HISTORY 
2005 MATCH REPORTS TABLES
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Dons seek to tame high flying Wildcats Dons eager to batter Barracudas Wimbledon have now signed Peter Collyer for the 2005 season so our team now looks like this in riding order: 1) Scott James, 2) James Clement, 3) Matt Wright, 4) Peter Collyer, 5) Buzz Burrows, 6) Andrew Bargh, 7) Danny Betson Many Thanks Becky DONS TEAM COMPLETE AS PC SIGNS FOR DONS Popular second string Peter Collyer has signed on the dotted line for the Robert Heath Heating Dons and is the final piece in the jigsaw for team boss Dingle Brown. The capture of the Fleet based 23 year old gives Wimbledon an experienced rider in the middle order, vital to the cause of any side with title aspirations, and mounted on new machinery, the highly rated former Reading junior is expected to build on the progress first seen at Plough Lane in 2003. Wimbledon manager Dingle Brown is pleased to be in a position to include the 7 point graded rider, " Peter is a nice lad and is keen as mustard to put his career back on track. Last season didn't really happen for the lad, but with faster machinery, I feel that he can do a good job for the Dons." Collyer was delighted to have received the call from Brown at the weekend. "I never wanted to ride anywhere else and it's really good to be back riding at Plough Lane." Peter admits that things didn't go to plan in 2004 when a lack of competitive machinery, coupled with a four month absence from the sport, left him with a below par 4.74 average, and remains confident that he can return to the promising form displayed in 2003 that saw him grab a spectacular 16 points at Armadale from the Number 1 berth. "I've invested in a new engine and also have a completely new rolling chassis thanks to my sponsors. I don't mind where I ride in the team and am fully aware of the job that is required of me this year." commented the likeable 23 year old. "I'd like to publicly thank my sponsors for all their valuable help and assistance. Firstly Fleet Motorcycles where I work, Ideal Video who have supplied some ex-Lee Richardson carbs, MAC tools and finally Steve Warner." DONS SIGN NUMBER 1 SCOTT JAMES 20 year old Australian Scott James has become the sixth rider to put pen to paper for the 2005 Robert Heath Heating Dons, and is expected to form a powerful spearhead with Mark Burrows once the new season commences in April. James originally came to these shores to ride for Workington, but is best remembered for his performances as part of Mildenhall's 2003 Conference League winning line-up, and joins the Londoners on a Grade 9 average. Wimbledon team manager Dingle Brown was delighted to capture the young Aussie on loan from parent club Workington, and thanked Comets promoter Graham Drury for his assistance in organising the loan move. "Graham Drury has been very helpful to Wimbledon in the signing of Scott and we now have a proven top scorer at the top of the line up. Barrie Evans is a hard act to follow but I'm confident that Scott will settle down and do all that we expect of him." commented Brown. The capture of James, who incidentally missed the whole of the 2004 campaign to recover from injury, leaves the Robert Heath Heating Dons with only a single vacancy as the promising new look side takes shape.
BARGH SHINES DOWN UNDER |
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New Wimbledon signing Andrew Bargh has continued his fine run of form in his native New Zealand after winning the prestigious North Island Individual Championship last weekend. The young Kiwi won the Grand Final in great style and defeated established Premier League star and current NZ Champion Jason Bunyan fair and square to highlight his potential.Bargh, nephew of former Newcastle and Coventry star David, has made great progress this winter and looks set to be a potent signing for the Robert Heath Heating Dons in 2005. Dons Chairman Ian Perkin is looking forward to seeing the young Kiwi make his mark on the British scene, but has asked Dons fans to give him some time to settle in to his new surroundings. "Andrew is a sensational capture for the Robert Heath Heating Dons but will need time to get used to his Plough Lane home track, especially as the majority of the New Zealand circuits are completely different in size and track surface." commented Perkin. Perkin added, "With Andrew joining our other new signing Danny Betsen, and the returning Matt Wright and James Clement, we feel that we have a quartet of young talented riders that show great promise for the future of Wimbledon speedway." Meanwhile Dons officials have confirmed that speedway racing is secure for the 2005 season at Plough Lane, despite Wimbledon Stadium being put up for sale by owners Wembley plc. Wimbledon Chairman Ian Perkin commented, " We have an agreement with the stadium management to run Conference League speedway at Plough Lane this coming season." "We have built up a good working relationship with Mick Hardy and his staff at Plough Lane, and will no doubt look to work with whoever takes ownership of the Stadium, whenever this should happen." |
PRE SEASON DISCO
The Wimbledon Speedway Directors Pre-Season Disco will be on Saturday 12th March 2005, 7pm ?12am. At the North Mitcham, Social Club, Woodland Way, Mitcham, Surrey.
