The Somerset Rebels qualified for the semi-finals of the Premier League Cup after victory over Rye House.

THE Cases Somerset Rebels ensured their progress through to the semi-finals of the Premier League Cup courtesy of their 38-34 win at Rye House.

The result stood, despite the meeting having to be abandoned after 12 heats due to rain.

Needing just a point from the match to book their passage into the semi-finals, the Rebels made no mistake, despite the tricky conditions, with Sam Masters and Jason Doyle leading the way for Somerset, both dropping just a single point each to the opposition.

“The boys rode extremely well given the conditions,” said Rebels team manager Steve Bishop, “and credit must be given to all 14 riders for riding as well as they did, but I think we applied ourselves to the situation better than the home riders and more than deserved our victory.”

Three days previously, the Rebels were able to stage their first action at the Oak Tree Arena in almost a month.

They took on Leicester Lions and completed a relatively easy 58-35 win, with James Wright the of the show for the Rebels, with a 12+1 haul in his five rides, but the Rebels’ strength in depth shone through, with every member of the team taking at least one win or paid win.

While everyone contributed, special mention should go to Tom Perry, whose recent second spot in the British Under-21 Championship final looks to have boosted his confidence and his 7+1 was a reflection of his efforts.

With their appearance live on Sky Sports on May 22 just around the corner, the Rebels are to use the occasion to give their fans a special bonus. Admission prices for the match against Ipswich will be cut from their normal �14 (adults) and �11 (concessions) to just �10, while it will also be ‘kids for a quid’, with children being admitted for just �1.

“It goes without saying that we are extremely honoured to featuring live on Sky Sports once again,” said Rebels promoter Debbie Hancock, “and we would really love to see the Oak Tree Arena packed out with fans for the cameras, hence the decision to reduce our prices for this special occasion, in order to show the arena at its best.”

Kyle Newman has qualified for the final of speedway’s European Under-21 Championship final by virtue of his fourth place finish in his semi-final round held in Pfaffenhofen, Germany.