RYE HOUSE ROCKETS

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THE THIRD SIGNING: WATT A CAPTURE!

Australian star Davey Watt has become the latest rider to sign for the new-look BMR Rockets – over a decade on from his previous spot at the club in 2004.

The highly popular stalwart from Townsville in Victoria State returns to Rye House following subsequent associations with Eastbourne (three years), Lakeside (also three) and Poole, where seven seasons have roped in no less than five Elite League championships. The Aussie has also collected three World Cup Silver and one Bronze medal during his career.

He arrives in Hertfordshire with a 5.40 average – which converts to a handy 7.56 – more than determined to rebound from a 2016 campaign that was affected by off-track matters but which now leaves him with what looks like a clearly understated average.

Rye House Co-Promoter Steve Jenson sets the scene on Watts return to Hoddesdon, saying that “Davey actually came to us during this last season asking if we could help him get a Premier League place. That didn’t prove possible, but he also wanted to be part of Team BMR for 2017 regardless of what League we were in.

“He’s such a long established rider in this country – we’re talking fifteen years now – and he’s become a permanent resident, which effectively makes him an honourary Brit and ideal for the Team spirit we want to build in 2017.

“He is also absolutely determined to get back to where he should be. We believe he’s on a false average and is going to push the rest of the top-end to give us another potential No.1.

“His reputation as a Team man goes before him, too. He’s another captain in our side, and he is definitely a rider who is worth much more than just the points he scores on the track.”

The man himself adds, “It feels great to be back in the Rockets’ line-up, and I couldn’t be happier with the way Steve and the club are approaching next season.

“There’s so much I’m looking forward to as well. The Team is fantastic, and the plans for the winter at the stadium look amazing. It’s truly refreshing to have people this passionate about the future leading the Team.

“I’ve got some friends joining me in the side as well, so that’s brilliant news for Team spirit and I’m already keen for it to all start.

“I think the Team will be a fans’ favourite and definitely score some points at home and on the road!

“I’m in Australia now, practicing and testing, and am loving being on a bike. It all looks rosy for the new season and I can’t wait!”

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THE FOURTH SIGNING: ROBBO RETURNS!

The BMR Rockets can announce that 2016 hero Stuart Robson will be wearing Black, Fire and Chrome again next season as the Hertfordshire side gears up for its first ever season in the top flight.

Generally recognised as Speedway’s favourite Mackem, Robbo is automatically guaranteed to feature in Rye House folklore for his two and a bit campaigns in Hertfordshire in the mid-noughties, his role in that memorable 2005 League and Trophy double and his never-admit-defeat heroics.

His return to Hoddesdon in 2016 after an eight season absence also left a pretty big mark, however. The sudden end to the Rockets’ season after their Knock-Out Cup Semi-Final elimination ultimately prevented the public announcing of the club’s Rider of the Year award, but it can now be confirmed that Robbo was voted in by the public for the Mr Rocket accolade. As he himself says, “It is brilliant to collect that award, and I want to say a big thank-you to everyone who voted for me. To win it when you are in the company of the likes of Eddie (Kennett) and others means a lot to me. I feel humbled to receive it.”

For Robbo, though, the focus has quickly turned to preparing for 2017 in the Premiership. “I am really pleased to be back for next year. Rye House was my first choice of club for 2017 regardless of which League they were in, so I am absolutely delighted to be a part of the set-up again.

“2016 was a good year for me but I also feel that I have got a lot more to give next season. To have Scott (Nicholls), Chris (Harris) and Davey (Watt) in the line-up as well is tremendous. It’s a really exciting looking side that is coming together.

“We’re already talking three Brits, plus Davey who is resident over here, and that’s got to be a big plus for Team spirit.

“They are TEAM men throughout too, and they all think on far more than a personal level. That’s so important to success.”

As mentioned above, Robbo is delighted to be back, but the feeling from Rye House Co-Promoter Steve Jenson is clearly mutual. He says: “Robbo would have been in the team regardless of what League we were in for 2017. It was a no brainer, really.

“In Scott, Bomber, Davey and Robbo we’ve got four captains in the Team, which isn’t a bad place to be.

“And there’s more to come. We’ll be looking to announce Rider No.5 at 9.30 tomorrow morning.”

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THE FIFTH SIGNING: SPECIAL K COMPLETES TOP FIVE!

Team BMR is delighted to post the news that so many Rye House fans have been waiting all week to hear: that that Rye House No.1 and captain Edward Kennett will be returning for a fourth straight season – and eighth in total – in the Rockets’ colours as they prepare to take their first ever flight into the sport’s top tier.

