The Poole Pirates progressed through to the MaxiCab KO Cup Semi-Final with a 52-38 Quarter Final, Second leg victory over the Plymouth Gladiators, to take the tie 93-87 on aggregate.

The Gladiators delivered a spirited performance, and were only four points down after heat 7 at Wimborne Road, but the Pirates increased the pressure with a 4-2 in the eighth, followed by two maximum heat advantages in heats 9 and 10.

Nicolai Klindt and Alfie Bowtell responded with a maximum 5-1 of their own in heat 11, before the Pirates extended their lead to 16 by heat 13.  Ben Trigger and Lasse Fredrikson teamed up for a 5-1 in the 14th, before the Pirates took a 4-2 victory in the nominated heat 15 to win by 6 points on aggregate

Nicolai Klindt top scored for the Gladiators with 10, backed by Ben Barker (8) and Joe Thompson (6+1)

Poole Pirates : 52 (93)

1. Richard Lawson - 3, 2, 3, 2', 1 = 11+1

2. Tobias Thomsen - 1, 1', 1, 2' = 5+2

3. Anders Rowe - 3, 1', 3, 3, 3 = 13+1

4. Lewis Kerr - 2', 2, 2', 1 = 7+2

5. Zach Cook - Fx, 2, 1, 3 = 6

6. Paul Starke - 2, 1', 0 = 3+1

7. Darryl Ritchings - 1', 2, 3, 1, 0 = 7+1

Plymouth Gladiators : 38 (87)

1. Nicolai Klindt - 2, 3, 3, R, 2 = 10

2. Alfie Bowtell - 0, 0, 2' = 2+1

3. Lasse Fredriksen - 1, F, 0, 2 = 3

4. Joe Thompson - 0, 3, 1, 2' = 6+1

5. Ben Barker - 3, 3, 1, 1, 0 = 8

6. Mitchell Cluff - 3, 1, Fx, 0, 0 = 4

7. Ben Trigger - 0, 0, 2, 3 = 5

Heat Results

Plymouth win toss and choose gates 1 & 3.

Heat 01: Lawson, Klindt, Thomsen, Bowtell 4-2 (4-2)

Heat 02: Cluff, Starke, Ritchings, Trigger 3-3 (7-5)

Heat 03: Rowe, Kerr, Fredriksen, Thompson 5-1 (12-6)

Heat 04: Barker, Ritchings, Cluff, Cook (Fx) 2-4 (14-10)

Heat 06: Barker, Lawson, Thomsen, Trigger 3-3 (20-16)

Heat 07: Thompson, Cook, Starke, Fredriksen (F) 3-3 (23-19)

Heat 08: Ritchings, Trigger, Thomsen, Cluff (Fx) 4-2 (27-21)

Heat 09: Rowe, Kerr, Barker, Cluff 5-1 (32-22)

Heat 10: Lawson, Thomsen, Thompson, Fredriksen 5-1 (37-23)

Heat 11: Klindt, Bowtell, Cook, Starke 1-5 (38-28)

Heat 12: Rowe, Fredriksen, Ritchings, Cluff 4-2 (42-30)

Heat 13: Cook, Lawson, Barker, Klindt (R) 5-1 (47-31)

Heat 14: Trigger, Thompson, Kerr, Ritchings 1-5 (48-36)

Heat 15: Rowe, Klindt, Lawson, Barker 4-2 (52-38)

Courtesy of Speedway Updates

Image Credit: UK Weather Chase.

The Plymouth Gladiators return to full strength as they head to Wimborne Road on Wednesday evening (May 28th) in the MAXiCab KO Cup, Quarter-Final, 2nd Leg against The Poole Pirates (tapes up 7.30pm)

The Gladiators, who will be looking to defend an eight point lead from their 49-41 first leg victory at The Coliseum on Saturday, welcome back number 1 and former Pirate, Nicolai Klindt, following the cancellation of a Danish fixture he was due to be riding in. Joe Thompson also returns after missing the first leg due to the SGP 2 qualification round at Glasgow on Saturday, and joins Lasse Fredriksen in the main body of the team, with Mitchell Cluff at reserve. 

