Ash set for dramatic return

FLUIDAIR POWER Scunthorpe Scorpions’ skipper Ashley Birks will make a sensational return to action tonight, just 13 days after breaking his scaphoid in two places at Rye House.

Birks has declared himself fit for tonight’s big play-off meeting at the Eddie Wright Raceway (7.30pm) between the Scorpions and the reigning league champions, the Somerset Rebels.

He has had his scaphoid screwed and plated, and has been going to an oxygen chamber to speed up his recovery.

Scunthorpe have been used to having one big hitter at reserve all season. But in last night’s 35-57 defeat at Ipswich, guest Mark Lemon was a poor replacement for Birks, scoring just 4 points.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “Ashley Birks is a dedicated young man. He was determined to come back as soon as possible, and once he saw how weak we were at reserve at Ipswich last night, he phoned me up and told me he’s ready to come back to ride for us tonight.

“He’s confident his scaphoid will stand up to racing in a meeting.

“We’ve nothing to lose, because we scored next to nothing at reserve last night.

“We want to hit Somerset hard tonight, and Ash’s inclusion is a huge boost to us.

“Ryan Douglas is set to return next Wednesday at Somerset. We certainly haven’t given up on topping our group and getting to the final. We will be up for tonight.”

The Scorpions will use rider replacement at No 1 tonight, in place of Nicolai Klindt, who crashed out of last night’s meeting at Ipswich, while Hugh Skidmore guests for Douglas at No 3.

Benji Compton replaces the unavailable Tom Perry at No 6.

Expected teams for tonight:

FluidAir Power Scunthorpe Scorpions: 1. R/R for Nicolai Klindt, 2. David Howe, 3. Hugh Skidmore (guest), 4. Josh Auty, 5. Thomas Jørgensen, 6. Benji Compton (guest), 7. Ashley Birks.

Somerset Rebels: 1. Oliver Allen, 2. R/R for Brady Kurtz, 3. Charles Wright, 4. Pontus Aspgren, 5. Nick Morris, 6. Todd Kurtz, 7. Paul Starke.