Predictable Fours Winners-But Glasgow Get 3rd
Posted 21/08/04

It was probably the most predictable result of the season but Workington tonight officially claimed the Premier League fours title. There was, however, a superb effort from the Tigers to finish a very respectable third.

The Glasgow quartet finished top of their qualifying section with only one last place in the eight races. As seems the norm at Workington there was very little passing but with top scorer Grieves getting a win and a second ably backed by Parker with a win and a third-being beaten by Schlein and Watt in the groups fastest race-the Tigers were comfortably through to the final. Surprisingly it was not Hull who joined them but Rye House. Local rivals Edinburgh were to finish a poor fourth.

The other group saw Workington qualify comfortably with Stoke joining them despite Kessler failing to score.

Rather contraversially, Workington only gave Aiden Collins his first ride of the evening then choosing to bring in reserve Harrison for no apparent reason.

In the final, seven of the 12 heats were won by the home side, the other heat winners being Stancl, Bentley, Staechmann, Mogridge and Neath.

Surprisingly after riding so well in the semi, James Grieves failed to score in his first two rides in the final and Carrillo came in for his third. Bentley was to top score for the Tigers at this stage with a win and a second place.

The old arguments about home track advantage, should be held on a neutral track etc will rage on. Everyone KNEW beforehand that home track advantage would mean a Workington win and that passing would be rare. However, all credit to Stoke who gave it a real go and to Alan Mogridge who was, in my opinion, good value for money on the night. In my opinion Stoke are the REAL winners.

Full credit to Glasgows quartet too for going out and giving it a good go so soon after the disasterous league display there last month.

A final comment on the venue. For a large crowd, the facilities were shocking, stewarding ineffective-we have all heard about the THREE streakers getting onto the track-and there were fights in the terracing and stand. Whether rightly or wrongly it has been reported all involved Workington fans.

Lets hope another club decides to put a bid in for this event next year or the BSPA decide to return to neutral venues. the football mentality at Workington tonight doesn't do our sport any favours..