Teams:

Poole Pirates

1. Richard Lawson 2. Tobias Thomsen 3. Anders Rowe 4. Lewi Kerr 5. Zach Cook (Captain) 6. Paul Starke 7. Darryl Ritchings  Team Manager:  Neil Middleditch

Plymouth Gladiators: 

1. Nicolai Klindt 2. Alfie Bowtell 3. Lasse Fredriksen 4. Joe Thompson 5. Ben Barker (Captain) 6. Mitchell Cluff 7. Ben Trigger Team Manager: Garry May

A live stream for those unable to attend can be found here 

Image Credit:  UK Weather chase.

The Plymouth Gladiators delivered a 49-41 victory over The Poole Pirates in the 1st leg of the MAXiCab KO Cup Quarter-Final, with a solid team performance at The Coliseum.

With the initial guest booking Zaine Kennedy ruled out following a crash yesterday, the Gladiators ran rider replacement for Joe Thompson.

In another close meeting, the scores were level after heat 10, before the Gladiators took control with heat advantages in the following four races, to lead by 10 after heat 14. 

A 2-4 to The Pirates in the nominated heat 15 gives the Gladiators an 8 point lead going into the return leg at Wimborne Road next Wednesday (28th May)

Skipper Ben Barker top scored with 13, backed by Lasse Fredriksen (9+1), Alfie Bowtell (8+3) and guest Chris Harris (8+2) whilst reserve Mitchell Cluff delivered his best return as a Gladiator with 8.

Scores and heat results.

Plymouth Gladiators = 49

1. Chris Harris (G) - 1', 2', 2, 3, 0 = 8+2

2. Alfie Bowtell - 2, 1', 3, 1', 1' = 8+3

3. Joe Thompson R/R

4. Lasse Fredriksen - 2, 0, 2, 2', 3 = 9+1

5. Ben Barker - 3, 2, 2, 3, 1, 2 = 13

6. Mitchell Cluff - 3, 0, 0, 1, 3, 1 = 8

7. Ben Trigger - 1, 2, 0 = 3

Poole Pirates = 41

1. Richard Lawson - 0, 3, 2, 2, 3 = 10

2. Tobias Thomsen - 3, 1, 3, 0 = 7

3. Anders Rowe - 3, 1, 3, 0, 1 = 8

4. Zach Cook - 0, 3, 0, 2 = 5

5. Lewis Kerr - 2, R, 3, 0 = 5

6. Paul Starke - 2, 1, 1, 1 = 5

7. Darryl Ritchings - 0, 1', 0, 0 = 1+1

Heat Results

Heat 01: Thomsen, Bowtell, Harris, Lawson. 3-3...51.50

Heat 02: Cluff, Starke, Trigger, Ritchings. (4-2)...7-5...54.67

Heat 03: Rowe, Fredriksen, Bowtell, Cook. (3-3)...10-8...53.7

Heat 04: Barker, Kerr, Ritchings, Cluff. (3-3)...13-11...53.24

Heat 05: Lawson, Barker, Thomsen, Fredriksen. (2-4)...15-15...52.65

Heat 06: Bowtell, Harris, Starke, Kerr (Retired). (5-1)...20-16...52.84

Heat 07: Cook, Barker, Rowe, Cluff. (2-4)...22-20...

Heat 08: Thomsen, Trigger, Bowtell, Ritchings. (3-3)...25-23...52.73

Heat 09: Kerr, Fredriksen, Starke, Trigger. (2-4)...27-27...53.40

Heat 10: Rowe, Harris, Bowtell, Cook. (3-3)...30-30...2.69

Heat 11: Barker, Lawson, Cluff, Thomsen. (4-2)...34-32...52.70

Heat 12: Cluff, Fredriksen, Starke, Rowe. (5-1)...39-33...54.35

Heat 13 (Re-Run): Harris, Lawson, Barker, Kerr. (4-2)...43-35...52.78

Heat 14: Fredriksen, Cook, Cluff, Ritchings. (4-2)...47-37...53.94

Heat 15: Lawson, Barker, Rowe, Harris. (2-4)...49-41...53.59

Courtesy of Speedway Updates

Image credit: UK Weather Chase.

The Plymouth Coliseum is all set for an action packed night this Saturday (May 24th - tapes up 7pm) when the Plymouth Gladiators take on The Poole Pirates in the Quarter Final 1st leg of the MaxiCup KO Cup 

With number 1 Nicolai Klindt riding in Poland, the Gladiators have called Chris ‘Bomber’ Harris as a guest. 

