BSN dates set, while Etheringon joins Stags

BIG DATES SET FOR BSN SERIES SEMI-FINALS

THE dates have been agreed for Ellie Rose Travel Scunthorpe Scorpions’ semi-final clashes in the BSN Series against the Edinburgh Monarchs.

The first leg will take place up in Scotland at Armadale on Friday, August 23, with the second leg at Scunthorpe’s Eddie Wright Raceway on Friday, September 6 at 7.30pm.

The aggregate winners will progress to the final of the competition, where they will face Poole or Workington. It’s an intriguing tie, since second-placed Scorpions are much higher in the Cab Direct Championship table, but Monarchs took the aggregate bonus point from the regular league clashes.

To accommodate the BSN Series dates, Scunthorpe will now host Oxford in a double-header on Friday, August 30.  Scorpions will take to the track against Oxford Cheetahs at the slightly earlier time than usual of 7pm, followed by the WSRA National League encounter between Scunthorpe Stags and Oxford Chargers in a 30-heat bonanza of speedway.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “There’s going to be plenty of excitement at the Eddie Wright Raceway in the next few weeks as the season starts to build up to a climax.

“The BSN Series semi-finals against Edinburgh are going to be two classic meetings.  Monarchs are out of the reckoning for silverware in the other competitions so will keen to get through, while we will be putting in everything in our own attempts to the reach the final.

“The Oxford double-header is another pulsating fixture with plenty of action on the same night – the previous double-header against Edinburgh was one of the highlights of the season at the EWR.

“In the meantime, we have the visit against old rivals Plymouth this Friday (August 2) and league leaders Poole next Friday (August 9). There’s plenty to get excited about, and we aim to finish the season with more silverware to add to the Knockout Cup that we won last season.”

* ELLIE ROSE TRAVEL Scunthorpe Scorpions host Plymouth Gladiators in the Cab Direct Championship at the Eddie Wright Raceway this Friday (August 2) at 7.30pm. A full preview will follow.

JAMIE ETHERINGTON JOINS THE STAGS

15-YEAR-OLD Jamie Etherington has been signed for the joint Scunthorpe and Sheffield side in the WSRA National League in place of the retired Sheldon Davies.

Etherington was in impressive form in the British Youth Championship last week, with a couple of second places behind William Cairns.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “Jamie has come on strong this season. He comes highly recommended from Neil Vatcher, who is the manager of the British Youth set-up.

“He will come into our joint WSRA National League side with Sheffield as a 3.00 rider at reserve. The league is about giving opportunities to young riders. I’m sure Jamie will progress very quickly and we’re delighted to have added him to our side.”