A first ever Cobras maximum for Rob Smith was the highlight of a fine win over a Sittingbourne side that included experienced former Premier League man Dean Felton, new exciting prospect Jerran Hart, former Elmside Raider Harland Cook and Mark Baseby.

It looked a tough test on paper, but the Cobras proved convincing winners, thanks not only to Smith’s faultless display but excellent back-up from the rest of the side. Captain Lee Strudwick posted three wins and Andrew Aldridge a further two, while Terry Day showed his usual 100% commitment and Richard Franklin returned from his wrist injury to come within a race of a full house. Completing the side, Gary Cottham recovered well from early problems and Daniel Greenwood plugged away for his points.

The score was level, at 9-9, after three races, before the Cobras turned up the heat with maximum advantages in five of the next seven races to take the match beyond the Crusaders’ reach, at 39-21. The final blow came Heat 10, when Jerran Hart was nominated for double points as a Tactical Rider, but Rob Smith took both him and Harland Cook in a single bend to join Lee Strudwick at the front of the field. Smith’s effort there bagged the unofficial race of the night award, just surpassing Gary Cottham similar achievement against both Aaron Baseby and Ricky Scarboro in Heat 8, which took a whole half a lap to accomplish!

Rye House scorers:
Rob Smith   13+2 (5 rides, maximum)
Lee Strudwick   11 (5)
Gary Cottham   4+1 (4)
Andrew Aldridge  9 (4)
Terry Day   7+1 (4)
Daniel Greenwood  3 (4)
Richard Franklin  7+2 (4)

Sittingbourne scorers:
Dean Felton   2 (4 rides)
Mark Baseby   7+1 (4)
Harland Cook   6 (5)
Jerran Hart   10+1 (5 rides, inc 0 as a TR)
Ricky Scarboro  3 (4)
Aaron Baseby   7 (5)
Daniel Berwick   0 (3)