Barker and Thompson guide Gladiators to thrilling victory

PLYMOUTH Gladiators won a last heat decider to take the points against Edinburgh Monarchs at the Coliseum in the Championship, coming out 46-44 winners.

- By LEWIS BESWETHERICK Speedway correspondent @PlymouthGladial

With the scores tied, Ben Barker and Joe Thompson teamed up to secure a 4-2 heat win to give Plymouth their first win of the league campaign and send the fans into raptures in the process.

Gladiators' Lasse Fredriksen produced an inspired performance on the night, claiming 15 points from six rides in just his second meeting at the Coliseum.

Heats one to three saw consecutive 3-3s to start the meeting. Alfie Bowtell kick-started the evening with a win in the first race, while Nicolai Klindt pulled up with a mechanical issue. It was another frustrating night for the Dane, who could only manage five points from his four rides.

In heat four, Plymouth gained a slight advantage, with Barker finishing first and Ben Trigger coming third — one of the hometown rider's only few rides of the night.