Speedster Dan Bewley played a starring role for Great Britain as the national team defeated Australia 2-0 in a Test series Down Under which looks set to become an annual fixture.
Bewley, who is from Maryport and previously raced for Workington Comets during their 2018 league title-winning campaign, scored 10 points and one bonus point as GB Speedway triumphed 50-39 at Pinjar Park in Perth on Friday.
The 20-year-old improved on that on the bigger track with 12 points and a bonus the following day, with the team winning 54-36.
GB Speedway boss Simon Stead, who was a fans’ favourite during his spell as a Comets rider, said he now hopes the trips could become a staple of the calendar.
“All the lads deserve great credit for what they have achieved here, they have done everything right and I’m proud of them,” he said.
“It’s been a brilliant experience for them and credit the Australian boys too, good for them to race against riders who are based in Europe.
“We must say thanks to everyone who has made this happen, people have invested in this project and I see it as a big step forward for the GB speedway team.
“I’d love to see this made into an annual event, it would be great to do it again next year and it’s given everyone a taste of competitive action ahead of the new season now.”
Bewley’s Great Britain team-mates were three-time World Champion Tai Woffinden, Jack Smith, Drew Kemp, Leon Flint and Jason Edwards.
The Australia team was spearheaded by another three-time World Champion in 44-year-old Jason Crump, who was joined by Cameron Heeps, Fraser Bowes, Dakota Ballantyne, Daniel Winchester and Kale Ballantyne.
Bewley is set to be back with British Premiership side Belle Vue Aces this year once the domestic season gets back under way.
Friday scores
Australia 39: Cameron Heeps 10, Kale Ballantyne 9+2, Jason Crump 9, Daniel Winchester 8+1, Fraser Bowes 2+2, Dakota Ballantyne 1. Great Britain 50: Tai Woffinden 14+1, Dan Bewley 10+1, Drew Kemp 9+2, Leon Flint 9, Jason Edwards 8+1, Jack Smith 0.
Saturday scores
Australia 36: Jason Crump 10, Cameron Heeps 9, Fraser Bowes 7+2, Dakota Ballantyne 7, Daniel Winchester 2+2, Kale Ballantyne 1. Great Britain 54: Tai Woffinden 15, Dan Bewley 12+1, Jack Smith 11+2, Drew Kemp 8+1, Leon Flint 5+2, Jason Edwards 3+2.
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