Newcastle Diamonds

Newcastle Diamonds are a motorcycle speedway team who race in the SGB Championship, every Sunday night during the season (March–October) from their home at the Newcastle Stadium on the Fossway, Byker. The Stadium, previously known as Brough Park, is primarily used for greyhound racing with the speedway track built in the centre. Supporters can watch the racing either from the large grandstand located on the home straight, or from the fully licensed bar which is located on the first floor of the grandstand and which offers unrestricted views of the entire stadium. During the race meetings, a selection of hot and cold food and drinks are available for purchase. in 2020 Newcastle entered a team named the Newcastle Gems to compete in the National Development League National Trophy competition, but did not compete in the main league competition.

Newcastle Diamonds
Club information
Track addressNewcastle Stadium
Fossway
Byker
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE6 2XJ
Country England
Founded1929
Team manager Darren Hartley
Team captain Matthew Wethers
LeagueSGB Championship
Websitewww.newcastlediamonds.co
Club facts
ColoursBlack & White
Track size300 metres (330 yd)
Track record time61.0 seconds
Track record date24 October 2010
Track record holder Kenni Larson
Current team
Rider CMA
Claus Vissing 8.43
Matthew Wethers 6.92
Ondřej Smetana 5.00
Nick Škorja 5.00
Max Clegg 4.92
Connor Mountain 4.61
James Wright 4.00
Total 38.88
Major team honours
Provincial League Champions1964
National League Champions1976, 1982, 1983
Premier League Champions2001
National League Knockout Cup Winners1976, 1982
Premier League Knockout Cup Winners2010
Premier Trophy Winners2010
Premier League Playoff Winners2010
Premier Shield Winners2011
Supernational Winners1982, 1983
Gold Cup Winners1991, 1992
National League Fours1976, 1982, 1983
New National League Best Pairs Winners1975
Northern Cup1938
English Speedway Trophy1939
Individual Honours
World ChampionsIvan Mauger - 1968
National League Riders ChampionshipJoe Owen - 1976, 1982
Provincial League Riders ChampionshipIvan Mauger - 1963, 1964
Premier League Riders ChampionshipKenni Larsen - 2010
British U21 ChampionRobert Lambert - 2017
European U19 Champion Robert Lambert - 2017

History

Early history

The club has a reputation of importing young, foreign talent; the Diamonds have given starts to the British careers of six times World Champion Ivan Mauger, three times World Champion Ole Olsen, 1974 World Champion Anders Michanek and three time World Champion Nicki Pedersen. Former Speedway Grand Prix riders Kenneth Bjerre and Bjarne Pedersen also started their British careers with the Diamonds.[1]

In 1992, rider Wayne Garratt died in hospital after crashing at the track, the fourth person to do so since 1946, including Chris Prime in 1978.

2010-2017

The 2010 season was a very successful campaign for the Newcastle Diamonds. Although the Edinburgh Monarchs dominated the League, it was the Diamonds that took most silverware of the season by winning the Premier League Play-Offs (Against Sheffield Tigers), the Premier Trophy (Against Birmingham Brummies) and the Premier League KOC (Against Edinburgh Monarchs). The Diamonds also found success in the Super7even events, when the Dane Kenni Larsen won the Premier League Riders Championship to add a fourth honour to the club's successful season. Fellow Dane Rene Bach encountered further success away from the club by helping Denmark to win the under 21 world cup with a 15-point maximum, and by winning the Danish Under 21s Championship. In recognition of their achievements the team was awarded the prestigious 'Team of the Year' award by Sports North-East, shortly before the 2011 campaign commenced, ahead of the Championship League winning football side Newcastle United.[2]

Robert Lambert, who rode for the Diamonds during the 2016 and 2017 seasons, was crowned both British Under 21 and European Under 19 Champion in 2017. He, alongside Steve Worrall (who rode for the Diamonds in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017) represented Great Britain in the World Team Cup during the 2017 season. GB won event one at King's Lynn where both Lambert and Worrall scored 13 points each, helping the team to qualify for the World Team Cup Final in Leszno, Poland.

2018-2019

On 16 September 2018, Newcastle Diamonds legend Stuart Robson announced his retirement from the sport. He first rode for the Diamonds at the age of 16 in 1993.

