Scorpions look to continue home run

FLUIDAIR POWER Scunthorpe Scorpions are aiming for their eighth successive home win when they entertain the Berwick Bandits at the Eddie Wright Raceway this evening (Friday, 7.30pm).

With four away wins already in 2014, the Bandits will give the Scorpions a tough test. Berwick will be looking to bounce back, after a heavy 34-60 defeat at Ipswich last night.

Josh Auty is unlikely to be fit to return, after having his appendix removed a fortnight ago. The Scorpions will again use rider replacement in his absence.

With the issue of the August Green Sheet averages, David Howe heads down to reserve, while Thomas Jorgensen (pictured) travels in the other direction.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “I think Berwick have been the surprise packets this season. We’re expecting a real scrap tonight. We will need to be on our guard, to take the points from the meeting.”

Tonight’s fixture takes place on the same weekend as Berwick’s visit last season, which means it is one year on from Ricky Ashworth’s serious accident at the Eddie Wright Raceway.

Godfrey said: “It really is incredible to think that 12 months have passed since the night that Ricky had his accident.

“He continues to battle along the road to recovery. But it’s a long one and it will require all of the renowned fighting spirit he showed as a rider.

“Along with everyone else in the world of speedway, we wish Ricky all the very best and sincerely hope he can get himself back as close to full fitness as possible.”

There are 24 heats of action in total, with a nine-heat second half, including a Midland Development League match between Castleford and Belle Vue.

Admission prices for tonight:

Adult: £15.00
Student/OAP: £13.00
Child (10 – 17): £5.00
Child (0 – 9) Free (accompanied by paying adult)
Family Ticket £35 (2 adults, 2 Children 10-17)
Match Programme: £1.00

Expected teams for tonight:

FluidAir Power Scunthorpe Scorpions: 1. Nicolai Klindt, 2. Thomas Jørgensen, 3. Ashley Birks, 4. Josh Auty R/R, 5. Ryan Douglas, 6. Matt Williamson, 7. David Howe.

Berwick Bandits: 1. Claus Vissing, 2. David Bellego, 3. Steen Jensen, 4. Matthew Wethers, 5. Kevin Doolan, 6. Liam Carr, 7. Matej Kus.

Midland Development League teams:
Castleford: 1. Danny Phillips, 2.Tom Bacon, 3. Adam Portwood, 4.Ben Hewitt.
Belle Vue: 1. David Holt, 2. Michael Neale, 3. Reece Downes, 4. Alex Wilson.