The Glasgow rider who scored 12 points when the Tigers defeated the Gladiators at The Coliseum earlier in May commented

“It’s always fun racing at the Coliseum, but this time it’ll be even more special stepping in as a Gladiator.

Poole is always a tough meeting, there’s no extra pressure for me personally, as I always go out there to win no matter who I race. But as a team, we know how important it is to get the biggest win possible.

Poole are strong at home, but they’re not unbeatable and we’ll be giving it everything!

I can’t wait to see all my Cornish fans again, see you Saturday!”

Team News:

Along with Chris Harris, The Gladiators also bring in Zaine Kennedy as a guest for Joe Thompson, who is riding in the SGP2 qualifier at Glasgow on Saturday.

Teams

Plymouth Gladiators: 

1 Chris Harris (Guest) 2 Alfie Bowtell 3 Zaine Kennedy (Guest) 4 Lasse Fredriksen 5 Ben Barker (Capt) 6 Mitchell Cluff 7 Ben Trigger Team Manager: Garry May

Poole Pirates: 

1 Richard Lawson 2 Tobias Thomsen 3 Anders Rowe 4 Zach Cook (Capt) 5 Lewis Kerr 6 Paul Starke 7 Darryl Ritchings Team Manager:  Neil Middleditch

Meeting Info:

Gates open 5pm – with tapes up at 7pm.

Prices (Cash or card on the gate)

Adult Seated:  £23.00 (Area 1 NHS Stand)

Adult Standing: £20.00 (Area 2: All other areas)

16 years & under: Free of charge

Students (standing): £10

(Proof of ID may be required)

For those unable to attend track side, a live stream can be purchased here:

Image credit: UK Weather Chase

The Plymouth Gladiators returned to winning ways with a dramatic last heat 46-44 victory over the Edinburgh Monarchs at The Coliseum.

After three initial shared heats, The Monarchs had built up an 8 point lead by heat 8, but The Gladiators chipped away, to bring the scores level after heat 13.  A shared heat in the 14th led to a vital nominated heat 15, which saw skipper Ben Barker take the victory, with Joe Thompson in third, to deliver a remarkable comeback and clinch the meeting for The Gladiators.

Reserve Lasse Fredriksen top scored for the Gladiators with a stunning 15 points, backed by Barker (11) and Thompson (10)

