Somerset Rebels
Encyclopedia
The Somerset Rebels are a Speedway
team from Highbridge
, Somerset
. Founded in 2000, the club competes in the British Premier League
. Their home track is located at the Oak Tree Arena
.
on foundation but moved up to the Premier League
in 2002. The Oak Tree Arena
was built totally from scratch ready for the 2000 season.
The Rebels have already won three trophies in their relatively short history, the Conference League Trophy & Conference League KO Cup in 2001, and the Premier League Fours Championship
in 2005. The club came close to winning the 'Fours' title again in 2006, finishing runners up to the hosts Workington
. 2007 saw the Rebels finish second again, this time to the Isle of Wight
, the meeting being held at Peterborough
.
The 2006 season saw Somerset reach the Premier League Knock Out Cup Final for the first time, finishing runners up to King's Lynn
. The Rebels repeated this feat in 2007, making the final for a second time, but once again they had to content themselves with the runners up spot as King's Lynn won the trophy for the third year in a row. In 2009 the team was purchased by Bill Hancock the owner of the Oak Tree Stadium.
, was not retained. The Somerset management looked for a more solid line up given the greater emphasis on away wins and he was replaced by Jason Doyle
who had spent the previous season at Elite League
team Poole
. Soon after completing their line up, Ritchie Hawkins
sustained serious injuries when riding in an indoor meeting in Germany. The injuries were such that they would keep the 24-year-old out of the saddle for the whole season. The club signed experienced American
international, Brent Werner
, as replacement.
A further setback hit the team less than a month before the start of the season when Australian rider Tom Hedley informed the club that he had decided against riding in the UK for the 2008 season. With five days left until the Rebels 2008 Season Launch Day, the club signed German Henning Loof as replacement for Hedley. Loof found points difficult to come by, and was replaced by the Rebels management by fellow German Matthias Kröger
in mid-April, with Loof moving on to join injury hit team Mildenhall Fen Tigers
.
The 2008 season proved to be successful; the team finished second the Premier League
table behnd the Edinburgh Monarchs
after a season long battle with the Scottish side. The Rebels took the challenge to the final heat of their last league match of the season at Birmingham
. Somerset won the Premier League Knockout Cup
for the first time in their history. After winning the first leg of the final at Workington
43-46, the Rebels won the return leg at the Oak Tree Arena
52-41 for a 98-84 aggregate victory. Additionally, Somerset finished runners up in the Premier League Pairs Championship
which was held at their own Oak Tree Arena track, and followed that up with third place in the Premier League Fours Championship
at Workington.
On the individual front, their number one, Jason Doyle, finished runner up in the Premier League Riders Championship
at Sheffield
, this despite riding with shoulder and rib injuries sustained at Sheffield ten days earlier in the Rebels league match against the Tigers.
, Glenn Cunningham
, Paul Fry
, Ritchie Hawkins
, reserve: Chris Mills)
, Emil Kramer, Jordan Frampton
, Stephan Katt, Matthias Kroger
. Brent Werner
, Simon Walker
)
2006
Champion: Sam Masters
2011
Motorcycle speedway
Motorcycle speedway, usually referred to as speedway, is a motorcycle sport involving four and sometimes up to six riders competing over four anti-clockwise laps of an oval circuit. Speedway motorcycles use only one gear and have no brakes and racing takes place on a flat oval track usually...
team from Highbridge
Highbridge, Somerset
Highbridge is a small market town situated on the edge of the Somerset Levels near the mouth of the River Brue. It is in the County of Somerset, and is approximately north west of Taunton, the county town of Somerset. Highbridge is in the District of Sedgemoor, being situated approximately north...
, Somerset
Somerset
The ceremonial and non-metropolitan county of Somerset in South West England borders Bristol and Gloucestershire to the north, Wiltshire to the east, Dorset to the south-east, and Devon to the south-west. It is partly bounded to the north and west by the Bristol Channel and the estuary of the...