The former World Cup international will be aiming to build on a 2016 in which he was in white hot form for the Hertfordshire club, racking up a massive 303 points from 27 official matches to head the national Premier League standings with an all-inclusive average of 9.77. Excluding bonus points, that mark will convert to 9.27 and place him just ahead of Scotty Nicholls on 9.23 in the starting averages come next spring.

The Rockets’ new-look top five will be completed by Chris “Bomber” Harris, Davey Watt and the returning Stuart Robson.

Rye House Co-Promoter Steve Jenson is delighted to confirm his skipper’s return. “Like Robbo (Stuart Robson), it was a no brainer really. Eddie had a terrific season this year, and he’s played a big part in the team building process for 2017.

“I believe that 2017 is going to be Eddie’s year. He’s very excited about the New Era of the Premiership at Rye House, and he’s going to thrive on the quiet competition he will face from Scott (Nicholls), Chris (Harris), Davey (Watt) and Robbo.

“Eddie’s signing also completes a top five of four Brits and one honourary one. I don’t think any other side will be able to match that statistic, and for us it’s going to be fantastic for team spirit.”

Edward sets his own scene on next term, saying, “2016 was one of my best seasons, and definitely one of my most consistent. The fact that I finished on top of the Premier League averages proves how consistent it was.

“I’m really looking forward to Rye House moving up to the Premiership, and I have to say I think we’re putting a fantastic Team together. Having Scott (Nicholls) and Chris (Harris) in the side is such a big plus.

“I talked to Scott at the end of last season, and did my bit to attract him here to Rye. He is a class act.

“I’ve known Davey (Watt) for years. He seems totally re-focused, and I think he is going to be another key man for us next year.

“Robbo (Stuart Robson) had a brilliant 2016, and he fully deserved the Mr Rocket Rider of the Year award. As everyone knows, he is such a great trier, and he’s also a firm friend.

“It’s the same with Chris (Harris). He and I go back a long way (to 2009) to when we first rode together at Coventry, and it is fantastic to get him into Rye House.

“We may not have an out and out No.1, but there’s going to be a lot of friendly competition for that spot, and I want to hold onto it. Being captain as well is personally fantastic, and as I said earlier I am really looking forward to the new season.

“It can’t start soon enough.”

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WHO’S NEXT?

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water….

…. The sixth BMR Rockets’ signing for 2017 will be announced at 9.30 on Monday morning.

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THE SIXTH SIGNING: BRANTASTIC!

Only one position now remains to be filled in the BMR Rockets’ line-up for the 2017 SGB Premiership following the confirmed return of Rob Branford to the club.

The 22 year old – who celebrates his birthday on Wednesday – made a huge impression this year despite giving everyone else a month’s head start in order to be able to attend his sister’s wedding in Australia. He quickly made up for lost time, kicking straight back into gear with a five ride maximum for the BMR Raiders in his opening match in the Travel Plus National League, going on to rope in a 10.24 record in that division and helping the side to the Fours Championship.

It can now be announced that he also took home the Mr Raider Rider of the Year award for his success at that level.

Branny proved equally at ease for the BMR Rockets in the Premier League, initially as guest cover for the injured Peter Karger and then officially as a fully-fledged member of that roster. His 7-plus all-inclusive average placed him third in the side’s standings.

Speaking from Australia, he says, “I’m very excited to be back at Rye in 2017! It’s great the way the club is moving forward, and it’s great to be involved.

“Last season was good, I really enjoyed it and I’m hoping to keep improving on that. The management has put together a great team, and I think we’re going to be very competitive.

“There will also be a lot of knowledge in the pits, so I should be learning lots!”

Rye House Co-Promoter Steve Jenson is looking forward to welcoming Rob back to Hertfordshire. “Branny is a born racer. All he wants to do is jump on a bike and get out there, regardless of the weather or conditions. It’s the perfect attitude to have in a team. His sheer enthusiasm is infectious.

“He’s given himself the personal target of progressing from a reserve spot into the main body of the Team, which is a big ask given the calibre of our top five but it emphasises his sheer ambition and his determination to keep moving forward.

“As he’s said himself, he’s also wants to keep learning. I have a particular memory from this last season of how he and Robbo (Stuart Robson) worked and talked together when we were up at Newcastle – it was simply awesome to watch – and he’ll pick up so much insight and experience from the guys around him in the Team in 2017.

“Just watch him go next year!”

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RYE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE:
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ONE MORE TIME: WHO’S NEXT?

The final piece of the BMR Rockets’ Premiership jigsaw will be announced at 9.30 on Monday morning.

