MID-SEASON TOP FOUR SCHOOL REPORTS

The 2018 British Premiership Speedway season is at it’s halfway stage, and with the Swindon Robins flying high at the top of the table, TotalSport Swindon’s Ryan Walker gives his mid-season grading’s on the top four teams fighting for those precious playoff positions.

Swindon Robins: A

Last year’s unpredictable title winning success set the stage for the Swindon Robins as they aim to retain their Premiership trophy. And after the winter departure of World Champion, Jason Doyle, many expected the Robins to falter. However currently sitting top of the Premiership table on twenty-six points, it has been a near perfect season for the Wiltshire outfit.

Their unbeaten home record at the Abbey Stadium this season demonstrates their hunger to once again become champions, whilst their ability to work as a team, with each rider contributing key points, has been instrumental so far this season. Strong pairings later on in meetings has become Swindon’s main strength, and if the Robins want any chance of re-creating last years success then they need to keep dominating the latter parts of meetings.

Australian Troy Batchelor has been the teams star rider and after last season’s off-track misery, the 30-year-old has bounced back to find the form associated with the leagues very best riders. Capable of scoring maximums at any track makes him a spearhead for Swindon’s title charge and it would be no surprise should he guide the Robins to their third domestic league title this season. 

Star rider: Troy Batchelor

Belle Vue Aces: B+

Another season means another chance for the Belle Vue Aces to end their barren spell of league glory. Currently sitting in second place of the Premiership table on twenty-three points highlights just how close it is between the leagues top four teams, but with a thirst to prove their worth this year, the Aces are looking like a dangerous challenger.

A slow start to the season saw the Manchester club win just one of their opening three meetings, however after turning their season around with all riders finally starting to hit top form, it would be no surprise should Belle Vue push Swindon all the way this year. 

Craig Cook has failed to live up to expectations of his GP status with the team Captain struggling to find any consistency, however the meteoric rise of youngster Dan Bewley signifies how much point scoring ability this side has. A fantastic home track that creates some of the World’s best racing makes for entertaining action, but this could also be the clubs downfall as away sides love to ride the track taking away much of the home advantage that Belle Vue have. There’s still a long way to go this season but the Aces look up for the fight.

Key Rider: Dan Bewley

Wolverhampton Wolves: B-

Eleven meetings rode with twenty-two points acquired so far this season shows that the Wolverhampton Wolves are on track to once again make the league playoffs. Losing the title to a final heat decider against Swindon last season means Wolves are out to seek revenge, aiming to become league champions for the second time in three years. 

Peter Adams’ decision to put his trust in Jacob Thorsell as the side’s number one, with Grand Prix star Fredrik Lindgren leaving the club, appears to have backfired though. Thorsell has struggled to make an impact this season whilst in contrast Lindgren has been one of Europe’s hottest prospects currently sitting top of the World Championship standings.

However, similar to Swindon, Wolverhampton’s strength is through the spine of the team. Sam Masters and Rory Schlein provide vital points in those heat leader positions, whilst Kyle Howarth is showing his ability to make himself a key rider in their title charge. Wolverhampton will make the playoffs, but they will fall just short of the league final.

Key rider: Sam Masters

Somerset Rebels: C

A mixed season for the Somerset Rebels so far this year has seen them rise to fourth place in the table with twenty-one points to their name, but whether they can hold their nerve to stay in those playoff places is yet to be seen. 

Many expected the arrival of World Champion Jason Doyle at the start of the season to spearhead the Rebels to tile glory, similar to what he did for Swindon last year, but with the team failing to gel at times this season has provided some unpredictable results for a squad hoping to reach their first ever Premiership playoffs.

They will have their work cut out if they are to make the playoffs, and much will rely on the form of Jason Doyle. Somerset have the talent to be in those playoff spots come the end of the season, but tough competition from below will make it a close race to the finish line.

Key rider: Jason Doyle