Birmingham successfully defended their Cycle Speedway Cup title over the weekend, defeating Ipswich 100-77 in a rain-soaked final at Wednesfield.
Despite challenging weather conditions, which kept the track crew busy all weekend, the Midland side demonstrated their dominance, building on an already remarkable season with earlier victories in the European Championships at Newport and the Club Championships in Hull.
How it happened
European Individual champion Ben Mould was the standout performer, delivering a perfect score with six wins from six rides. His consistent excellence laid the groundwork for Birmingham's win, supported by the formidable Ricky Johnson, who dropped only one point in five heats, and Chris Timms, who secured key points throughout the match. Ipswich’s standout rider was Shaun Kell, whose mature performance belied his years, marking him as a rider to watch in the future.
While the weather played a significant role in shaping the match, the 18 heats saw a tactical battle unfold with seven drawn heats. Birmingham took control early, securing a 1-2 in the second heat with Johnson and Timms combining for a 7-3 advantage. Ipswich responded in the fourth heat with a 6-4 win courtesy of James Porter’s early lead, but Birmingham remained in control, leading 50-40 by the interval.
Heat nine saw another dominant display from Birmingham, as Johnson and Timms repeated their earlier success, stretching the lead. Ipswich’s hopes took a blow in heat 13 when James Porter was excluded for a collision with Johnson, allowing Birmingham to claim another 7-3 win in the rerun. Scott Millward’s victory in heat 15 all but sealed the outcome, though Ipswich managed a 1-2 finish in heat 16, with Ash Hill and Owen Wells pulling back points. However, it was too little, too late against the relentless Birmingham squad.
Birmingham’s commanding performance once again highlights their status as the top team in British Cycle Speedway, capping off a season full of success. This weekend marked a special occasion for the host club, Wednesfield, as they celebrated the 50th anniversary of their first win in the competition, which dates back to 1974.
Final Scores:
Birmingham: 100*
- Ben Mould 24
- Ricky Johnson 19
- Chris Timms 14
- Scott Millward 14
- Paul Heard 13
- Luke Draisy 10
- Mark Winwood 4
- Craig Norton 2
Ipswich: 77*
- Ash Hill 19
- Matt Hill 16
- Shaun Kell 16
- James Porter 11
- Richard Felgate 7
- Owen Wells 5
- Jack Herbert 3