For more info or to reserve your tickets please email emmasavile@hotmail.com
There is an admission fee of ? per adult and ? for under 16’s.
Please Note you can not just turn up on the night, you must have tickets due to limited numbers in the hall.
LATEST PRESS RELEASE 20/2/05
Dons sign Bargh and Betsen to provide sting in the tail
Wimbledon today announced the capture of the highly rated pairing of Andrew
Bargh and Danny Betsen, with the duo set to form one of the strongest
reserve pairings in the Conference League this year.
The signing of Kiwi sensation Bargh has been the subject of much speculation
for some weeks, with the Robert Heath Heating Dons management delighted to
have finally snapped him up after some noteworthy perfomances against Elite
League and Premier League riders in his homeland this winter.
Danny Betsen is another gilt-edged prospect and joins the Londoners as their
second Grade 2 rider, with the Dons management highly confident that he will
adapt well to his new surroundings.
The duo join Mark Burrows, Matt Wright and James Clement as confimed
signings for the Dons, leaving the Plough Lane club in the happy position of
chasing only two further riders to complete the team.
Wimbledon Chairman Ian Perkin is delighted to have secured what promises to
be a strong reserve pairing for the Dons, "Andrew and Danny are significant
signings for the Robert Heath Heating Dons and bring a new exciting and
youthful look to the side."
"These signings now leave us with a very healthy 16 points to play with for
the final two team spots, and we hope to complete the 2005 team in the next
few weeks." concluded Perkin.
End of copy.
Barry Pickering
CLEMENT SIGNS FOR DONS
Wimbledon's team building continues in earnest with popular second string James Clement becoming the third rider to agree terms with the Robert Heath Heating Dons. Clement, one of only two ever presents last year, made startling progress in 2004 adding nigh on two points per meeting to his starting average of 3.56 and is highly regarded by the Wimbledon management. Team boss Dingle Brown was pleased to sign up the Eastbourne based rider for another season in the red and yellow, "James has made steady progress with Wimbledon since I first introduced him into the side at the beginning of the 2003 season." "Last year he proved to be an excellent reserve for us and I'm sure he will be equally successful this year as he moves up into the main body of the team."
BACK THE 2012 OLYMPIC'S (11/02/05)
As the Capital's only speedway team, the Robert Heath Heating Dons are fervent supporters of the move to bring the World's Greatest Sporting Event back to these shores for the first time since 1948.
With the IOC deadline in July fast approaching, Wimbledon Chairman Ian Perkin was keen to highlight the benefits that London could provide as Olympic Host City.
"London is a world class city and fully deserves the opportunity to stage the Olympic Games in seven years time."
"The legacy of a successful bid would be felt by generations of Londoners with improved sporting facilities and transport links to the benefit of all."
Perkin also called on the entire speedway community to stand up and be counted, "There are tens of thousands of speedway fans throughout Britain, and it is vital that we all support the 2012 bid."
PRESS RELEASE BARRY PICKERING
MATT WRIGHT SIGNS AS ANDRE CROSS AND WAYNE BROADHURST ARE FOUSED OUT
Matt Wright has become the latest rider to agree terms for the 2005 Robert Heath Dons following the confirmation of a 42 points limit for all Conference League sides.
However the adoption of a controversial rider grading system that punitively increases the average of all riders over a certain age, has effectively ended the Wimbledon careers of skipper Wayne Broadhurst and popular reserve Andre Cross.
Broadhurst has been slapped with an eleven point grading, despite only recording a final 2004 average of 7.93, whilst Cross is now saddled with an eight point grading for the new campaign.
Wimbledon Chairman Ian Perkin was clearly disappointed with the new ruling. "We voted against this decision as we feel it is patently unfair to discriminate against riders on the basis of age."
"Both Wayne and Andre have invested heavily in equipment for the new season and to make these changes with such short notice being given to them is very unfair."
