Match Report – Comets vs Saints
Match Report – Comets vs Saints
đ MATCH REPORT đ
 Poole vs Southampton (S&SW League)
After just over a month away from team racing, the Comets returned to Harbourside Park for what would prove to be one of their toughest matches of the season – Derby Day against the Southampton Saints.
The Saints had brought a very strong side to compete, led by multiple-time British Champion across various categories and former Junior and Veteran World Champion Gav Wheeler. Supporting him were Saints man mountain Tom Colling and current European Junior Champion and former British Champion Leon Penketh. The rest of the squad were equally formidable, featuring Tomâs determined brother Bob Colling, brothers and GB internationals George and Sonny Whale, Irish Junior Joe Gillespie and, of course, double British Womenâs Champion and one of the best female riders in the world, Maddie Saunders.
Despite the stature of the Saintsâ lineup, the home side would not be fazed, fielding the same team that competed against Newport. Club Captain and World No.4 Fez Langoo led the Comets, backed up by Polish sensation Greg GĹuchowski, GB international and one of the finest team racers around Ollie Saunders, Under-16 World Champion Teddy Curtis, one of Pooleâs most physically enduring riders Jamie Randall, Eurovets Champion Aaron Laing, with the ever-determined Liam Bartlett and Joe Chapman completing the squad.
As soon as those tapes went up, it was action from the very first race with both teams giving absolutely everything. Multiple heats had to be restarted, battles erupted into the first corners and there were tight, action-packed finishes throughout. The scoreline never stretched beyond six points all afternoon. As the first half concluded, Poole held a narrow advantage, leading 48-42.
After a 10-minute break in the sunshine – or shade for the riders – racing resumed and somehow found another gear. More wheel-to-wheel action, elbow-to-elbow battles and intense contests between each sideâs top riders gave the crowd exactly what cycle speedway is all about.
In the end, the visitors just werenât able to overhaul the Poole boys and the match – one that felt like it would never end – concluded with a final scoreline of Poole 92, Southampton 85.
A true Derby Day to remember for the Comets and especially for Fez Langoo, who represents the Saints in the top National League Division.
But Rider of the Match was undoubtedly Pooleâs Greg GĹuchowski who, despite the crashes, bangs and heated coming-togethers, produced a flawless five-race, 20-point maximum. Gavin Wheeler followed closely with 18 points, proving these gents still know exactly how to stay at the very top – even in their 40s.
The main match was followed by a challenge match between Poole & Southampton Under 14âs. On show was some fine racing which showcased the talent coming through in the junior ranks in our region.
Poole now take another break from home team racing, but action returns to Harbourside Park on 19th July when Poole host the 2026 Rose Bowl and Gold Cup – the regionâs annual team racing event for participating clubs across the South and South Wales.
Save the date and come on down.
And as usualâŚ
Donât Miss It.
Match report by Fez Langoo
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