The Exeter Aces launched a new campaign with the main target of retaining the Division 1 and 2 South & South Wales league titles they won in 2012.

There are changes to the team this year with a number of new riders and the opening fixture was against Poole.

The Dorset side, with arguably their strongest possible top eight riders from their squad got off to a flying start with a maximum seven-point heat advantage whilst Exeter Aces could only manage a single heat win throughout the first half from team manager Craig Nethercott. At half time, Poole had a healthy lead of fourteen points. Veteran Dave Murphy gave Aces a great start to the second half with a four point success in the opening heat.

Unfortunately, apart from a late success for Thomas Reed late in the match, it was Poole who prevailed as the stronger of the teams to claim a 107-72 victory.

Exeter Scorers: Craig Nethercott 14+1, Aaron Herbert 12+2, Dave Murphy 12, Andrew Yard 9, Dan Winchester 8, Joe Avery 6, Thomas Reed 6, Rob Geach 5

The Exeter Aces’ division 2 side made the most of their usual riders and raced to victory with a fine league debut for newcomer Isaac Harrison.

Will Tidball put in a usual fine performance and Robert Croal continued to show improvements on top of last year’s big steps forward as Aces ran out 68-52 victors.

Exeter Scorers: Robert Croal 13, Isaac Harrison 11+2, Will Tidball 11+2, Charlie Jane Herbert 9+2, Andy Riddle 9+1, Connor Tucker 8, Lauren Hookway 7+1

In an innovative move for this season Aces have launched a conference league side to provide competitive action for both Unde6-16s and ladies.

Owen Tidball impressed home fans with a dazzling display, beating Poole’s big gun Jay Briggs to the finish line in the penultimate heat of the afternoon.

Jack Herbert used his experience to produce some impressive team riding whilst Ben Stanbury, on his league racing debut, managed to beat an opposing rider in all of his three races.

However, Poole marginally held the upper hand tracking their division 1 star Aaron Smith in their Under-16 line up. Aces battled all the way, but couldn’t quite hold on as Poole triumphed 64-56.

Aces scorers: Jack Herbert 9+3, Owen Tidball 11, Sam Riddle 8+1, Thomas Croal 8, Ben Stanbury 6+2, Lauren Hookway 6, Charlie Jane Herbert 4+2,

Harry Stanbury 4

The Exeter Aces next home meeting is on Sunday, May 21 when they entertain Newport.

For details on where the track is visit exeteracescyclespeedway.com