Horspath Hammers clinched their seventh British Premier League title – and third in a row – with an emphatic 109-68 victory over Wednesfield at the village track.
With both teams missing top-line riders, it was left to Horspath’s squad members to deliver a crucial win as title rivals Leicester also triumphed at East Newport.
The victory gave Hammers the title on a 172 race points advantage.
Shaun Rudman, continuing to deputise for Steve Harris, won three of his four starts, while young Zac Payne stepped up with a strong showing, Chris Timms and Chris Osborne were unbeaten by an opponent, with Mark Carmichael and Mark Boaler forming a very strong partnership.
Horspath scorers: C Timms 18+2, M Carmichael 18+1, M Boaler 14+3, C Osborne 14+2, P Heard 14+1, Z Payne 13+1, S Rudman 14, W Hutt 4.
Horspath finished runners up in the Combination League following a 67-62 win over third-placed Wednesfield.
Wayne Clarke, Matt Coulter and Mike Burgess led the way in a good all-round team display.
Horspath 2nd scorers: W Clarke 14+1, M Burgess 13, M Coulter 12+1, L Clarke 9, R Taylor 9, J Richardson 6+1, G Horsley 4.
Hammers go to Southampton to defend the South & South Wales Gold Cup this weekend.
Abingdon-based Polish star Mateusz Szymczak returns from helping his hometown club, Leszno, win the Polish League.
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