Highbridge-based speedway side the Somerset Rebels were celebrating last night (Thursday) after becoming the 2016 Premier League Champions at the end of a hugely successful season.
The Rebels finish the season having won the Premier League Championship, the League Cup, the Premier League Pairs and the Premier Shield – all the sport’s top places.
“This is unbelievable, I’m almost speechless, and those who know me well will tell you that doesn’t happen very often!” a delighted Somerset promoter Debbie Hancock told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
“Nobody rated this team at the start of the season, and the boys were determined to prove them wrong.”
She added: “They have had a great team spirit throughout and fully deserved their title, especially after having topped the Premier League table at the end of the regular season, but in saying that it takes two teams to make a final and all credit to Sheffield for making it a great final, and I am sure that their time will come.”
“We’ve got a great team manager in Gazza – Garry May – and he knows how to get the best out of a rider as this season has proved once again.”
The ‘Cases’ Rebels followed up Wednesday night’s two-point win at Sheffield with an 18-point home victory on Thursday night, to win by 20 points on aggregate.
Thursday evening’s leg at Highbridge’s Oaktree Arena started out as a nervy affair with Sheffield taking the fight to the Rebels, but gradually the home side started to pull away.
They eventually made sure of the title when, somewhat fittingly, skipper Josh Grajczonek (pictured above) and Rohan Tungate, the Premier League Pairs champions, combined for a Somerset 5-1.
It was the second time that Somerset have won the Championship crown, following on from their success in 2013.
The tapes rise on heat 9 during last night’s event
Somerset’s Rohan Tungate getting the bumps after his Championship winning ride with Josh Grajczonek in heat 13
The action underway at the Highbridge track (all track photos Colin Burnett).
Among those celebrating in the big crowd of spectators at the Oaktree was Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Mayor Michael Clarke, The Oaktree’s Bill Hancock and former MP Tessa Munt
