The Allied Vehicles Tigers will be looking for big improvements both off and on track this weekend as, at the second attempt, they look to overcome Rye House Rockets in their home and away 1st round Knock Out Cup tie.
With such a stop/start run of late, due to rain affected fixtures in recent weeks, the good news is that this weekend’s weather forecast is much improved which should allow an aggregate result to be declared come Sunday night.
Tigers will feel boosted by the impressive form of Aussie duo Rusty Harrison and Christian Henry in their most recent outing at Ashfield last Sunday, and will also look to Anders to maintain his very impressive form from the main body of the side. Certainly if Theo and Kevin can also help take the fight to the Rockets, in both Hoddesdon and Ashfield meetings, then it’s difficult to predict which side will progress into the semi-final stage..
There will however be a new look reserve pairing for each of this weekend’s meetings to cover for Dimitri (injured) and Kasper (committed to compete in the European U21 semi-final in Norway on Sunday).
Lining-up at reserve berth for Glasgow at Rye House are James Sarjeant (Coventry) and Andre Compton, whilst the following day at Ashfield we will again have Andre this time partnered by Tom Perry (Leicester/Dudley).
A reminder that start time on Sunday is 5pm.
The Rockets welcome back key man Jason Garrity to their line-up following recent injury, and have the luxury of tracking the vastly experienced Jason Bunyan at reserve. They will however be without French ace Mattieu Tressarieu who is competing on the continent, add this factor to their recent poor form where they have been on the wrong end of some heavy defeats both home and away, and Tigers team manager Stewart Dickson sees a key opportunity to take advantage this weekend:
“I think we need our backsides kicked if we don’t go through to the next round to face Newcastle, to put it bluntly.”
“Christian Henry is going to make a big difference at number two – I think he’ll be worth eight or nine points per home meeting – and with him coming in, and them losing Tressarieu, we’ve got to be favourites for this tie”
Full line ups for Sunday:
Glasgow: 1. Kevin Wölbert 2. Christian Henry 3. Anders Thomsen 4. Theo Pijper (c) 5. Rusty Harrison 6. Tom Perry (G) 7. Andre Compton (G)
Rye House: 1. Edward Kennett 2. Ben Hopwood (G) 3. Luke Bowen 4. Steve Boxall 5. Jason Garrity 6. Jason Bunyan (c) 7. Stefan Nielsen
In other news…
Dimitri Update
As we previously advised Dimitri did, yesterday, attend hospital in France for his latest scan of his kidney area.
Whilst Dimitri is feeling fit and well, albeit increasingly frustrated at being side lined, the doctors have strongly recommended an extended period of recuperation before allowing him to resume racing. This firm medical advice will now keep Dimitri at home in France for several more weeks, the benefit of which, according to the doctors, will ensure no long term effects and that Dimitri is 100% when he does return.
Dimitri has asked us to highlight that he is very disappointed at this postponed track return, however subject to a final medical check next month, he is determined to return to Glasgow on 24th July to prepare to face Berwick in our fixture on 27th July.
Meantime, we plan to continue to cover for Dimitri via Premier League guests.
Tai Woffinden Charity Bike Ride
Please note that any supporter looking to take part in the World Champion’s charity event on the eve of this year’s British GP, must register their interest no later than THIS SUNDAY night, 15th June.
In the first instance see the details posted on site on 5th June, and click on Tai’s advert on our home page to email – to enter you must send us the required details (full name, full address, contact telephone number, email address) no later than this Sunday AND pay your £1 entry fee at the track shop this Sunday. Tai will make a live internet draw on Wednesday 18th June to determine the 100 speedway supporters who will accompany him, and his speedway celeb guests, on his bike ride into the Millennium Stadium.
Good luck!
Pairs/British GP Weekend
With this annual big weekend of speedway action getting ever closer, now is the time to order your Glasgow Speedway merchandise to wear with pride.
With a 2 week turnaround for our clothing items, please make sure that you order in good time – why not pop along to see Colin & Margaret at the track shop today on Sunday and choose your Tigers attire, remember that you can order (with deposit) at the stadium else pay in full online.
So, to be bedecked in resplendent Tigers kit, make sure you order yours in good time. With Sunday being Father’s Day, why not treat your Dad!
All clothing orders placed this weekend – inclusive of online – will receive a free Tigers keyring or enamel club badge!!
Look forward to seeing a very healthy crowd to cheer on the Tigers, hopefully into the next round of the cup – remember gates open at 4pm for a 5pm start