Thursday 2nd August 2012, 13:15

Australian racer Darcy Ward hailed the spirit in the Roos camp after inspiring his country to an emphatic 53-39 triumph over Team Great Britain at Poole on Wednesday.

The double World Under-21 champion spearheaded the charge on 14 points as the men from Down Under led all evening.

Seven-time British champion Scott Nicholls was the top Lion on 12 paid 13, while SGP rider Chris Harris added eight.

But the depth of Australia’s talent pool was there for all to see as their Grand Prix pair Jason Crump and Chris Holder didn’t take part. Troy Batchelor bagged 11 paid 12, while Rory Schlein recorded nine paid 11 and Jason Doyle notched eight paid 10 at reserve.

Australia’s triumph comes as sweet revenge after Team GB whitewashed them in a two-meeting test series at Poole and Lakeside in June 2011.

So Ward was pleased to turn the tables. He said: “I thought it was good to get one up on the Brits.

“It was great, especially with Doyley at reserve. He is going really well. I’m really impressed with him. He struggled last year with his shoulder, which was a downer, but he’s happy at Swindon and he was good to hang out with in the changing rooms last night.

“We had an awesome team spirit. We always do. Batch is probably the funniest out of the group and it was nice to have him along.”

Team GB boss Neil Middleditch took some positives from the performance after his international debutants showed promise.

Craig Cook scored an impressive six paid seven, while Adam Roynon and Josh Auty bagged three paid four and three respectively. They replaced injured trio Danny King, Tai Woffinden and Lewis Bridger in the Lions ranks.

While his men were completely overpowered by the tourists, Middlo was pleased to give some young Lions a chance at international level.

He said: “I was happy with the efforts of the three lads who received late call-ups. The way they came into the side and worked as hard as they did was impressive. I was very proud of them

“With the injuries we had, this was an ideal time to blood them into a test match atmosphere and they didn't disgrace themselves.”

Tweet

Speedway Grand Prix Speedway Grand Prix