BIRMINGHAM BULLS 22

WEYMOUTH WILDCATS 14

WEYMOUTH WILDCATS succumbed 22-14 to a strong Birmingham Bulls side as James Laker once again shone for the visitors at Perry Barr.

Laker claimed eight of the Wildcats’ 14 points in a tricky encounter which saw the Bulls open a six-point lead after three of six heats.

A 4-2 in heat four followed for Weymouth but a 5-1 put paid to their hopes of a positive result, rounding off the meeting with a 3-3.

Speaking to Echosport, co-promoter Martin Peters was mystified as to why Laker had not earned a National League seat.

He said: “Why he’s not in the National League, I don’t know. He’s the best rider that’s not in the National that should be, without a doubt.

“He’s beating guys in the National League week-in, week-out and for some reason he’s not getting that recognition.

“I’m not quite sure what’s going on.

“He’s got a great attitude, he always turns up, has decent equipment and I don’t understand what’s going on with some of these people.”

Expanding on the Wildcats’ display, Peters said: “It could’ve been a little bit closer. One of the heats could’ve been a three-all and it turned into a 5-1.

“It was just that one heat, it could’ve been a little bit closer. A 4-2 or 3-3 would’ve taken an extra point off and it would’ve been 20-16 which is a 4-2 away from a draw.”

Wildcats are set to take on Reading at Wimborne Park tonight, with Peters teasing a "secret weapon" in new riders Jamie Evans and Darren Carr.

He said: "We've got two unknowns to the league and to us riding for us tonight.

"I've seen Jamie ride before, so I know how good he can be. Reading don't quite know about him, which is a good thing.

"When he goes out there I think he's going to score a hatful of points.

"It's a bit of a secret weapon for us. Obviously James Laker's there, Sam (Peters) is there and if I can gee him up he might go faster and get a couple of points which could swing the meeting our way."

Wildcats: James Laker, Sam Peters, Jamie Evans, Darren Carr.