2019 was the Newcastle Diamonds' 90th anniversary season. The full team was confirmed on 22 December 2018 with only Matthew Wethers retained from the 2018 season. Thomas Jorgensen joined the Diamonds following 2018 with neighbours and rivals Redcar Bears. Danny Phillips was on loan from the Diamonds at Scunthorpe during 2018. Max Clegg travelled south from Edinburgh Monarchs, while Steve Worrall and Simon Lambert were late additions to the team from Workington. Finally, Lasse Bjerre, younger brother of Newcastle legend Kenneth Bjerre who started his British career with the Diamonds in the early 2000s before going on to star in the Speedway Grand Prix series, was on the team.

2019 season

Club owners

George English, Andrew Dalby & Martin Phillips

Club promoters

George English & Martin Phillips

Team sponsors

Main Team Sponsor - Boiler Technical Services

Team and statistics

Averages below are based on BSPA (as at March 2019):

Rider M H A R P Current 2019 Ave 2019 Starting Ave +/-
Steve Worrall 7.97
Thomas Jorgensen 7.66
Lasse Bjerre 7.08
Matthew Wethers 5.78
Simon Lambert 4.18
Max Clegg 3.17
Danny Phillips 2.00

‡ Released, Injured

2018 season

Club owners

George English, Andrew Dalby & Martin Phillips

Club promoters

George English & Martin Phillips

Team sponsors

Main team sponsor: Boiler Technical Services

Performance in national competitions

Competition Result Notes
Tyne/Tweed Trophy Won Newcastle 102 Berwick 78
Championship Four Team Tournament Out in group stage 10th in Qualifiers, 7 points
Championship Pairs n/a Did not qualify
Championship (League) 8th out of 11
Championship Shield (Cup) Out in group stage 3rd in Group 9 points from 6 meetings
Championship Knock Out Cup Out in quarter final
Championship Riders Championship Out in qualifying stage Tero Aarnio Represented Newcastle

9 Points

Team and statistics

Averages below are green sheet averages based on BSPA (as at 1 October 2018):

Rider Final 2018 Ave Starting 2018 Average +/-
Stuart Robson 6.43 7.02 -
Ludvig Lindgren 6.47 7.21 -
Ashley Morris 5.58 4.88 +
Tero Aarnio 6.83 5.02 +
Matej Kus 5.63 7.64 -
Matthew Wethers 5.78 5.65 +
Carl Wilkinson 3.96 4.97 -
Also Rode
Lewis Rose 6.25 6.49 -
Form Riders Form over their last 6 matches
Rider M R P B GS Ave. CMA Ist 2nd 3rd 4th R Ex.
1 Tero Aarnio 6 32 59 3 7.38 7.75 7 17 4 1 1 2
2 Stuart Robson 6 28 46 2 6.57 6.86 6 8 12 2 0 0
3 Ludvig Lindgren 6 28 41 3 5.86 6.29 8 7 3 6 4 0
4 Matej Kus 6 25 36 2 5.76 6.08 5 8 5 6 1 0
5 Matthew Wethers 6 37 52 11 5.62 6.81 7 8 15 5 1 1
6 Ashley Morris 6 29 30 7 4.14 5.10 2 6 12 6 2 1
7 Carl Wilkinson 6 31 20 4 2.58 3.10 2 2 10 10 6 1

2011 season

Performance in national competitions

CompetitionResultNotes
Premier League12th46 points.
Knockout CupSemi FinalistsBeat Rye House (89-77) in Round 1. Beat Somerset (97-83) in Quarter Final. Lost to Glasgow (93-87) in the Semi Final.
Premier ShieldChampionsInaugural champions, defeating the previous seasons league winners, Edinburgh Monarchs 94-89 on aggregate.
Premier League Riders Championship11thRepresented by Mark Lemon (1, 1, 0, 2, 1) = 5.
Premier League PairsQuarter FinalistsRepresented by Derek Sneddon (for Mark Lemon ) and Stuart Robson. Eliminated on 17 points, finished 3rd in Group A. Scorers: Sneddon (3, 0, 0, 0), Robson (2, 4, 4, 4).
Premier League FoursQualified / WithdrewQualified for the competition, however had to withdraw due to rider injuries.

