DEVILS ROAR TO WIN IN LIONS' DEN

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Created on Sunday, 05 June 2011 10:29

Last Updated on Sunday, 05 June 2011 10:35

Published on Sunday, 05 June 2011 10:29

Plymouth gained their first away victory since joining the Premier League this season when they won 45-44 against Leicester Lions at Beaumont Park last night.

Ben Barker, who returned to lead the side after top-scoring for Great Britain in the second test against Australia on Friday evening, was in sparkling form against the Lions. He scored 14 points from five rides, being beaten only by Richard Hall in heat 11.

The surprise package was reserve Kyle Hughes, who had struggled with mechanical problems in his two previous home matches for the Devils.

He produced an outstanding performance at reserve and scored 11 points from six rides, which included two wins and two second places.

After taking an early lead, the Devils were gradually pegged back by Leicester, who were leading by three points going into the final two races.

Then Hughes combined with skipper Mark Simmonds to produce a crucial 5-1 heat win over Jan Graversen and John Oliver.

That gave Plymouth a one-point advantage for the final race and Barker led all the way from Hall and Sergey Darkin to ensure a first away win for the Devils.

Leicester: Sergey Darkin 8+2 (5 rides), Jan Graversen 9+1 (5), Ben Wilson 5 (4), Richard Sweetman (rider replacement), Richard Hall 13 (6). Reserves: Jamie Courtney 0 (3), John Oliver 9+1 (7).

Plymouth: Ben Barker 14 (5), Lee Smart (rider replacement), Jesper Kristiansen 8+1 (6), Mark Simmonds 7+2 (5), Jason Bunyan 4+1 (5). Reserves: Kyle Hughes 11 (6), James Cockle 1+1 (3).

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