Sunday 14th September 1997, Premier LeagueThursday 18th September 1997, Premier League
Sheffield 50 R.Kessler 3 3 3 3 3 15 M.Hampson 1 0 1 X 0 0 2 M.Wolter 2' 2 0 X 3 7 + 1 S.Knott 3 1' 2 1 1 2' 10 + 2 S.Smith 3 3 3 3 2' 14 + 1 D.Keats rider replacement J.Birkinshaw TR 1 0 1 2 Isle Of Wight 40 B.Woodifield 2 2 3 3 0 10 W.Carter 0 0 0 0 N.Sadler R 2 2 2' 2 2' 10 + 2 M.Simmonds 1 1' 1' 0 3 + 2 S.Tacey 2 3 2 1 2 1 11 J.Bunyan 0 0 1' 1' 3 1 6 + 2
Scud and Robbie were in invincible form, but with Mirko struggling and picking up a bizarre exclusion the Islanders were only 2 points down with 2 heats remaining. Mirko and Steve, and Robbie and Scud comnined for a maximum 10 points to restore the lead to its previous dimensions. Having won the toss, Shaun Tacey tried to take Scud wide on the first bend of the Silver Helmet matchrace, but left just enough room for Scud who went on to win comfortably to the delight of the home fans.
Sunday 14th September 1997, Premier League
Stoke 40 L.Collins 2 1' 3 0 2 2 10+1 K.Teager rider replacement P.Morris 2 X 1 2 R F 5 J.Wilson 1' 1 1' 3+2 C.Taylor 2 0 0 1' 2' 5+2 C.Cobby 1' X 2 1 1' 5+2 M.Burrows TR X 2 2 2 3 3 12 Sheffield 50 T.Pratt (G) 3 3 3 3 0 12 M.Hampson 1 1 F 1 X 1' 0 4+1 S.Tacey(G) 3 3 1 3 2 12 S.Knotty 0 0 3 2' 1 6+1 S.Smith 3 3 2 3 3 14 D.Keats 0 2' 2+1
With Troy 'Ricky Butcher' Pratt deputizing for World Team Cup bound Robbie Kessler, and Shaun Tacey for the injured Mirko Wolter, the Tigers tore into the dispirited Potters with a vengance. Les Collins won in heat 7, but next time out couldn't even pass the determined Mike Hampson, and the only other Potters race wins were by reserve 'Buzz' Burrows.
Derrol Keats took a nasty fall on the pit bend (trying to avoid Phil Morris who had dropped a chain) and was taken to hospital with back injuries, but the star of the night was Scud Smith who rode assuredly to his best away performance of the season, inspiring the team to the win. His evening was completed by a thrilling win over Les Collins in the Silver helmet matchrace.
Wednesday 10th September 1997, Premier League
Long Eaton 55 B.Werner 3 3 3 3 1 13 B.Eldridge 1 0 1 1 F 3 M.Dixon 3 3 2 2 3 13 J.Elkins 0 1 0 F 2' 3 + 1 C.Stonehewer 3 2'2'3 3 13 + 2 P.Lee 0 3 3 1'3 10 + 1 Sheffield 35 R.Kessler 2 1 3 2 3 0 11 M.Hampson X 1'0 1 1' 3 + 2 S.Tacey (G) 1'2 0 2 2 7 + 1 S.Knott 2 1'1 0 0 4 + 1 S.Smith 2 2 2 1 1'2 10 + 1 D.Keats X 0 0 0 0
A good competitive match despite the scoreline. Most races were contested with both sides using the full width of the track. Long Eaton remain unbeaten in the league at home, their heat leader strength evident plus a very good supporting second string in the shape of Paul Lee, who showed a distinct liking for passing on the outside.
For Sheffield, a better than expected result, the lack of equipment hampering some riders performances.
Mick Ibbotson
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