The rider in question will join Edward Kennett, Scott Nicholls, Chris Harris, Davey Watt, Stuart Robson and Rob Branford in the Rockets’ top flight ranks for 2017.

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RIDER NO. 7: ELLIS PERKS UP ROCKETS!

Ellis Perks has been named as the final part of the Rye House 2017 jigsaw as the BMR Rockets get set to take their place in the Premiership for the first time.

If his surname sounds familiar, it should do. The teenager – he’ll be 20 at the start of the new season - is the son of former referee Robbie Perks, and the great nephew of former Cradley, Long Eaton and Oxford star Dave Perks. Born in Worcester, he now spends half the year on Australia’s Gold Coast after emigrating Down Under with his family in 2007.

A grasstracker at the age of 6, Ellis switched to the shale at the age of 10, and earned his first British League spot at the tail-end of 2014. Fourth in the following season’s British U-19 Championship, he has ridden at Championship level with Scunthorpe (2015) and Plymouth (2016), and helped Eastbourne win the National League Knock-Out Cup last term. Posting an all-inclusive 8.49 record for the Eagles, he was awarded the Sussex club’s Most Improved Rider of the Year award just over a month ago.

It goes without saying that Ellis is looking forward to hooking up with the Rockets in the top flight come the spring. “I am extremely happy to have received the call to ride for the BMR Rockets in the Premiership in 2017. I find it an honour to be part of all the exciting changes going on at Rye House, and to be amongst a team with a great deal of wisdom and experience, which will surely help me progress my Speedway career further. I am hoping to hold my own as a reserve in the Premiership, and also that we can make the Play-Offs as a Team.”

Rye House Co-Promoter Steve Jenson explains the backdrop to his selection for the No.7 position. “We spoke to a number of riders for the final spot in the side, and we were really impressed by Ellis’ attitude, the training and practice that he is putting in - and also his sheer tenacity.

“He kept pestering us for the spot, and that relentlessness and determination are good attributes to have.

“He’s currently riding extensively in Australia, and Davey Watt has already taken him under his wing. That can only be another big boost, even before he arrives to join the rest of the Team.

“There will be no pressure on him, either, because of the structure of the side. We just want him to enjoy his racing, and to learn.”

The full Rye House BMR Rockets Team for 2017 is:

Edward Kennett (captain), Scott Nicholls, Chris Harris, Davey Watt, Stuart Robson, Rob Branford and Ellis Perks.

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WATT A START!

2017 BMR Rockets capture Davey Watt has made the best possible start to his pursuit of the Australian National Championship by winning this evening’s opening round of the series at Gillman.

And the recently crowned Queensland State Champion did it in impressive fashion, with a record for the meeting of five victories from six starts.

Watt was on fire in winning his opening four races to ensure his direct qualification to the “A” Final, before dropping his only points when ultimately pushed back to third place in Heat 20 following a huge battle with main rival Justin Sedgmen and Troy Batchelor.

He more than gained revenge in the final shoot-out, however, outpacing the same duo and with Nick Morris relegated to fourth spot, to cap off an early birthday present just two days ahead of his official celebration.

Speaking afterwards, Davey said, “It was absolutely brilliant to win Round 1. I’ve put in hard work this off-season, and it’s starting to pay off.

“I know it will be tough at the other rounds, but I certainly am happy to have got off to such a good start.”

The four round series continues on Saturday at Mildura, before moving on to Undera next Wednesday and wrapping up at Kurri Kurri on Saturday, January 14th.

Congratulations, Davey, on a superb result!

Scorers (main 20 race programme):

Justin Sedgmen 14, Davey Watt 13, Nick Morris 13 (qualified directly to “A” Final), Troy Batchelor 10, Sam Masters 10, Rohan Tungate 10, Max Fricke 9 (qualified to “B” Final), Ty Proctor 6, Jack Holder 6, Jaimon Lidsey 5, Todd Kurtz 5, Brady Kurtz 5, Josh Pickering 5, Cooper Riordan 4, Mason Campton 3, Jordan Stewart 2

“B” Final (winner through to “A” Final):

Troy Batchelor, Rohan Tungate, Max Fricke, Sam Masters (ret)

“A” Final:

Davey Watt, Justin Sedgmen, Troy Batchelor, Nick Morris

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From the SGB website:
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RYE House newcomer Davey Watt made a flying start to 2017 by taking the first round of the Australian Championship series.

Watt headed home Justin Sedgmen, King’s Lynn’s Troy Batchelor and Nick Morris of Swindon in Wednesday’s opener at Gillman after an impressive performance in which he won five of his six outings.

