We are now only a few hours away from re launching our season with a new look Tigers septet getting ready to take to track against a Berwick Bandits side who have had to make some changes overnight.
With Bandit’s No.1 Edward Kennett being forced to stay in Denmark for the restaging of his GP Qualifying round, the Bandits promotion have drafted in potentially THE best replacement in the form of Workington’s Richard Lawson, who scorched to a five ride maximum at Ashfield just a fortnight ago.
Further, Bandits have lost the services of high scoring reserve Nicki Barrett in a crash at Shielfield Park last night, and have covered by arranging to recall Paul Starke (who had been destined to ride for Dudley) to line up this afternoon.
Having been forced to withdraw with an ear infection from the Bandits home win over Plymouth last night, it is understood that Kozza Smith will miss this afternoon’s trip to Glasgow with Bandits operating R/R for him.
Bandits will also track former Tigers David Bellego and Matthew Wethers – both of whom scored freely in their defeat of Plymouth last night – the always impressive Robin Aspegren, and will have talented youngster Liam Carr at reserve.
Fortunately there are no such injury concerns in the Tigers camp, however with the Bandits looking ever so strong from top to bottom, the home side will definitely have to be on their best form to come out on top.
Joe Screen will relish the opportunity to show Lawson the fastest way around Ashfield, whilst Tigers will need to get the best point returns from James Grieves and Henning Bager at the top end, as well as new boys Andre Compton and Jonas Raun who will both wish to impress on their debuts.
Perhaps Tigers will have the advantage in the reserve berths where Joey Ringwood, making a track return after a few weeks out of the saddle, and Joe Jacobs, will both look to give solid backing to the team.
The overnight rain has helped with track preparation, today’s weather forecast in G22 suggests the risk of a few light showers otherwise dry and still relatively warm.
It is certainly a meeting full of questions and intrigue, with both sides appearing to be well balanced.
As for who will come out on top, well you’ll have to be there to enjoy the blow by blow account of what promises to be a wholehearted and fierce league encounter. Gates open at 1:45pm.