FOR the second week in succession, the Somerset Rebels continued their run at the top of the Premier League with a 51-39 win over the Newcastle Diamonds.

Heavy morning rain had the track under water earlier in the day, but the meeting was never in danger, as the forecast proved to be correct, with the match starting in dry, bright, but extremely breezy conditions.

Fans were treated to an enthralling early battle, in which neither side were able to take a commanding position.

The lead changed hands several times, as the visitors pressed the Rebels hard, and were still within two points of the home side at Heat 10.

Despite the final maximum advantage for the Diamonds, Somerset Rebels ran out 51-39 winners to retain their spot at the top of the Premier League table.

It was a meeting of varying fortunes for both sides, which produced some great racing, but ultimately it was the Rebels who proved the strongest on their home shale, despite the absence of Brady Kurtz.

Speaking of Kurtz, he tied for the fifth qualifying spot with Britain’s Kyle Howarth, but took the place in the next round in a runoff with the former Rebel.

For the home side, top score went to Paul Starke, who prior to the nominated heat was on a paid maximum, and finished his night with 13+2, a performance that earned him the ‘Rider of the Night’ award from Graham Mottram of sponsors the Fleet Air Arm Museum.

Leigh Lanham also had a superb night 11+1.

The next action at the Oak Tree Arena will be next Friday, as the Rebels take on the Rye House Rockets.