. Founded in 2000, the club competes in the British Premier League
Speedway Premier League
The Premier League is the second division of Speedway in the United Kingdom and goverened by the Speedway Control Board , in conjunction with the British Speedway Promoters' Association . The Premier League was founded in 1995 when it replaced the British League as the first division...
. Their home track is located at the Oak Tree Arena
Oak Tree Arena
The Oaktree Arena is a speedway racing track located near Highbridge, Somerset, England, and is built alongside the M5 motorway.The track, which was constructed by Glyn Taylor, is in length, with banking around the edge for spectators.-Speedway:...
.
History
The club entered the Conference LeagueSpeedway Conference League
The Conference League was the third and lowest division of motorcycle speedway racing in the United Kingdom governed by the Speedway Control Board , in conjunction with the British Speedway Promoters' Association . The other leagues being the Elite League and Premier League. The League consisted of...
on foundation but moved up to the Premier League
Speedway Premier League
The Premier League is the second division of Speedway in the United Kingdom and goverened by the Speedway Control Board , in conjunction with the British Speedway Promoters' Association . The Premier League was founded in 1995 when it replaced the British League as the first division...
in 2002. The Oak Tree Arena
Oak Tree Arena
The Oaktree Arena is a speedway racing track located near Highbridge, Somerset, England, and is built alongside the M5 motorway.The track, which was constructed by Glyn Taylor, is in length, with banking around the edge for spectators.-Speedway:...
was built totally from scratch ready for the 2000 season.
The Rebels have already won three trophies in their relatively short history, the Conference League Trophy & Conference League KO Cup in 2001, and the Premier League Fours Championship
Speedway Premier League Four-Team Championship
The Premier League Four-Team Championship is a contest between teams competing in the Speedway Premier League in the UK. Eight teams are grouped into fours, with one rider from each team in each race...
in 2005. The club came close to winning the 'Fours' title again in 2006, finishing runners up to the hosts Workington
Workington Comets
Workington Comets is a speedway club based in Workington, Cumbria. Their track is at Derwent Park Stadium, which they share with Workington Town Rugby League Football Club.They compete in the Premier League...
. 2007 saw the Rebels finish second again, this time to the Isle of Wight
Isle of Wight Islanders
The Isle of Wight Wightlink Islanders are a British Speedway team. They currently compete in the National League and ride at the Smallbrook Stadium....
, the meeting being held at Peterborough
Peterborough Panthers
The Peterborough Panthers are a British speedway team based in Peterborough, England.They were the British Elite League Speedway Champions in 1999 and 2006...
.
The 2006 season saw Somerset reach the Premier League Knock Out Cup Final for the first time, finishing runners up to King's Lynn
King's Lynn Stars
King's Lynn Stars are a motorcycle speedway team who compete in the British Elite League. The nickname "Stars" comes from the defunct Norwich Stars team...
. The Rebels repeated this feat in 2007, making the final for a second time, but once again they had to content themselves with the runners up spot as King's Lynn won the trophy for the third year in a row. In 2009 the team was purchased by Bill Hancock the owner of the Oak Tree Stadium.
2011 Team
Also Rode: (released) (short-term injury replacement) (short-term injury replacement) (released)2010 Team
Also Rode: (Released) (With-held services) (Retired) (Injured) (Injured) (Released) (Released)Season Summary
The 2008 season saw a major change in the club's line up after their number one rider for the past three seasons, Magnus ZetterstromMagnus Zetterström
Hans Magnus Zetterström is an international motorcycle speedway rider who rides for the Poole Pirates in the British Elite League. Zetterström became European Champion in 2002 and won the Premier League Riders Championship in 2006...
