Big Match Preview: Scunthorpe v Poole
SCORPIONS AIM TO END PIRATES’ UNBEATEN RUN
SECOND-PLACED Ellie Rose Travel Scunthorpe Scorpions are seeking to become the first team to beat league leaders Poole Pirates outright in the Cab Direct Championship this season in the big top-of-the-table clash at Scunthorpe’s Eddie Wright Raceway tomorrow evening (Friday) at 7.30pm.
Poole have yet to lose in the standard 15 heats of a league match. They don’t quite have an unblemished 100% record, since they dropped a single league point after losing a Super Heat at Oxford following a 45-45 draw. Otherwise Pirates have won their other 11 league meetings, including four meetings away from home.
Poole’s away form is nearly as impressive as Scunthorpe’s home form. Scorpions have won all 10 home meetings at the EWR in 2024, including smashing the 60-point-barrier on four occasions. Workington (41 points) are the only visitors to reach 40 points at the North Lincolnshire venue.
Poole topped the regular Cab Direct Championship table in 2023, but it didn’t stop the season ending in disappointment, with Glasgow beating them in the play-off final and Scunthorpe besting them in the Knockout Cup final.
Poole beat Scunthorpe won by 52-38 at Wimborne Road in Dorset on Wednesday and there is an aggregate bonus points also up for grabs.
Scorpions are due to remain at full strength, while Poole bring in Jacob Hook for injured reserve Vinnie Foord.
Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “First and foremost, we need to make sure we win the match but a 14-point deficit for the bonus is well within our range.
“I’m sure Poole will fancy their chances, not only of the bonus point but winning the meeting. Poole have not scored fewer than 43 points in any match this season and they have not lost in the league. But they have yet to visit the Eddie Wright Raceway this season and we’ve got our own 100% home record.
“Something somewhere has to give and it promises to be an absolute belter of a top-of-the-table clash. We’re always proud of the standard of racing at the EWR and it’s going to be an evening of outstanding entertainment. And hopefully by the end of the evening, we will become the first team to defeat Poole outright in the Cab Direct Championship this season!
“A reminder that kids up to the age of 16 are free and now it’s the school holidays, it’s a great place for families to visit on a Friday evening.”
For those who cannot make it to the Eddie Wright Raceway, Scorpions are live streaming home meetings for just £11.99 at: https://tv.scunthorpe-speedway.com/
ADMISSION PRICES FOR TOMORROW (FRIDAY):
Adult: £20.00
Student/OAP: £18.00
Child (0 – 16): Free (must be accompanied by paying adult)
Programme: £1.00
Car Parking free
Pay on the day at the turnstiles by cash or card.
Expected teams for tomorrow (Friday):
Ellie Rose Travel Scunthorpe Scorpions: 1. Michael Palm Toft, 2. Simon Lambert (captain), 3. Jake Allen, 4. Connor Mountain, 5. Kyle Howarth, 6. Nathan Ablitt, 7. Luke Harrison.
Poole Pirates: 1. Richard Lawson, 2. Sam Hagon, 3. Ben Cook, 4. Zach Cook, 5. Tom Brennan, 6. Tobias Thomsen, 7. Jacob Hook (guest).