Said Watt: “It was absolutely brilliant to win Round 1. I’ve put in hard work this off-season, and it’s starting to pay off.

“I know it will be tough at the other rounds, but I certainly am happy to have got off to such a good start.”

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HALF WAY THERE?

2017 Team BMR Rocket Davey Watt leads the Australian Championship series at its mid-point after a third place finish in the event’s second round at Mildura last night.

The Queensland State titlist followed up Wednesday’s victory at Gillman by once again easing into the “A” Final with three wins and 13 points, with his only points dropped following titanic battles with Justin Sedgmen and Max Fricke.

It was Sam Masters who took the Final, ahead of World U-21 Champion Fricke, although Watt’s third place leaves him quietly optimistic in pole position heading into the remaining rounds at Undera (next Wednesday) and Kurri Kurri (next Saturday).

But although he’s half way there, unlike the lyrics of the song, he is not living on a prayer, with his displays so far reflecting sheer hard work, preparation and absolute determination.

Roll on Undera!

Scorers (main 20 race programme):

Max Fricke 13, Davey Watt 13, Sam Masters 12 (qualified directly to “A” Final), Justin Sedgmen 12, Brady Kurtz 10, Nick Morris 8, Troy Batchelor 8 (qualified to “B” Final), Josh Pickering 8, Jack Holder 7, Jaimon Lidsey 6,Ty Proctor 6, Jordan Stewart 4, Todd Kurtz 4, Mason Campton 4, Rohan Tungate 3, Cooper Riordan 2.

“B” Final (winner through to “A” Final):

Justin Sedgmen, Brady Kurtz, Nick Morris, Troy Batchelor

“A” Final:

Sam Masters, Max Fricke, Davey Watt, Justin Sedgmen (f.exc)

Championship Standings:

1 Davey Watt 32, 2 Justin Sedgmen 29, 3 Sam Masters 26, 4 Max Fricke 25, 5 Nick Morris 22, 6 Troy Batchelor 20, 7 Brady Kurtz 15, 8= Jack Holder 13, Josh Pickering 13, Rohan Tungate 13, 11 Ty Proctor 12, 12 Jaimon Lidsey 11, 13 Todd Kurtz 9, 14 Mason Campton 7, 15= Cooper Riordan 6, Jordan Stewart 6.

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RYE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE:
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WATT DISAPPOINTMENT AT UNDERA

It proved a difficult night for BMR Rocket Davey Watt in the third round of the Australian National Championship series.

The Queensland State titlist was left chasing the pack after placing third behind Max Fricke and Jordan Stewart in his opening ride at Undera, and did not fully hit his best until winning his final outing in what proved a 7 point haul.

After leading the series after the first two rounds at Gillman and Mildura, Watt is now joint-third in the standings alongside Fricke, still very much in with a shout of a rostrum place but some 7 points behind new leader Justin Sedgmen and 4 behind Sam Masters, with the deciding round set for Kurri Kurri on Saturday.

Sedgmen captured the “A” Final from Masters, with Fricke third and Troy Batchelor fourth on the night.

Scorers (main 20 race programme):

Troy Batchelor 14, Sam Masters 14, Justin Sedgmen 13 (qualified directly to “A” Final), Max Fricke 12, Jack Holder 10, Brady Kurtz 10, Nick Morris 9 (qualified for “B” Final), Davey Watt 7, Jordan Stewart 7, Rohan Tungate 6, Mason Campton 5, Ty Proctor 4, Jaimon Lidsey 4, Josh Pickering 2, Todd Kurtz 2, Cooper Riordan 1

“B” Final (winner through to “A” Final):

Max Fricke, Jack Holder, Brady Kurtz (ret), Nick Morris (fex)

A” Final;

Justin Sedgmen, Sam Masters, Max Fricke, Troy Batchelor

Series Standings after 3 rounds:

1 Justin Sedgmen 46, 2 Sam Masters 43, 3= Dave Watt 39, Max Fricke 39, 5 Troy Batchelor 35, 6 Nick Morris 31, 7 Brady Kurtz 25, 8 Jack Holder 23, 9 Rohan Tungate 19, 10 Ty Proctor 16, 11= Josh Pickering 15, Jaimon Lidsey 15, 13 Mason Campton 12, 14 Todd Kurtz 11, 15 Jordan Stewart 13, 16 Cooper Riordan 7

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From the SGB website:
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RYE House have confirmed their opening night of SGB Premiership action will see them face the reigning top flight champions.

