Ellesmere Port Gunners
# Ellesmere Port Gunners

Ellesmere Port Gunners were an English speedway team in Ellesmere Port, Wirral, which operated at the Ellesmere Port Stadium from 1972 until their closure in 1985.

## History

The inaugural league season for the team was during the 1972 British League Division Two season in which they finished in 15th place. The first track record on the 424 yard track was 76.0 seconds, set by John Jackson on 2 May 1972. The team continued to operate from 1972 until 1982 continuously competing in Division Two for 11 years, with a best place finish of 2nd in 1976.

A rider died on the Ellesmere Port track on 3 December 1977. Stuart Shirley lost his life on a Saturday morning training school after a collision.

The club was resurrected for one season in 1985 and went on to win the title during the 1985 National League season. They won the title after beating Poole Pirates and Middlesbrough Tigers by just one point. The team also reached the final of the Knockout Cup but lost to Eastbourne Eagles. The eventual track record went twice on the same night during the Knock-Out Cup Final 1st-leg. Gordon Kennett of Eastbourne clocked 69.2 only to be beaten by The Gunners Louis Carr in the very next heat with a time of 69.1.

The speedway track was replaced by a greyhound racing track in late 1987.

## Notable riders

* Louis Carr
* Phil Collins
* Graham Drury
* Steve Finch
* Colin Goad
* John Jackson
* Eric Monaghan
* Dave Morton
* Joe Owen
* Chris Turner
* Paul Tyrer
* David Walsh

## Season summary

Extended content :

| Year and league | Position | Notes |
| - | - | - |
| 1972 British League Division Two season | 15th | |
| 1973 British League Division Two season | 14th | |
| 1974 British League Division Two season | 14th | |
| 1975 New National League season | 9th | |
| 1976 National League season | 2nd | |
| 1977 National League season | 3rd | |
| 1978 National League season | 5th | |
| 1979 National League season | 9th | |
| 1980 National League season | 10th | |
| 1981 National League season | 11th | |
| 1982 National League season | 3rd | |
| 1985 National League season | 1st | Champions |
