The Hitmen opened their Conference League season against the newly reformed Rye House Rockets, led by the experienced Simon Wolstenholme. Buxton made three changes to the side which beat Mildenhall - Jamie Young, James Mann and Aiden Collins replacing Jon Armstrong, Richard Moss and Daniel Hodgson.
After a drawn opening Heat won by Wolstenholme, Buxton debutant Collins won the next but partner Mann was excluded for nudging Simon Moon off as he tried to get through to join his team mate. The Hitmen then took control with six Heat wins on the trot, four by 5-1 and two by 4-2, giving them a lead of 34-14 after eight Heats. The run ended when Mark Steel was excluded Moon was brought down for the second time. The result was made mathematically certain with a Painter/Burnett 5-1 in the tenth but Heat 12 was the one which saw most action.
Unbeaten Aiden Collins was first to be excluded for touching the tapes, His replacement James Mann was then excluded for unfair riding after an overzealous pass on Simon Moon (again) and in the next attempt to run the race, Mark Steel fell and he too was excluded. The Rockets pair had the race to themselves yet nearly came to grief as the got rather close on the first bend but recovered to take the 5-0. Wolstenholme took the next with partner Jones in third for a Rockets 4-2 but Adam Allott took his fourth win on the trot in Heat 14 for a Hitmen 4-2. Unfortunately for Adam, his chances of a maximum went in the nominated race as he was off gate four and was squeezed out on the first turn, his partner Jamie Young chased Wolstenholme but made a big mistake and Simon Moon grabbed second for the Rockets to finish with a 5-1 , leaving the final score with a little more respectability. It was an entertaining meeting with some good racing and it was good to see quite a few Rye House supporters making the long trek up to Buxton, unfortunately their team just met the home riders on fine form.
Alternative Match Report