2011 team and statistics

RiderMHARP20112010+/-
Mark Lemon 9.18
Derek Sneddon5.47
Joe Haines5.30
Rene Bach8.75
Claes Nedermark6.26
Kyle Newman4.02
Richie Worrall3.22
Also Rode
Stuart Robson 8.85
Jason King 5.07
Matej Ferjan7.00
Lubos Tomicek 4.70

Note: British riders have 2.5% reduction on their 2010 averages.
Also Rode:
Released., Injured., Ferjan died on 22 May 2011.[3]

2011 fixtures / results

DateMatchCompRes.PTop ScorerNotes / Guests / Injuries
Team Change: Signed Lubos Tomicek for King
19 MarchBerwick Bandits vs Newcastle DiamondsTTW43-50-M. Lemon 15 (5)
20 MarchNewcastle Diamonds vs Berwick BanditsTTW49-44-M. Lemon 14 (5)Won Tyne/Tweed Trophy, Agg. 94-92
25 MarchEdinburgh Monarchs vs Newcastle DiamondsPS44-46-S. Robson 13 (5)
27 MarchNewcastle Diamonds vs Redcar BearsCHAL45-44-S. Robson 13+1 (5)
1 AprScunthorpe Scorpions vs Newcastle DiamondsPL47-421M. Lemon 12 (5)
S. Robson 11+1 (5)
2 AprilRye House Rockets vs Newcastle DiamondsPL44-463M. Lemon 12 (5)
3 AprilNewcastle Diamonds vs Edinburgh MonarchsPS48-45-S. Robson 14 (5)Won Premier Shield, Agg. 94-89.
10 AprilNewcastle Diamonds vs Rye House RocketsPL50-433M. Lemon 13 (5)Bach Broken tibia and fibula in right leg,[4] possible further injuries to ribs and collarbone.[5]
Newman Wrist.[6]
14 AprilRedcar Bears vs Newcastle DiamondsCHAL57-33-M. Lemon 13 (6)r/r for Bach returned 6 points.
Adam McKinna for Newman - 1 point.
16 AprilLeicester Lions v Newcastle DiamondsPL52-430S. Robson 12+1 (5)Kevin Doolan for Bach - 11 points.
17 AprilNewcastle Diamonds v Leicester LionsPL50-403M. Lemon 15 (5)Andrew Tully for Bach - 6+3 points.
Adam McKinna for Newman (World U21s) - 1+1 points.
Team Change: Matej Ferjan for Bach .[7]
Team Change: Claes Nedermark for Tomicek (released).[8]
24 AprilGlasgow Tigers v Newcastle DiamondsPL50-430M. Lemon 14 (5)Worrall . Withdrew after 1 ride.
25 AprilNewcastle Diamonds v Glasgow TigersPL41-490R. Worrall 10+4 (7)Lemon . Double break in collarbone.[9]
29 AprilSomerset Rebels v Newcastle DiamondsPL53-430S. Robson 11+2 (5)Sergey Darkin for Lemon - 6+1 points.
1 MayNewcastle Diamonds v Sheffield TigersPL49-442S. Robson 18 (5)Kevin Doolan for Lemon - 9+1 points.
14 MayRye House Rockets v Newcastle DiamondsPLKOC39-39-S. Robson 11 (4)Leigh Lanham for Lemon - 9 points.
Ferjan r/r (Hungarian Championship) - 4 points.
Abandoned after Heat 13 (rain).
15 MayNewcastle Diamonds v Rye House RocketsPLKOC50-38-S. Robson 10+3 (5)Jason Lyons for Lemon - 8+1 points.
Team Change: Jason King for Ferjan (died).
29 MayNewcastle Diamonds v Redcar BearsPL42-470S. Robson 11 (5)Mark Lemon returned from injury. Jason King returned for his first match since August 2010.
5 JuneNewcastle Diamonds v Somerset RebelsPL48-452S. Robson 14 (5)
16 JuneSheffield Tigers v Newcastle DiamondsPL52-390S. Robson 11+1 (5)Lee Complin for Lemon - 7+1 points.
19 JuneNewcastle Diamonds v Plymouth DevilsPL52-403C. Nedermark 11+2 (5)Jason Lyons for Lemon - 6 points.
23 JuneIpswich Witches v Newcastle DiamondsPL47-441S. Robson 17 (5)Leigh Lanham for Lemon - 8 points.
1 JulyEdinburgh Monarchs v Newcastle DiamondsPL53-390S. Robson 13 (5)James Grieves for Lemon - 9 points.
2 JulyWorkington Comets v Newcastle DiamondsPL51-420K. Newman 17+1 (7)Jason Lyons for Lemon - 10 points.
Robson withdrew after one ride.
3 JulyNewcastle Diamonds v Scunthorpe ScorpionsPL49-452C. Nedermark 14 (6)Jason Lyons for Lemon - 12+1 points.
r/r for Robson - 9 points.
7 JulyRedcar Bears v Newcastle DiamondsPL59-340D. Howe 15 (6)David Howe for Lemon - 15 points.
r/r for Robson - 10 points.
King .
10 JulyNewcastle Diamonds v Edinburgh MonarchsPL52-433J. Lyons 15 (5)Jason Lyons for Lemon - 15 points.
Aaron Summers for Robson - 11+1 points.
r/r for King - 7 points.
16 JulyNewport Wasps v Newcastle DiamondsPL48-421S. Robson 10+1 (5)Cory Gathercole for Lemon - 7 points.
r/r for King - 7+2 points.
22 JulySomerset Rebels v Newcastle DiamondsPLKOC46-44-K. Newman 15+2 (7)David Howe for Lemon - 3+1 points.
r/r for King - 7+2 points.
24 JulyNewcastle Diamonds V Somerset RebelsPLKOC53-37-K. Newman 15+2 (7)Jason Lyons for Lemon - 4+2 points.
r/r for King - 9+2 points.
Sneddon - withdrew after 2 rides.
30 JulyBerwick Bandits v Newcastle DiamondsPL49-431J. Lyons 14 (5)Jason Lyons for Lemon - 14 points.
Thomas Jorgensen for Sneddon - 2 points
r/r for King - 4 points.
31 JulyNewcastle Diamonds v Workington CometsPL54-393K. Newman 12+2 (7)Jason Lyons for Lemon - 10+1 points.
Jan Graversen for Sneddon - 4+1 points
r/r for King - 6 points.
Robson - punctured lung and broken ribs.[10]
Nedermark - knees.[10]
Entire top five of the team injured.
Team Change: Rene Bach to return from injury
Team Change: Joe Haines signed for King.[11]

