BUXTON’S BEST YET

Buxton’s visit to London to meet Wimbledon last week provided mixed fortunes for the Hitmen, who were without Will Beveridge — due to race for Stoke at Sheffield — and Chris Collins, sidelined with a broken collar-bone.

But on track, everything went right for the visitors who rattled up a mammoth 62-28 away win.

Young Jamie Wright recorded a career best paid 17 to top score, Carl Belfield managed paid 16, also the best score of his career, and Aidan Collins bagged a 15-point maximum.

Captain Paul Burnett had his best night of the season with 11 paid 12 as the Hitmen tore the Dons apart.

“To be fair, the Dons have got a lot of injuries and just could not hope to cover for them,” said Buxton team manager Jack Lee.

“We just happened to come along and all our team adapted to the track to record a brilliant win.”

Buxton boss Ken Moss commented: “I could not believe it when I heard the score from Wimbledon. I thought it must be the other way round!

“But I am proud of the team, they are all wanting to win and give their best and we are having our best season for some time.”

The win made amends for the previous Monday’s 55-33 drubbing at Rye House, where the Hitmen were playing catch up all night.

Only Aidan Collins made much of an impression, recording four heat wins and three second places as the Hitmen suffered their biggest defeat of the season.

“With only one heat leader, we knew it was going to be an uphill struggle. Rye House have a very good side, their three teenagers —Edward Kennett, Steve Boxall and James Cookie — are all outstanding prospects, which is good for the future of speedway,” said Lee.

Lee Derbyshire was pleased to find himself in his first nominated riders’ race after he landed on the dog track in Heat 9.

“Richard Moss lifted coming out of the first turn and collected me and I went under the fence. He was worried about me and the bike as it was one of his,” said Derbyshire.

The Hitmen are not in action again until the visit of Wimbledon on August 18. The Dons should have Jason Prynne and Justin Elkins back in their side in time for that one while Chris Collins could also be back for the Hitmen.