Key encounters for play-off chasing Scorpions

FLUIDAIR POWER Scunthorpe Scorpions, on a high after double wins over Redcar this week, are involved in further crucial clashes this weekend – against fellow play-off contenders, the Workington Comets.

The Scorpions travel to Workington on Saturday, where they feature second in a double-header also involving the Rye House Rockets.

The return fixture is at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Sunday afternoon (3pm) and is followed by a Scunthorpe Stags vs Stoke Potters National League match.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “The win at Redcar was a huge boost to our play-off hopes and it’s hard to see either Newcastle or Redcar finishing ahead of us now.

“However, both Workington and Peterborough have plenty of meetings in hand, so we’re not quite safe yet. We’ve got both those chasing teams home and away in the next week and the very least we require is to win the two home meetings.

“Of course, that doesn’t mean we won’t be chasing points from the away meetings as well, because we will, but it’s the home results that are the key.

“Sunday’s home meeting to Workington is a very important meeting for us. We really need to emerge from that with the three more league points.”

It’s approaching the end of the school summer holidays, and the Scunthorpe promotion are hoping to attract a bumper children’s attendance on Sunday – with an offer which sees all children aged 17 or under admitted free.

Godfrey added: “We’re hoping families will take advantage of this offer and come along to the Eddie Wright Raceway, to see a whole afternoon of thrilling speedway action.

“We’re hoping to see some brand new faces to enjoy the only professional motorsport with no brakes and no gears, while also realising this may appeal to fans travelling from further afield.

“We’re proud that we have one of the best racetracks in the country, and 30 races around here are likely to contain plenty of excitement, and hopefully plenty of families will come along on Sunday to enjoy that.

“Also, of course, we are also honouring the season ticket holders of the Birmingham Brummies, who sadly folded earlier in the year. On production of their Birmingham season ticket, they will be admitted into the meeting.

“This latter offer actually extends to every 2014 speedway meeting at the Eddie Wright Raceway, but the double-header on Sunday is perhaps a meeting that, in particular, may appeal to any Brummies fans.”

Monday’s adult admission price for the double-header is £17. It’s just £2 more than a single Premier League meeting at the Eddie Wright Raceway, for 15 extra heats of action.

The circuit rightfully has won the award, several times, for being the best racetrack in the Premier League, so a full and exciting day of racing is ahead.

Admission prices for Sunday:

Adult: £17.00
Student/OAP: £15.00
Child (10 – 17): Free
Child (0 – 9) Free (accompanied by paying adult)
Family Ticket £39 (2 adults, 2 Children 10-17)
Match Programme: £1.00

Expected teams for Sunday (English unless stated):

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

Workington Comets: 1. Richard Lawson (guest), 2. R/R for Rene Bach (Denmark), 3. Ricky Wells (United States), 4. Mason Campton (Australia) 5. Kyle Howarth, 6. Joe Jacobs, 7. Simon Lambert (guest).

Henderson Insurance Scunthorpe Stags: 1. Steve Jones, 2. Arron Mogridge, 3. Danno Verge, 4. Reece Downes, 5. Sam Chapman, 6. Jack Hall, 7. Ryan MacDonald (Scotland).

Stoke Potters: 1. Simon Lambert, 2. Chris Widman, 3. Ben Hopwood, 4. Lee Payne, 5. Jon Armstrong, 6. Adam Kirby, 7. Rob Shuttleworth.