Scorpions visit league leaders

ATTIS INSURANCE Scunthorpe Scorpions face a tough task in the Cab Direct Championship at league leaders Oxford tonight (Wednesday).

Oxford Cheetahs won at the Eddie Wright Raceway on June 30 in a Superheat, after the two teams were deadlocked at 45-45 after 15 thrilling heats of action. It means to gain any league points from tonight, Scorpions would either needed another 45-45 draw (which would result in a Superheat to determine both the winners on the night and the winners of the bonus point) or a victory.

Scunthorpe are again without Michael Palm Toft, who is out with an ankle injury. They use rider replacement for the Dane, with everyone except Ryan Douglas eligible for a ride. Palm Toft is edging back towards fitness, and he is due to return soon.

The publication of the August Green Sheet Averages sees Connor Mountain move up to No 2, will Drew Kemp will line up at No 7.

Scorpions’ team manager Dave Peet said: “Oxford are top of the league for a reason, but we’ll go into the meeting with the same attitude as we always do – to take both the win and the aggregate bonus point. There’s nothing pre-determined in speedway and every meeting can be won.

“The boys will give 100% tonight, and then we’ll be looking to pick up three points when we host Berwick at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Friday.”

Oxford Cheetahs: 1. Sam Masters, 2. Henry Atkins, 3. Lewis Kerr, 4. Jordan Jenkins, 5. Scott Nicholls, 6. Cameron Heeps, 7. Luke Killen.

Attis Insurance Scunthorpe Scorpions: 1. Ryan Douglas, 2. Connor Mountain, 3. Simon Lambert (captain), 4. Michael Palm Toft R/R, 5. Jake Allen, 6. Nathan Ablitt, 7. Drew Kemp.

* ATTIS INSURANCE Scunthorpe Scorpions host Berwick Bandits at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Friday (August 4, 7.30pm).