, was not retained. The Somerset management looked for a more solid line up given the greater emphasis on away wins and he was replaced by Jason Doyle
Jason Doyle
Jason Doyle is an Australian motorcycle speedway rider who rides for the Poole Pirates in the British Elite League and Polonia Piła in the Polish Second Division.-Career:...
who had spent the previous season at Elite League
Speedway Elite League
The Elite League is the top division of Speedway league competition in the United Kingdom and is governed by the Speedway Control Bureau , in conjunction with the British Speedway Promoters' Association . It is sponsored by Sky Sports...
team Poole
Poole Pirates
Poole Pirates are a motorcycle speedway team based in Poole, England, competing in the British Elite League...
. Soon after completing their line up, Ritchie Hawkins
Ritchie Hawkins
Ritchie Hawkins , is a speedway rider in the United Kingdom, riding with the Somerset Rebels in the Premier League....
sustained serious injuries when riding in an indoor meeting in Germany. The injuries were such that they would keep the 24-year-old out of the saddle for the whole season. The club signed experienced American
United States national speedway team
The United States national speedway team are an international speedway team from the United States who compete in the annual major international speedway competition, the Speedway World Cup. They are managed by David Joiner and the current captain is 1997 World Champion Greg Hancock...
international, Brent Werner
Brent Werner
Brent Werner is an American motorcycle speedway rider who was a member of United States team at Speedway World Cups.He has signed to ride for Plymouth Devils in the 2012 Premier League season.- Career details :...
, as replacement.
A further setback hit the team less than a month before the start of the season when Australian rider Tom Hedley informed the club that he had decided against riding in the UK for the 2008 season. With five days left until the Rebels 2008 Season Launch Day, the club signed German Henning Loof as replacement for Hedley. Loof found points difficult to come by, and was replaced by the Rebels management by fellow German Matthias Kröger
Matthias Kröger
Matthias Kröger is a German motorcycle speedway rider who rode in 2002 Speedway World Cup.- See also :* Germany national speedway team...
in mid-April, with Loof moving on to join injury hit team Mildenhall Fen Tigers
Mildenhall Fen Tigers
The Mildenhall Fen Tigers are a British speedway team, currently riding in the National League.The club moved up to the Premier League in 2006 after twelve seasons in the Conference League when new promoter Mick Horton took over. In 2007 Stadium owner Carl Harris formed 'Fen Tigers Limited' with...
.
The 2008 season proved to be successful; the team finished second the Premier League
Speedway Premier League
The Premier League is the second division of Speedway in the United Kingdom and goverened by the Speedway Control Board , in conjunction with the British Speedway Promoters' Association . The Premier League was founded in 1995 when it replaced the British League as the first division...
table behnd the Edinburgh Monarchs
Edinburgh Monarchs
The Edinburgh Monarchs are a Scottish Speedway team, currently based in Armadale. They compete in the Speedway Premier League, racing on Friday nights during the Speedway season. The club is run by a Board of Directors, chaired by Alex Harkess. The team manager is Alan "Doc" Bridgett...
after a season long battle with the Scottish side. The Rebels took the challenge to the final heat of their last league match of the season at Birmingham
Birmingham Brummies
Birmingham Brummies are a British speedway team, who were reformed in 2006 and then accepted into the Premier League in 2007. The club race at Perry Barr Stadium ....
. Somerset won the Premier League Knockout Cup
Premier League Knockout Cup
The Premier League Knockout Cup is a motorcycle speedway competition in the United Kingdom governed by the Speedway Control Board , in conjunction with the British Speedway Promoters' Association . The teams from the second tier of league racing, the Premier League, take part...
for the first time in their history. After winning the first leg of the final at Workington
Workington Comets
Workington Comets is a speedway club based in Workington, Cumbria. Their track is at Derwent Park Stadium, which they share with Workington Town Rugby League Football Club.They compete in the Premier League...
43-46, the Rebels won the return leg at the Oak Tree Arena
Oak Tree Arena
The Oaktree Arena is a speedway racing track located near Highbridge, Somerset, England, and is built alongside the M5 motorway.The track, which was constructed by Glyn Taylor, is in length, with banking around the edge for spectators.-Speedway:...
