Somerset Cricket Captain Justin Langer, pictured here on the right, was among the special guests at Burnham-On-Sea’s Oaktree Arena on Friday evening (September 18th) for a testimonial speedway meeting for long-time rider Mark Lemon.
The veteran of 105 Tests has been a key factor in helping Somerset compete for the top-flight title during the past two seasons. Earlier this year he became the highest scoring Australian batsman in English domestic cricket.
His visit came during one of the greatest line-ups of speedway riders ever seen at the Oak Tree Arena.
Mark Lemon, who first came to these shores from Australia in 1990 and subsequently rode for the Somerset Rebels in 2003, assembled a top-class field for Friday night’s event.
The meeting took the format of an Australia v Rest of the World match over 15 heats and attracted a huge audience of several thousand spectators.
The Australian side was led by no less a rider than the two times World Champion and run-away leader of the current Grand Prix Series, Jason Crump, plus Somerset Rebels’ number one rider, Steve Johnston.
The Rest of the World side was led by the 2007 Danish Champion Hans Andersen, who was making his Oak Tree Arena debut, and included the Rebels’ Emil Kramer.
The 1993 World Champion and current Sky Sports pundit Sam Ermolenko was at the helm of the Rest of the World side, whilst pitting his wits against him was the 1976 World Championship Bronze medallist, Phil Crump. Australia won the keenly-contested match 50-43.
The guests of honour list was also headed by the 1950 and 1953 World Speedway Champion Freddie Williams.
Somerset Rebels’ Emil Kramer being interviewed by a TV crew during Friday’s meeting
Somerset Cricket Captain Justin Langer was interviewed by commentator Nigel Thomas
2007 Danish Champion Hans Andersen was happy to sign autographs for young fans
Mark Lemon made a grand entrance in this limousine at the start of the evening
1950 and 1953 World Speedway Champion Freddie Williams with Mark Lemon and Justin Langer
The Somerset Shadows cheerleaders entertained the crowds at Friday’s event
