Street back in the saddle for Boyce farewell (From Bournemouth Echo)

Street back in the saddle for Boyce farewell

7:00am Wednesday 14th May 2008

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SEPTUAGENARIAN Neil Street is going to get back on a bike again - 32 years after he brought the curtain down on his racing career.

The 77-year-old former Great Britain and Australia international last rode competitively on these shores for Newport in 1976.

But Poole's long-time team manager is going to jump in the saddle again to pay tribute to Pirates legend Craig Boyce during his farewell meeting at Wimborne Road on June 25.

Street brought his protégé Boyce over to England from Australia to ride for the Dorset club in 1988.

It was an inspired move as Boyce, who retired at the end of last season, went on to become Poole's all-time leading league and cup points scorer.

Boyce, who now doubles up as an engine tuner and Australia team manager, said: "To get Neil on a bike again is a big deal.

"When I think about it, I have no idea when Neil last went round on a bike on a speedway track.

"I've never seen it, and no-one else I know can remember seeing him out there either.

"That's why I'm so pleased Neil has agreed to come out with me, Malcolm Simmons, John Davis, Martin Yeates, Pete Smith and a few other Pirates legends in a ride round the track.

"Neil's not going to have a skid round, he's way too old for that, but he is going to come out with us which will be nice for the Poole fans because he was team manager there for many years."

Ex-Pirates Leigh Adams, Antonio Lindback, Ryan Sullivan and Edward Kennett are confirmed starters for Boyce's big night.

They will take part in a team event alongside Peter Karlsson, Simon Stead, Joe Screen, Davey Watt, Krzysztof Kasprzak, Magnus Zetterstrom, Chris Holder and five other riders.

Boyce, who bowed out after 20 years on October 3 last year, said: "I'm going to do some match races against three different guys, which I'm really looking forward to.

"But I'm not going to ride in the main event because after the break I've had away from racing, I'd be left at the tapes by the other guys.

"I've had 20 good years and now I want to use this meeting to say thank you to the fans."

• Details about sponsorship packages for Boyce's farewell meeting can be obtained from Tim Templeton on 07967 963084 or at tim@poolepirates.net

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