Plymouth Gladiators eye big points weekend after dramtic win over title chasers
Plymouth Gladiators team manager Garry May believes his side can keep their late-season playoff hopes alive as they prepare for a crucial double-header against Redcar Bears this weekend fresh from a stunning home victory over Poole Pirates.
Last Saturday’s 47–43 triumph over the Pirates, Plymouth’s third win over the Dorset outfit this season, came in dramatic fashion, with the Gladiators sealing victory with back-to-back 5–1s in the final two heats despite a string of setbacks.
“We had a bit of bad luck losing Lasse, then Scott Nicholls had engine problems, and Alfie’s bike wasn’t working until he switched it mid-meeting,” said May. “But the riders were tremendous, they just wanted it. The atmosphere was electric, and the crowd were fantastic.”
May credited a vital half-time team talk for turning the tide: “We still felt we could do it. The lads dug in, gated well, and we ended up winning it almost with a two-man team. But that’s the character in this side, they never give up.”
The focus now turns to back-to-back clashes with Redcar Bears away on Friday night before the return fixture at The Coliseum on Saturday.
Plymouth will be boosted by the return of Danish star Nikolai Klindt for the away leg, with Tobias Thomsen stepping in as guest for Lasse on Friday before switching to guest at number one for Saturday’s home fixture. Rider Replacement (RR) will operate for the home match in Lasse’s absence.
“I think we’ve got a good chance at Redcar all the boys ride that track well,” said May. “If we get a bit of luck, we can come away with points on Friday and then push for the win at home on Saturday.”
With playoff positions still within reach, May knows the importance of the weekend: “If we can pick up around 10 points from our last matches, including wins over Berwick, we might just sneak into the playoffs. It depends on other results, but we’ve got a chance. The way the lads have been riding beating Oxford and Poole recently it’s been tremendous.”
He also urged fans to turn out in force for Saturday’s home meeting: “The crowd has been incredible these past few weeks. The riders have responded to it, you could feel the buzz after that last heat against Poole. If we’re going to make the playoffs, we need them behind us more than ever.”
Plymouth Gladiators vs Redcar Bears
Saturday 16th August
Plymouth Coliseum
Gates open 5:00pm | First heat 7:00pm
Sitting £23 | Standing £20 | Students £10 | Kids go free
Image: Plymouth Gladiators Speedway.
