National League Rye House Cobras 48 Plymouth Devils 44TEENAGER Ben Morley stole the limelight as the Cobras beat the play-off chasing Devils in the second half of Bank Holiday Monday's double header at Rye House.

National League

Rye House Cobras 48 Plymouth Devils 44

TEENAGER Ben Morley stole the limelight as the Cobras beat the play-off chasing Devils in the second half of Bank Holiday Monday's double header at Rye House.

After veteran Andrew Silver had shone for the Rockets against Stoke, it was the turn of 15-year-old Morley to truly come of age for the Kart Raceway Cobras.

He claimed a magnificent paid 16 that included wins over established veterans Seemond Stephens and Barrie Evans.

His points tally could have been higher but for a chain that loosened - allowing Kyle Hughes to pass him - and then broke altogether in heat 12.

Morley's breakthrough performance against Plymouth follows a number of earlier determined displays, plus proven commitment through regular attendance of team practice sessions, Hoddesdon training schools and various Southern Track Riders meetings.

The support of his family through regular transport and other back-up also cannot be underestimated.

Rye House promoter Len Silver is justly excited about Morley's future prospects and has already promised that he will use the teenager at a Premier League level when the right opportunities arise next season.

Although the 15-year-old was the clear headline act for Rye, the rest of the Cobras also played their part in Monday's upset win.

Jamie Courtney, Danny Halsey and David Mason provided vital top-end stability, Mike Bovis plugged away for his points and Dan Blake - a key hero in Saturday's win over Newport - deserved better than the misfortune that dogged him on this occasion.

The Cobras led throughout, opening with a 5-1 by Halsey and Courtney over Evans and Paul Starke.

The hosts had built up a lead of 35-25 by heat 10.

Morley's victory over the tactically nominated Evans in heat 11 appeared to have sealed the win, only for bad luck to allow the Devils right back into contention in the very next race.

David Mason was the first to suffer with a fall on the fourth bend when on for a potential 5-1 with Morley.

Then his partner encountered chain problems in the re-run to gift Plymouth a 5-1 of their own.

A fall by Daniel Blake in the next race enabled Plymouth to grab a further 4-2 and pull the score even closer, at 42-38.

The final two races were shared, however, to maintain the Cobras' advantage, although Kyle Hughes' tremendous 17 point haul was a key factor in the Devils bagging a match point for their efforts.