Plymouth Gladiators = 46

1. Nicolai Klindt - R, 3, 1, 1 = 5

2. Alfie Bowtell - 3, FX, 0 = 3

3. Mitchell Cluff - 0, 1, 0 = 1

4. Joe Thompson - 3, F, 3, 3, 1 = 10

5. Ben Barker - 3, 0, 1, 1, 3, 3 = 11

6. Lasse Fredriksen - 3, 1, 2, 3, 3, 3 = 15

7. Ben Trigger - 0, 1, 0 = 1

Edinburgh Monarchs = 44

1. Justin Sedgmen - 2, 3, 0, 2 = 7

2. Kye Thomson - 1’, 2’, 3, 2, 2, 2 = 12+2

3. Jonatan Grahn - 1’, 1’, 3, 2, 2, 0 = 9+2

4. Paco Castagna - 2, 2’, 0, 2 = 6+1

5. Oskar Polis R/R

6. Victor Palovaara - 2, 2, 2, 1, 0, 1’, 1’ = 9+2

7. Sonny Springer (G) - 1’, 0, 0 = 1+1

Heat Results

Heat 01: Bowtell, Sedgmen, Thomson, Klindt (R) 3-3, 54.56

Heat 02: Fredriksen, Palovaara, Springer, Trigger 3-3, 6-6, 53.79

Heat 03: Thompson, Castagna, Grahn, Cluff 3-3, 9-9, 53.60

Heat 04: Barker, Palovaara, Trigger, Springer 4-2, 13-11, 52.81

Heat 05 Re-Run: Sedgmen, Thomson, Cluff, Thompson (F) 1-5, 14-16, 52.76

Heat 06 Re-Run: Klindt, Palovaara, Grahn, Bowtell (FX) 3-3, 17-19, 52.21

Heat 07: Grahn, Castagna, Fredriksen, Barker 1-5, 18-24, 53.29

Heat 08: Thomson, Fredriksen, Palovaara, Bowtell 2-4, 20-28, 52.63

Heat 09: Thompson, Thomson, Barker, Palovaara 4-2, 24-30, 54.60

Heat 10 Re-Run: Fredriksen, Grahn, Klindt, Castagna 4-2, 28-32, 53.25

Heat 11: Fredriksen, Thomson, Barker, Sedgmen 4-2, 32-34, 53.74

Heat 12: Fredriksen, Grahn, Palovaara, Cluff 3-3, 35-37, 54.11

Heat 13: Barker, Sedgmen, Klindt, Springer 4-2, 39-39, 53.92

Heat 14: Thompson, Castagna, Palovaara, Trigger 3-3, 42-42, 53.93

Heat 15: Barker, Thomson, Thompson, Grahn 4-2, 46-44, 52.59

Courtesy of Speedway Updates

Image Credit: UK Weather Chase

The Plymouth Gladiators return to Cab Direct Championship action at The Coliseum this Saturday (17th May) when they take on the Edinburgh Monarchs (gates 5pm, tapes up 7pm)

With two narrow home defeats already this season against the Oxford Cheetahs in the BSN Series and The Glasgow Tigers in the Cab Direct Championship, the pressure is on the home team to deliver and Plymouth Gladiators’ heat leader Nicolai Klindt knows it, issuing a rallying cry ahead of this weekend’s crucial home meeting.

“It’s frustrating, no doubt,” said the Danish star. “We’ve lost 2 out of 3 at home, but all by small margins. We’ve got to turn that around, and it has to start this Saturday!”

Reflecting on his recent performance, Klindt admitted: “My home form has been terrible. I tried a different bike setup against Glasgow, but I’m just not getting out of the starts. 

It’s beyond frustrating but we’ll keep pushing, keep trying. The whole team knows how important this one is.”

The Gladiators will need every bit of firepower and determination to bounce back in front of their home fans and Klindt is determined to lead that charge.

It’s shaping up to be a thrilling clash, be there, be loud, and back the boys in blue and gold as we go all out for three crucial points, and remember, Kids 16 years and under go free!

Team news:

The Gladiators are set to return to full strength with Lasse Fredriksen back at reserve, whilst Edinburgh hand a second-tier debut to 16-year-old Sonny Springer as a replacement for Max James. The Monarchs also had Oskar Polis withdrawn from their home match on Friday.

Plymouth Gladiators:

Nicolai Klindt, Alfie Bowtell, Mitchell Cluff, Joe Thompson, Ben Barker, Lasse Fredriksen, Ben Trigger.

Edinburgh Monarchs:

Justin Sedgmen, Kye Thomson, Jonatan Grahn, Paco Castagna, Oskar Polis, Victor Palovaara, Sonny Springer.

Meeting Info:

Gates open 5pm – with tapes up at 7pm.

Prices (Cash or card on the gate)

Adult Seated:  £23.00 (Area 1 NHS Stand)

Adult Standing: £20.00 (Area 2: All other areas)

16 years & under: Free of charge

Students (standing): £10

(Proof of ID may be required)

For those unable to attend track side, a live stream can be purchased here: https://www.gladiatorslive.com/

The Plymouth Gladiators suffered a 40-50 point defeat against The Glasgow Tigers in their opening Cab Direct Championship meeting at The Coliseum.

The Gladiators began the meeting well, leading by 6 points after heat 6, but the Tigers clawed their way back into contention with consecutive heat advantages in heats 7 and 8.

Points were level at heat 11, before Glasgow took two maximum heat advantages in heats 12 and 13 to open up an 8 point lead.  A shared heat in the 14th put the meeting out of reach of The Gladiators.

Skipper Ben Barker top scored with 10+1, backed by Joe Thompson (7+2) and guest reserve Zaine Kennedy (6)  

