The Somerset Rebels endured a disappointing weekend with two narrow away defeats and a postponed home match.

IT was to prove to be a somewhat disappointing weekend for the ‘Cases’ Somerset Rebels.

After failing to beat the weather on Friday night that saw their home match against Sheffield postponed, they headed off on a northern tour to face Workington and Newcastle on Saturday and Sunday night respectively.

The match against Workington was to be a case of so near, so far for the Rebels as they opened up an early nine-point lead, only for the Comets to claw themselves back into the match, eventually overhauling the Rebels with just a couple of heats to go.

As the riders came to the tapes for the final heat, however, a race advantage to Somerset would see them take victory and with it three precious league points.

Jason Doyle led from the tapes with Sam Masters resisting the challenges of the hitherto unbeaten Adam Roynon for third place that would give the Rebels victory.

But as they came off the final bend, Roynon got the better drive as the pair headed towards the finishing line to pass Masters, giving Workington victory on the night 45-44, although Somerset still picked up an away point by virtue of finishing within six points of their hosts.

The following evening saw the Rebels at league leaders Newcastle, but after keeping matters tight in the opening half of the match, the Diamonds exerted their authority to open up a 16-point lead within the space of four heats.

The final third of the meeting saw a Rebels fightback, instigated by a tactical ride 7-2 heat advantage by Doyle, who was on the double-point tactical ride, and Alex Davies.

Gradually Somerset chipped away at the Newcastle lead to such an extent that a maximum heat win in the final race would be enough to give the Rebels an away point.

As was the case the previous night at Workington, the task was entrusted to Doyle and Masters, but it wasn’t to be as although Doyle took the race victory, Masters was unable to split the Newcastle duo of Ludvig Lindgren and Stuart Robson, the Diamonds winning the meeting 51-42.

Somerset get an early chance to avenge Saturday night’s narrow defeat at Workington when the Comets visit the Oaktree Arena tomorrow (Fri), with the Rebels going into the match with a full septet having announced an unchanged side.

The Somerset Rebels Speedway Riders Equipment Fund (SREF) organisers have laid on a coach to the Premier League Fours at Peterborough on Sunday (July 15).

Di Phillips, of SREF, has asked that all fans travelling on the coach, should meet at the Oak Tree Arena for 7.15 am, as the coach will leave at 7.30am sharp.