"The Conference League has a good track record of producing good youngsters with Edward Kennett and James Wright being just two examples of younsters, who far from being held back by older riders have developed rapidly from riding against them."
Perkin continued, "The Conference League did not need this discriminatory change, a simple points limit on team buiding was all that was needed and I suspect that those that voted for the new rules, particularly the stand alone clubs, will in due course regret that they did so."
"The real problem that holds back the development of young British riders is the fact that Premier and Elite league clubs sign so many riders from abroad therby denying team places to developing home talent. Forcing older riders out of Conference League racing is simply not going to fix the real problem".
Perkin was far happier to announce the capture of the promising Wright for a second season at Plough Lane. "Matt is very much part of our long term plans at Wimbledon and we feel sure that he has the ability to become a fully fledged heat leader in 2005."
Dons remain hopeful on Bargh capture
Wimbledon Chairman Ian Perkin has reacted to media reports that appear to cast doubt on the arrival of young Kiwi Star Andrew Bargh to ride for the Robert Heath Heating sponsored Dons in the upcoming season.
Perkin was at pains to point on that the youngster, who was initally recommended to Plough Lane by former Dons legend Ronnie Moore, had approached fellow Wimbledon Director Dingle Brown about a team place in SW17.
"Dingle agreed that if Andrew came over to the UK this season we would give him the opportunity of riding for Wimbledon at number six or seven", commented Perkin.
A press statement was then put out to the effect that Andrew had agreed to join Wimbledon"
With 2005 team levels set to be determined at tomorrow's Conference Chairman's meeting in Rugby, the Wimbledon management have indicated that in no way will they consider riders who are not 100% committed to riding for the London side, especially with the likelihood that some form of points limit will be introduced.
"Our offer of a place in the side remains open for now, but the time is fast approaching when we will have to make alternative arrangements if Bargh does not want to ride for us" said Perkin.
"To be fair to Andrew we have not spoken to the rider since he contacted Dingle, and we are unsure whether the comments attributed to the rider actually came from another source."
End of Press Release by Barry Pickering
MATT WRIGHT KEEN TO RETURN TO DONS IN 2005
Promising Wimbledon rider Matt Wright has set his sights on securing a heat leader berth in 2005, in what should be his second season with the Dons following his move from Mildenhall, and despite no likely confirmation of a team slot before the Promoters meeting next month, it will be a major shock if the name of Matt Wright isn't pencilled into the Wimbledon starting septet by team boss Dingle Brown.
"I enjoyed myself so much at Wimbledon last year and really want to return to ride for the Dons. I'd like to add at least another point or two to my average overall, and also continue to improve my away scores. Before last year I always feared going to Buxton, and really improved my scores there in 2004, now I'm looking to do better at Newport and Weymouth in particular."
The Suffolk-based teamster finished the season in style for the Londoners, averaging more than eight points per meeting after a move to the Number Three racejacket, and is keen to make the move up to heat leader status on a permanent basis." I didn't start the season so well, but when I moved to Number Three I really showed what I could do when I put my head down and got some confidence."
Wright began the side in the difficult No.2 berth, a position never easy to score points from, and clearly benefited from the move down the order after a spell when he looked down on confidence. Despite this, the teenager was one of only two ever presents in the side, and notched up 270 points in 42 appearances for an overall 6.21 average in a year that saw him continue to progress in his chosen career.
"When I rode here for Mildenhall the year before I didn't have that bad a meeting, and it only took a couple of months to get used to the tight turns at Wimbledon . The team spirit amongst the lads was fantastic, and of the teams that I have rode in, that was probably the best team spirit that I have encountered in that there was always somebody willing to lend a bike if it was needed, and the fans are fantastic."
Matt also pinpointed when things started to come together as a unit, "When we went up to Newcastle and Armadale we stayed as a group and that brought us together and helped us get to know each other a little better."
Finally, Wright foresees a good year ahead for the Dons as they bid to continue their upward trend in the Conference League, "If we can keep the bulk of the side that ended 2004 then we should have a good chance. I know that Barrie (Evans) won't be there but we should have a good chance of doing well in all competitions."
