Plymouth needed a response and, despite another changed line-up, they produced one in emphatic fashion. The Gladiators beat Berwick 55-35 at the Coliseum, with Scott Nicholls’ maximum setting the tone for a much-needed home victory in the Cab Direct Championship.
With Danny King and Ben Barker both unavailable, Plymouth had once again been forced to reshuffle. That only made the result more encouraging. The home side made a steady start, moved through the gears in the middle stages and then shut the door with a crucial run of heat advantages that took the meeting away from the visitors.
Nicholls was the standout performer, winning all six of his rides for a 18-point maximum. Troy Batchelor backed him well with 10+2, while Anze Grmek added 9+2 and Joe Thompson contributed 8+1. Daniel Klima also played his part with 8 points, including a race win and a strong contribution in the closing stages.
Berwick had their moments, particularly through Victor Palovaara, who scored 11+2, but they were never able to sustain a serious challenge after Plymouth began to stretch the lead. Peter Kildemand’s meeting ended early, while Jack Smith had a difficult night and failed to score.
The turning point came around the middle of the meeting. Heat 5 produced a 5-1 for Plymouth after Kildemand was excluded, and from there the Gladiators kept building. Heat 8, another 5-1 from Grmek and Thompson, pushed the margin out further, and Heat 13 effectively settled the contest when Nicholls and Batchelor combined for a maximum to move Plymouth to 47-31.
That was the key for the home side. Once the Gladiators had established that cushion, they controlled the rest of the meeting with measured rides rather than taking unnecessary risks. Berwick were kept at arm’s length and Plymouth completed the job with another 5-1 in Heat 15, Nicholls and Batchelor finishing in style to put a clear shine on the scoreline.
For Plymouth, the significance is clear. In a period where every Championship point matters, this was exactly the kind of response required on a night when the team sheet was again under pressure. The result keeps the momentum moving in the right direction and offers a timely boost heading into the next chapter of the season.
There will be tougher tests ahead, but this was a reminder that the Gladiators can still put together a convincing meeting when the balance is right. The supporters will take heart from the scoreline, the performance of Nicholls, and the way Plymouth kept pushing right to the end.
Nichols was the fan favourite winning the fans rider of the night with Anze coming 2nd.
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