Aces push for play-offs

BELLE Vue boss Mark Lemon was ecstatic in the wake of his side’s vital 42-48 victory over Somerset last night, with three vital points pushing them right back into play-off contention.

The Rebels took early command of proceedings with a 5-1 to open, but a rapid Rentruck Aces response meant it was short-lived.

And it was a crucial 5-1 in Heat 5 courtesy of Craig Cook and Steve Worrall that was the catalyst to the comeback, putting Belle Vue two points ahead and in control for the remainder of the night.

Dimitri Bergé really flexed his Premiership potential with eight big points to his name in only his second Rentruck Aces appearance while Cook, despite a tapes infringement, top scored with 11.

Aces supremo Mark Lemon said: “It couldn’t have been a better turnaround after Monday. There was a lot of pressure on the boys to deliver, and what can I say? They rose to the challenge.”

Belle Vue’s victory at the Oaktree Arena has sent a clear message to their rivals that they’re not going down without a fight, and next on their radar are the Swindon Robins on August 16.

Another big result could see them leapfrog Wolverhampton and onto the cusp of the top four, and with their confidence boosted after their win, they’re ready to pile the pressure on their rivals.

But they travel to the Abbey Stadium without top man Craig Cook and flying reserve Mark Riss due to their prior Championship commitments. Brady Kurtz and Theo Pjiper guest respectively.

Lemon said: “There’s still work to be done for us to get into the top four, but it’s not impossible and the fat lady isn’t singing yet.”