CYCLE SPEEDWAY: COVENTRY Sabres skipper Myke Grimes dropped only four points from five rides as Team GB slipped to a 95-84 loss against Australia in the first Ashes Test Match in Adelaide.
Grimes won three of his five rides as World Junior Champion Shane Bentley starred for the Aussies, posting 19 points from a possible 20, as the home nation got their World Championship campaign off to the best possible start.
Riding at number one, Grimes won the first race of the series while team mate Zac Payne filled in for third as GB led 6-4 after the opening race.
It was to be the only time Team GB led though as by time Grimes finished second in his second ride,Wayne Aris’ men already trailed 21-19.
A series of Australian heat advantages followed as they stretched their lead to eight points after as many races.
Grimes – an IT worker at Caludon Castle School – then provided GB’s first heat win in six races when taking the flag in heat 13.
The match was wrapped up in heat 15 though when Joel Chadwick raced to the flag with Ryan Edson.
A further win for Grimes in heat 16 – when partnered with Birmingham’s Chris Timms – only provided consolation as Australia ended the meeting with a maximum 7-3 race advantage of their own.
Former Coventry racer – and Australian international – Bobby McMillan, starred for the home nation. McMillan picked up seven points from his three rides.
Team GB are next in action at the World Cup Final on Saturday evening (8pm) at Salisbury. GB will face Poland, Australia, and Wales in the final.
Picture: Jess Lee.
