Scorpions make statement of intent

SCORPIONS MAKE STATEMENT OF INTENT
SCUNTHORPE SCORPIONS 58 BERWICK BANDITS 32 (Cab Direct Championship)

ATTIS INSURANCE Scunthorpe Scorpions feel that momentum is on their side heading into the play-offs next week, after a 58-32 crushing of the Berwick Bandits in their final regular Cab Direct Championship league match at the Eddie Wright Raceway last night (Friday).

Scorpions were in determined mood and quickly asserted control on proceedings, flying into a 25-11 lead after six races, with victory secured after Jake Allen and Nathan Ablitt team rode to a 5-1 over Rory Schlein in Heat 11 to move Scorpions 45-21 ahead.

Scorpions moved into fourth in the table with the victory and keep that position if Glasgow win at Redcar on Sunday. But their play-off place was secured a couple of weeks ago.

Despite the convincing victory, there was some fine racing on display, such as when Ryan Douglas, Schlein and Allen traded places in Heat 13.

Douglas ended up with a full 15-point maximum, while Michael Palm Toft took a paid maximum (11+1). Scorpions scored well down the line, with six riders paid for at least paid seven.

Team manager Dave Peet said: “It was a good team performance. Berwick have riders in their team who can ride our track and this was a potential banana skin fixture for us.

“But when we had the team talk before the meeting, we said to the lads that we wanted to put out a statement of intent before the play-offs and we did just that. We fear no-one.

“Dougie (Ryan Douglas) wanted to max out tonight and also go out and win Heat 15, while Tofty (Michael Palm Toft) is still feeling it with his foot and settled for a four-ride paid maximum. Jake (Allen) was also on good form and happy to take Heat 15.

“Drew (Kemp) had a few mechanical issues, but we’ll make sure those are resolved before the play-offs – we know what he can do, he showed that a couple of weeks ago and we have every confidence in him.”

The play-off semi-groups – two mini-leagues of three teams – will be confirmed during Saturday. Scorpions are expected to feature in an away fixture next Wednesday in their opening play-off group match, but all is set to be confirmed soon.

SCUNTHORPE 58: Ryan Douglas 15, Michael Palm Toft 11+1, Jake Allen 11+1, Simon Lambert 7+1, Connor Mountain 6+1, Nathan Ablitt 6+1, Drew Kemp 2+1.
BERWICK 32: Jye Etheridge 8, Leon Flint 7+1, Rory Schlein 7, Luke Harrison 5+1, Jacob Hook 3+2, Hans Andersen 2, Steve Boxall r/r.
Scunthorpe win aggregate bonus point by 101-79