Plymouth Gladiators = 40

1. Nicolai Klindt - 1, 2, 1, 1 = 5

2. Alfie Bowtell - 3, 1', F/X, 0 = 4+1

3. Mitchell Cluff - 0, 2, 2, 1 = 5+1

4. Joe Thompson - 3, 1', 1', 2, 0 = 7+2

5. Ben Barker - 2, 2, 3, T/X, (ZK - F), 1', 2 = 10+1

6. Zaine Kennedy (G) - 3, F/X, 2, 1, F, (BB - 1') = 6

7. Ben Trigger - 2', 1', M/X, (ZK - 2), 0 = 3+2

Glasgow Tigers = 50

1. Chris Harris - 2, 3, 2, 2', 3 = 12

2. Ashton Boughen - 0, 0, 3, 0 = 3

3. Dan Thompson - 2, 3, 3, 3, 1 = 12

4. Leon Flint - 1', 1, 2', 3 = 7+2

5. Drew Kemp (G) - 3, 3, 3, 3 = 12 MAX

6. Freddy Hodder - 1, F/X, 0, 2', 0 = 3+1

7. Max Perry - 0, 0, 1, (FH - 0) = 1

Heat Results

Heat 01: Bowtell, Harris, Klindt, Boughen 4-2

Heat 02: Kennedy, Trigger, Hodder, Perry 5-1 (9-3)

Heat 03: J Thompson, D Thompson, Fklnt, Cliff 3-3 (12-6)

Heat 04: Kemp, Barker, Trigger, Perry 3-3 (15-9)

Heat 05: Harris, Cluff, J Thompson, Boughen 3-3 (18-12)

Heat 06: Re-Run: Kemp, Klindt, Bowtell 3-3 (21-15) (Hodder - Fell / Excluded)

Heat 07: Re-Run: D Thompson, Barker, Flint 2-4 (23-19) (Kennedy - Fell / Excluded)

Heat 08: Re-Run: Boughen, Kennedy, Perry 2-4 (25-23) (Bowtell - Fell / Ex, Trigger  2 Mins / Ex) 

Heat 09: Kemp, Cluff, J Thompson, Hodder 3-3 (28-26)

Heat 11: Barker, Harris, Kennedy, Boughen 4-2 (33-33)

Heat 12: D Thompson, Hodder, Trigger, Cluff 1-5 (34-38)

Heat 13: Re-Run: Kemp, Harris, Klindt, Kennedy - Fell 1-5 (35-43) (Barker - Tapes / Excluded)

Heat 14: Flint, J Thompson, Barker, Hodder 3-3 (38-46)

Heat 15: Harris, Barker, D Thompson, J Thompson 2-4 (40-50)

Courtesy of Speedway Updates

Image credit: UK Weather Chase

The Plymouth Gladiators launch their Cab Direct Championship campaign this Saturday (10th May) when they take on the Glasgow Tigers, led by Cornishman Chris ‘Bomber’ Harris, at The Coliseum (gates 5pm, tapes up 7pm)

Gladiators reserve Ben Trigger, who has been in great form so this season, is all set for another big night at The Coliseum.

“We’ve all had a few meetings to settle in and are starting to hit some consistency. Now we can really stamp our place in the league.

It’s been a steady but solid start for me, I’m fitter, lighter, and more competitive than ever before. 

I’m scoring points, helping the team, and building momentum every time I get on the bike.”

Team Manager Gary May remains upbeat about the Gladiators’ campaign so far, describing the season as a strong one, despite tough opposition. 

“We’ve shown what we can do, even when up against some really decent teams,” May said. 

“Beating Poole at the Coliseum was a real highlight, and Saturday should be a cracking meeting. But we need to stick with the same mental approach we’ve had all season.”

The team will be without Lasse, who is away on international duty, but they’re in safe hands with Zaine Kennedy stepping in as guest. Kennedy impressed fans with a standout performance last time out against Poole and will be looking to make another big impact on Saturday night.”

It’s shaping up to be a thrilling clash, be there, be loud, and back the boys in blue and gold as we go all out for three crucial points, and remember, Kids go free!

The Tigers bring in Drew Kemp as a guest for Kyle Howarth who suffered a shoulder injury in a crash on Friday night.

Teams Plymouth Gladiators:

Nicolai Klindt, Joe Thompson, Alfie Bowtell, Mitchell Cluff, Ben Barker, Zaine Kennedy (guest), Ben Trigger. Team Manager: Garry May

Glasgow Tigers:

Chris Harris, Ashton Boughen, Dan Thompson, Leon Flint, Drew Kemp (G),  Freddy Hodder , Max Perry. Team Manager: Cami Brown 

Meeting Info:

Gates open 5pm – with tapes up at 7pm.

Prices (Cash or card on the gate)

Adult Seated:  £23.00 (Area 1 NHS Stand)

Adult Standing: £20.00 (Area 2: All other areas)

16 years & under: Free of charge

Students (standing): £10

(Proof of ID may be required)

For those unable to attend track side, a live stream can be purchased here: