Haydn targets world final after sinking Aussies
Cycle speedway sensation Haydn Rowley tore up the track again as he downed the Aussies to help Great Britain Juniors draw level in the Ashes Series at Wednesfield.
Rowley won three of his five heats as he led Great Britain to a 84-66 victory.
His impressive evening included a stunning overtaking manoeuvre on Australia's no.1 ranked junior Shane Bentley.
The 14-year-old has been flying high of late, last week he qualified from his junior world championship heat in Poole for Saturday's semi-finals at East Park, Wolverhampton.
Should he finish in the top 16 of 24 riders he will then have a chance to ride in the final on home soil when the tournament concludes at Wednesfield Aces' Ashmore Park track on Sunday.
Hayden said: "I'm looking forward to training hard and hopefully winning something. I hope to get into the final in Wednesfield.
"It will be a good experience that I can take into the future."
Hayden has a number of British titles already under his belt.
He joined the Ashmore Park club in 2012 and tasted success in his first full season, winning the Under-13s British Title.
He followed this up with the Under-14s National title in 2014 as a team member of the British Club Championships, and became Under-16s champion with his club this year.
Proud dad Glyn Rowley put his son's success down to his dedication.
He said: "We are very proud of what Hayden's done. It's down to the influence of people at the club and his own personal dedication and hard work.
"Its quite a tough contact sport.
"Hayden got into the sport three years ago when the British team visited his school."
Hayden also brought together the local community during his preparation for the championships.
Needing support to help fund new equipment, he approached local businesses and Steve Varden, managing rirector of Varlowe Industrial Services in Wolverhampton, stepped up.
Steve supplied Hayden with a bike along with spare wheels and tyres and his club with an advertising banner.
He also had Varlowe branding put onto the bicycle, produced by Manifestation Designs in Willenhall – who in turn also sponsored the Aces with an advertising banner.
Hayden added: "This generous offer made by Steve was incredible."
