The Saints superstar, Shaun Woodhouse outpaced his rivals to win the top prize in the Ade Gale Laurels after 27 heats of top quality international racing. Two dozen competitors fought to win one of the eight coveted semi-final places and there were shock exits for Daniel Pudney and Gavin Wheeler for whom the draw had been particularly unkind. Wheeler in fact contested a race-off with Chris Roberts for the last semi spot but the Poole rider got the verdict after do or die effort which saw the Southampton rider excluded.

 

The first semi-final was won from the difficult grid 3 by Lukasz Jozwiak who seemed jet propelled as he gated round Mark Boaler and Pete Young with Adam Peck earning the second place for the grand final. Shaun Woodhouse made easy work of the second semi ahead of pacey Phil Howells who withstood the strong challenge from Leicester clubmate Lukasz Nowacki.

 

Woodhouse sprinted away from the rest of his rivals with supreme confidence in the grand final with home favourite Peck finishing runner-up and Howells holding off Jozwiak who was unable to work his magic from gate 4 on this occasion.

Trophies were presented by two of Poole's all time cycle speedway greats - Ade Gale's father Jim and brother Martin.

 

The Junior Laurels was won by Lee Richardson (Ipswich) after a run-off with Tom Read (Exeter). In the run-off for third place, Ryan Taylor outpaced Paul Janaway.

A series of exhibition races for riders aged 10 and under entertained the crowd.

 

Poole/Sea View Coaches provided the winner in a special challenge race featuring three lady riders who regularly compete in the Premier League Division 2. Jessica Lamb fought her way through to pass Lucy Whitehead (Leicester) in the closing stages with Rachael Edge (Horspath) 3rd.