LYONS BLOW IN CUP EXIT

Wednesday June 25, 2008
BIRMINGHAM'S inspirational skipper Jason Lyons was taken to hospital with a shoulder injury on Wednesday night after crashing out of the 51-42 Cup defeat by Rye House.

Lyons, one of the league's top riders, had already broken the Perry Barr track record in his opening ride but his night was ended when he tried to pass Tommy Allen in Heat 5 and crashed spectacularly.

It leaves boss Graham Drury potentially looking for yet another replacement in the BRC Roofing Brummies side when they head to Redcar in a re-arranged clash on Thursday night.

From the moment Lyons was ruled out of the meeting defeat on the night looked likely for Birmingham, who were left with only five riders plus squad member Jack Roberts.

James Birkinshaw worked hard at reserve with some determined racing in his 11+2 score and Craig Watson picked up three wins in the top Brummies score of 14+1.

Guest Robert Ksiezak, in for the injured Phil Morris, won a tactical ride for double points for Birmingham in Heat 11 but by this stage it was all too late.

The final aggregate score was 113-72 after Rye House took full advantage of Birmingham's injury in the first leg.

BIRMINGHAM: Craig Watson 14+1, James Birkinshaw 11+2, Robert Ksiezak 10, Jason Lyons 3, Lee Smart 3, Jack Hargreaves 1+1, Jack Roberts 0, Adam Roynon R/R.
RYE HOUSE: James Wright 14+1, Robert Mear 12+3, Chris Neath 9+1, Tommy Allen 7+2, Daniel Halsey 6+1, Luke Bowen 3+1, Stefan Ekberg R/R.

TEAMS FOR THURSDAY NIGHT AT REDCAR:
REDCAR: Gary Havelock, Joni Keskinen R/R, James Grieves, John Branney, Ty Proctor, Josh Auty, Scott James.
BIRMINGHAM: Adam Roynon R/R, Lee Smart, Jason Lyons (subject to fitness), Craig Watson, Andrew Tully, Jack Hargreaves, James Birkinshaw.

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