52-41 for a 98-84 aggregate victory. Additionally, Somerset finished runners up in the Premier League Pairs Championship
Speedway Premier League Pairs Championship
The Premier League Pairs Championship is a contest between the top two riders from each club competing in the Speedway Premier League in the UK. The meetings comprise ten teams of two riders drawn into two qualifying groups.-Gate positions:...
which was held at their own Oak Tree Arena track, and followed that up with third place in the Premier League Fours Championship
Speedway Premier League Four-Team Championship
The Premier League Four-Team Championship is a contest between teams competing in the Speedway Premier League in the UK. Eight teams are grouped into fours, with one rider from each team in each race...
at Workington.
On the individual front, their number one, Jason Doyle, finished runner up in the Premier League Riders Championship
Speedway Premier League Riders Championship
The Premier League Riders Championship is a contest between the top riders with the highest average points total from each club competing in the Speedway Premier League in the UK. The championship was inaugurated in 1968 when it was known as the British League Division Two Riders Championship...
at Sheffield
Sheffield Tigers
The Sheffield 'Window Centre' Tigers are a speedway team based in Sheffield, England. They currently race in the British Premier League and their home meetings take place at Owlerton Stadium which is the fastest track in British speedway...
, this despite riding with shoulder and rib injuries sustained at Sheffield ten days earlier in the Rebels league match against the Tigers.
Premier League Four-Team Championship
Winners: 2005 (Team; Magnus ZetterstromMagnus Zetterström
Hans Magnus Zetterström is an international motorcycle speedway rider who rides for the Poole Pirates in the British Elite League. Zetterström became European Champion in 2002 and won the Premier League Riders Championship in 2006...
, Glenn Cunningham
Glenn Cunningham (speedway rider)
Glenn Cunningham in Bristol is a former International Speedway rider who rode for the Stoke Potters in the British Premier League....
, Paul Fry
Paul Fry (speedway rider)
Paul David Fry was a British speedway rider. Fry made his debut with the Cradley Heath Heathens in 1984 and rode for a number of clubs during his career. He won several team trophies including the British League Knockout Cup with Cradley Heath in 1986 and 1987 and the Premier League Knockout Cup...
, Ritchie Hawkins
Ritchie Hawkins
Ritchie Hawkins , is a speedway rider in the United Kingdom, riding with the Somerset Rebels in the Premier League....
, reserve: Chris Mills)
Premier League Knockout Cup
Winners: 2008 (Team; Jason DoyleJason Doyle
Jason Doyle is an Australian motorcycle speedway rider who rides for the Poole Pirates in the British Elite League and Polonia Piła in the Polish Second Division.-Career:...
, Emil Kramer, Jordan Frampton
Jordan Frampton
Jordan Frampton is a motorcycle speedway rider from Great Britain riding for the Newport Wasps and Coventry Bees in 2009.-Career:...
, Stephan Katt, Matthias Kroger
Matthias Kröger
Matthias Kröger is a German motorcycle speedway rider who rode in 2002 Speedway World Cup.- See also :* Germany national speedway team...
. Brent Werner
Brent Werner
Brent Werner is an American motorcycle speedway rider who was a member of United States team at Speedway World Cups.He has signed to ride for Plymouth Devils in the 2012 Premier League season.- Career details :...
, Simon Walker
Simon Walker
Born in 1961 in Sydney, NSW. Australian composer of numerous film and television soundtracks including For the Term of His Natural Life. The first available soundtrack of his music was The Wild Duck on the Southern Cross label, and other releases include his AFI Award-nominated score for Annie's...
)
Premier League Riders Championship
Champion: Magnus ZetterstromMagnus Zetterström
Hans Magnus Zetterström is an international motorcycle speedway rider who rides for the Poole Pirates in the British Elite League. Zetterström became European Champion in 2002 and won the Premier League Riders Championship in 2006...
2006
Champion: Sam Masters
Sam Masters
Samuel Peter "Sam" Masters is an Australian motorcycle speedway rider who won the Premier League Riders Championship in 2011.-Biography:...
2011