The Rockets, who have made the move up this winter, will launch a new era for the club on Saturday April 1 when they take on Wolverhampton at Hoddesdon.

Co-promoter Steve Jenson said: “It doesn’t get any bigger than the defending champions.

“It will be a big early test of the team’s credentials after our elevation to the top flight – and I can tell you that Eddie (Kennett), Bomber (Chris Harris), Scott (Nicholls) and the rest of the boys are already getting revved up for it.

“There should be a white hot atmosphere on April 1, and it will be a real night to remember.”

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WATT BATTLES BACK TO CLINCH BRONZE

BMR Rocket Davey Watt left Wednesday’s frustration at Undera firmly behind him with a tremendous display in tonight’s final round at Kurri Kurri that ensures third place overall in the Australian Championship series.

An emphatic opening race victory set the scene for Watt’s night, with four subsequent second places leaving the Queensland State title winner comfortably through to the “B” Final with 11 points.

Although unable to place in that additional heat, with rival Max Fricke – who had started the meeting level on points with Watt – finishing the night with just 8, and next candidate Troy Batchelor pegged back to third spot in the “A” Final, Davey ultimately had the bronze in the bag with a point to spare.

Defending champion Brady Kurtz won big on the last night of the series, but finished seventh overall as Sam Masters lifted his first national title following successive runner-up finishes, while Justin Sedgmen claimed the silver position, some 3 points behind Masters and 5 ahead of Watt.

All three, together with fourth placed Troy Batchelor, also made it through to the Speedway Grand Prix qualifiers.

But that’s a story for another time.

Congratulations, Davey!

Scorers (main 20 race programme):

Sam Masters 14, Brady Kurtz 13, Troy Batchelor 12 (qualified directly for “A” Final), Rohan Tungate 11, Davey Watt 11, Nick Morris 9, Justin Sedgmen 9 (qualified for “B” Final), Max Fricke 8, Mason Campton 8, Todd Kurtz 6, Ty Proctor 6, Jaimon Lidsey 4, Jack Holder 3, Jordan Stewart 2, Josh Pickering 2, Cooper Riordan 2

“B” Final (winner to “A” Final):
Nick Morris, Justin Sedgmen, Rohan Tungate, Davey Watt

“A” Final:
Brady Kurtz, Nick Morris, Troy Batchelor, Sam Masters

Final series standings:

1 Sam Masters 58, 2 Justin Sedgmen 55, 3 Davey Watt 50, 4 Troy Batchelor 49, 5 Max Fricke 47, 6 Nick Morris 43, 7 Brady Kurtz 42, 8 Rohan Tungate 30, 9 Jack Holder 26, 10 Ty Proctor 22, 11 Mason Campton 20, 12 Jaimon Lidsey 19, 13= Todd Kurtz 17, Josh Pickering 17, 15 Jordan Stewart 15, 16 Cooper Riordan 9

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A MESSAGE FROM DAVEY

Australian Championship bronze winner Davey Watt has been inundated by congratulatory messages on social and other media following his performance in the recent series.

He would like to say briefly here: “I have had so many messages of support and congratulations – a big thank-you for all of them. It has been great to race again, and I feel really good knowing that I'm doing well. I also believe that there's a lot more in me, and that's fantastic to know.”

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THE NEW ADVENTURE AWAITS!

After originally preferring to hold back on its formal publication until club matters elsewhere in the sport were put to bed, the BMR Rockets are now delighted to go publish the fixture list for their inaugural season in the sport’s top flight, the SGB Premiership.

While specific dates for three of the four home and away clashes against Coventry remain provisional at this point - British Champion Danny King, former Grand Prix star Kenneth Bjerre and the rest of the Bees are currently due in Hertfordshire on June 3rd and September 6th – the rest of the list is now effectively ironed out.

Supporters have already been given the sneak preview that defending champions Wolverhampton will be in Hoddesdon on the opening night of the campaign, Saturday, April 1st (7pm), and they will be followed into town seven days later by Jason Doyle’s Swindon Robins in the opening round of the Knock-Out Cup, and then East Anglian arch-rivals King’s Lynn – complete with 2012 World Champion Chris Holder - who visit on Saturday the 15th.

Just one week later, it’s the turn of the Poole Pirates, who have lifted the Championship in four of the last six seasons and boast 2014 World No.2 Krzysztof Kasprzak, 2016 Australian Champion Brady Kurtz and double World Cup winner Hans Andersen in their ranks.

And that’s just the first month of action. Please see the full BMR Rockets’ fixture list for the rest of the calendar, as the countdown to the New Adventure continues!

www.ryehouserockets.co/fixtures17