creditably.
Boosted by the announcement that Birmingham duo Mark Winwood and Chris Timms would join their ranks, Norwich made a perfect start with a 7-3 in the opening race.
Several shared heats later, Coventry turned over the form of the opening race to lead by eight points at the interval.
Two wins for 16-year-old Kyle Roberts over World Number Two Chris Timms boosted the youngster’s confidence – he partnered team mate Dominik Rycharski to two maximum 7-3’s earlier in the meeting.
The home side concluded the match with three successive 6-4’s to confirm an impressive 97-82 victory.
Team Manager Lee Marsh said: “That was a good performance but fair play to Norwich who kept fighting until the end.
“It was a good chance for a few of the lads to get out and get their legs turning before the season proper gets underway with our first Elite League match just weeks away.”