WIMBLEDON OFF TO A FLYING START WITH THE SIGNING OF MARK BUZZ BURROWS
Wimbledon Speedway secured a flying start to the New Year with the news that top man Mark "Buzz " Burrows has signed on the dotted line for another season of Conference League racing at Plough Lane.
Despite receiving tempting offers from clubs nearer his Northern base, the ever popular Sheffield based rider pledged to continue making the long trip down the M1 for his third successive season in the famous Dons colours.
Dons Chairman Ian Perkin was naturally delighted to sign up the Conference League Number Two rider as the first name on the team sheet for 2005. "Buzz has been a massive points scorer for Wimbledon over the past two seasons and is a past master at providing exciting spectacular racing for the fans at Plough Lane."
"On behalf of the Directors, I would like to express my thanks to Stoke Promoter Dave Tattum for his assistance, and also to Simon Pinkstone of SP Electrical & Data Comms Contractors in coming forward
with valuable sponsorship for Buzz."
Dons officials are set to announce further rider signings over the next few weeks although the final makeup of the side is dependent on whether any team building restrictions are brought into place at next
months Promoters meeting."
WEBSITE EDITORS APPEAL
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Send your Donations to : Coventry Speedway C/o Disaster Appeal Coventry Speedway Brandon Stadium, Rugby Road, Brandon, Near Coventry, CV8 3GJ Visit Coventry Speedway Website at : http://coventrymotorspeedway.com/.
Many Thanks for taking the time out to read this appeal, and for your support.
From Your Website Editor
Becky Partridge
BROADY KEEN TO RETURN
Inspirational skipper Wayne Broadhurst has signalled his wish to return to Plough Lane for a second year in Dons colours, with the likeable rider clearly enjoying life at Plough Lane.
Broadhurst was the subject of a bitter pre-season transfer wrangle between Wimbledon and former club Mildenhall, with the then Fen Tigers promoter Graham Drury slapping a 28 day ban on his services after wrongly accusing the Dons management of making an illegal approach for his erstwhile No.1.
Broadhurst clearly enjoyed the relaxed attitude that prevailed around Wimbledon Stadium, and paid tribute to the hard work of everyone concerned with the running of Wimbledon Speedway. "The riders were a great bunch of lads to ride with, and from Dingle, to the spectators, track staff and all officials it is a brilliant club to be invloved with."
"There is a great team ethic around this club and 2004 was easily the most enjoyable season that I've had in my career to date."
Despite recording an eight point average for his new club, the GMB Dons skipper admitted to being disappointed on a personal level with his own performances, particularly around the tight Plough Lane track.
"Wimbledon is a circuit where you really need to make the starts, and for most of the year I wasn't sharp enough from the gate. It was only towards the end of the season when I reverted to my old engine tuner Glyn Taylor and changed my clutches that I began trapping better."
Broadhurst also had to contend with a fair few injury niggles during the season, with a broken collarbone at Sheffield restricting his returns for a while. "Everytime I seemed to hit some decent form another bang was just round the corner and it was a case of two steps forward and one step back at times!"
"Despite all the niggles, I really enjoyed my first year with the Dons and would love to return next season, although this obviously depends upon the actions taken at the forthcoming Conference Promoters meeting."
WIMBLEDON WANT TO TAKE PLACE IN ALL OFFICIAL CONFERENCE LEAGUE COMPETITIONS NEXT SEASON
Wimbledon bosses have confirmed that barring any major changes to the Conference level infrastructure the GMB Dons will take their place in all official Conference competitions next season. Dons Chairman Ian Perkin is keen to see the Londoners mount a serious challenge for honours in the League, Cup and Trophy after three relatively barren years for the London side. "Since returning to the sport in 2002 we have made considerable progress, but 2005 must be the year when we launch a serious assault for silverware, and prove to our fans that we can bring back the glory days to Plough Lane." With the Dons management indicating that they would like to see the majority of the 2004 Dons squad returning to Plough Lane next season, the final make up of the team will be ultimately determined by the measures taken at the Conference Chairman's AGM early next year. Perkin has indicated that the Dons would like some form of points limit introduced next season to avoid the creation of so called "super teams" so prevalent over the past year or two. "It cannot be in the best interests for the Conference League to allow sides to be constructed without any real points restrictions. This year we have raced against sides including five heat leaders and this has led to a number of vastly uncompetitive meetings across the League."
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