Note: Top scorer in italics, indicates a full or paid maximum.
Fixtures: TTW: Tyne/Tweed Trophy, CHAL: Challenge, PS: Premier Shield, PL: Premier League
Coloring: Green: Won, Red: Lost, Yellow: Draw, Blue: Lost, but still gained league points (PL matches only)

2010 season

Performance in national competitions

CompetitionResultNotes
Premier LeagueRunners UpFinished second on 58 points. Won away at Glasgow (37-53), Newport (44-46), Redcar (40-50), Sheffield (43-47), Somerset (42-48), Stoke (42-48). Picked up one point from King's Lynn (51-45) and Workington (47-43). Won all home matches apart from Edinburgh, which they lost by 41-51.
Premier TrophyChampionsOnly lost one match in the entire competition - Glasgow at home (43-47). Unbeaten away. Finished top of the Northern Group on 20 points. Defeated King's Lynn Stars 103-81 in the Semi-Final, and the Birmingham Brummies 104-80 in the Final to win the trophy.
Knockout CupChampionsBeat Scunthorpe 100-80 in Round 1, Redcar 100-80 in the Quarter Finals, Birmingham 96-85 in the Semi Finals, and Edinburgh 91-88 in the Final.
Premier League PlayoffsChampionsDefeated Birmingham 92-90 in the Semi Finals, and Sheffield 101-89 in the Final. Went on to lose to the Ipswich Witches in the promotion / relegation battle 110-76.
Premier League Riders ChampionshipChampionsRepresented by Kenni Larsen and Rene Bach who was awarded a wildcard spot for been the highest averaged rider, after all clubs were allocated one place. Larsen won the competition with a total of 16 points, and Bach finished 4th with 13. Scorers: Larsen (3, 3, 3, 2, 2, 3), Bach (3, 3, 3, 3, 1, 0 ).
Premier League PairsQuarter FinalistsRepresented by Mark Lemon and Kenni Larsen. Eliminated on 20 points, the same as Somerset who advanced to the semi final, as they had previously won the Somerset vs Newcastle Heat 6-3. Scorers: Larsen (4, EF, 3, 3), Lemon (3, 3, 0, 4).
Premier League FoursSemi FinalistsRepresented by Mark Lemon, Kenni Larsen, Rene Bach, Jason King, and reserve Dakota North. Finished third in Group A. Scorers: Larsen (3, 1) Lemon (3, 3) Bach (EF, EF) King (1, 1) North (DNR).

Greensheet averages

The following averages take into account league and trophy matches only, excluding playoffs, semi-finals, and finals. These averages are used for team building purposes and riding order.

