COVENTRY Storm’s National League clash with Mildenhall was marred by a serious accident involving Fen Tigers youngster Sam Bebee.
The 15-year-old came to grief in Heat 6 when he clipped the rear wheel of the Storm’s Conor Dwyer on the exit of turn two, and then after hitting the back straight fence he was flung over the barrier into the vacant area previously used for greyhound racing.
It was one of the most horrific accidents witnessed at the venue for many years, and Bebee required lengthy attention from medical staff, with a county ambulance also rapidly on the scene.
Bebee was taken to hospital with suspected arm and leg fractures, with the incident leading to a 45-minute delay whilst the rider was attended to and the fence was repaired.
The decision was taken to continue with the match until a result could be declared at Heat 10, at which point the Fen Tigers led 32-28 albeit with the event taking place in a rather sombre atmosphere.
In-form Dan Hasley carded a 12-point maximum for the visitors, who led by eight points prior to the stoppage and maintained the lead despite two 4-2s from the City Gearboxes Storm.
Mitchell Davey, Liam Carr and guest Tom Bacon were all race winners for Coventry – the latter producing a fine ride to go round Connor Coles on the first lap of Heat 10.
Reserve Callum Walker was close to collecting a 5-1 with Carr in Heat 7 only to be overhauled by Coles, whilst Conor Dwyer led Fen Tigers skipper Jon Armstrong for two laps in Heat 8 before his opponent sliced through.
Storm boss Laurence Rogers said: “It was a very nasty crash with the way Sam went flying through the air, and we send our best wishes to him.
“At one stage it looked like we might have to end the meeting, but we did get to Heat 10 and it did like we could pull something back if we’d been able to continue.
“So it’s disappointing, but none of us want to see riders hurt and we’ll hope for some good news from the hospital.â€
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE COVENTRY 28: Tom Bacon 7, Mitchell Davey 6, Liam Carr 5, Conor Dwyer 4+1, Callum Walker 3, Ryan Terry-Daley 2+1, Jamie Halder 1+1 MILDENHALL 32: Daniel Halsey 12, Connor Coles 8+1, Jon Armstrong 7, Sam Bebee 3, Taylor Hampshire 2, Alfie Bowtell 0, Kyle Hughes r/r Abandoned after 10 heats due to curfew – Result STANDS National League points: Coventry 0 Mildenhall 3