Buxton Hitmen close to weathering Storm

The Addison Engineering Hitmen, who are still not back to full strength with Tony Atkin’s place waiting to be filled, secured a league point in the 47-46 defeat at Hi-Edge.

Coventry lived up to their name and stormed into a 27-15 lead, but the Hitmen hit back with a tactical win from Charles Wright in heat eight, on his way to a 21-point maximum, and a 5-1 in heat nine from latest signing Liam Carr and the returning Ryan Blacklock.

Coventry replied with a 5-1 of their own in heat 11 to remain nine points ahead. Buxton clawed back some points with a 4-2 and a 5-1 to take it to the final heat, but a win for Wright, backed up with a third place for team-mate Adam McKinna, wasn’t enough.

Boss Lee said: “They took us a bit by surprise and built up a lead, but the lads got their heads together and we pulled it back.

“It’s a bit disappointing to go down by one point at the end when we managed to come from 12 points behind at one stage, but that’s how it goes sometimes.

“One or two of the lads were struggling early on with bike set-ups and things and weren’t scoring points, but once they sorted out their bikes the points came, unfortunately it was just a bit too late for us to save the match.”

The Hitmen are next in home action on Sunday against Kings Lynn Young Stars (3pm start).

Results

Buxton 46: Charles Wright 21, Adam McKinna 8, Liam Carr 6, Ryan Blacklock 5+2, Matt Williamson 5+1, Tom Woolley 1, Tony Atkin r/r.

Coventry 47: Luke Crang 12+1, Robert Branford 11+2, Oliver Greenwood 10+2, James Sarjeant 7, Ryan Terry-Daley 4+1, Tommy Fenwick 3+2, Joe Jacobs r/r.