RiderMHARP20092010+/-
Kenni Larsen2815131293128.109.67+1.57
Derek Sneddon3417171421874.955.27+0.28
Jason King2913161221777.085.80-1.28
Rene Bach3016141443257.029.03+2.01
Mark Lemon3317161593578.098.98+0.89
Adam McKinna21111080503.373.00-0.37
Dakota North3217151591853.004.65+1.65
Also Rode
Anders Andersen 271215123723.003.00-

Note: British riders have 2.5% reduction on their 2010 averages.
Also Rode:
Released., Injured.

All match averages

The following averages take into account all matches including Knockout Cup and Playoffs.

RiderMRPTSBPTOTCMA
Kenni LarsenH241153001031010.78
A2210122372309.11
462165231754010.00
Derek SneddonH26112158331916.82
A25108103181214.48
51220261513125.67
Jason KingH1773130221528.33
A208398121105.30
37156228342626.72
Rene BachH251172822130310.36
A2210521282208.38
47222494295239.42
Mark LemonH231112821529710.70
A2311021382218.04
46221495235189.38
Dakota NorthH23111155231786.41
A22114114121264.42
45225269353045.40
Adam McKinnaH17765914733.84
A16643210422.63
3814091241153.29
Also Rode
Anders AndersenH730213243.20
A833133161.94
1563346402.54

Number of maximams

RiderH/FH/PA/FA/PTOTNear Maxima
Kenni Larsen842146 (3H, 3A)
Derek Sneddon110
Jason King110
Rene Bach2683 (3H)
Mark Lemon2231816 (14H, 2A)
Adam McKinna00
Dakota North110
Also Rode
Anders Andersen00

H/F: Full Home, H/P Paid Home, A/F Full Away, P/A Paid Away. Near Maximum: When the rider only dropped a single point from their rides.

Fastest times

The following are the riders fastest times around the Brough Park track.

RiderTDate
Kenni Larsen61.024/10/10
Derek Sneddon63.522/08/10
Jason King62.905/04/10
Rene Bach61.924/10/10
Mark Lemon62.513/06/10
Adam McKinna66.321/03/10
Dakota North63.730/08/10
Also Rode
Anders Andersen65.120/06/10
Fastest Visitor
Andrew Tully61.508/08/10

Note: Kenni Larsen set the current track record as 61.0 on 24/10/10.

2009 season

2009 team and statistics

Also rode:

  • Casper Wortmann (Released)
  • Steve Boxall (Released)
  • Craig Branney (Released)

Previous teams 2006-2008

Released.
Injured.

Club honours

Team honours

19 Titles

Individual honours (as a Newcastle rider)

6 Titles

  • World Champions - Ivan Mauger (1968)
  • National League Riders Championship - Joe Owen (1976, 1982)
  • Provincial League Riders Championship - Ivan Mauger (1963, 1964)
  • Premier League Riders Championship - Kenni Larsen (2010)

Regional honour

1 Title

Notable Newcastle riders

Highest averaged rider

Rider of the Year

As nominated by supporters:

  • 2011: Stuart Robson
  • 2010: Kenni Larsen
  • 2009: Mark Lemon
  • 2008: Jason King
  • 2007: Sean Stoddart
  • 2006: Christian Henry

Hall of fame riders/managers

There are currently three inductees in the Diamonds hall of fame:[13]

80th anniversary series

In 2009 to commemorate the Diamonds 80th anniversary a series of 50 cigarette cards were produced by the club. Riders included:

References

  1. Bamford, R. & Shailes, G. (2002). A History of the World Speedway Championship. Stroud: Tempus Publishing. ISBN 0-7524-2402-5
  2. http://www.worldspeedway.com/artman/publish/article_14972.shtml
  3. "MATEJ FERJAN - British Speedway Official Website".
  4. "Double fracture horror for starlet Rene Bach". 12 April 2011.
  5. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 17 March 2012. Retrieved 10 April 2011.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  6. "Injured Kyle Newman out of big final". 14 April 2011.
  7. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 22 March 2012. Retrieved 18 April 2011.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  8. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 17 March 2012. Retrieved 19 April 2011.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  9. http://www.newcastlediamonds.co/news/110425b.html
  10. http://www.newcastlediamonds.co/news/110803.html
  11. http://newcastlediamonds.co/news/110805.html
  12. Bamford, R.(2004). Speedway Yearbook 2004. ISBN 0-7524-2955-8
  13. "Diamonds complete a magnificent trophy treble". November 2010.
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