Local derby will prove test for Scorpions

A FASCINATING Easter Sunday afternoon of action lies ahead at Scunthorpe’s Eddie Wright Raceway in Normanby Road, with a packed 31-race programme of racing starting at 3pm.

Henderson Insurance Scunthorpe Scorpions face local rivals Sheffield Tigers in a mouth-watering clash. Sheffield are well-fancied to do well in 2016, while Scunthorpe will be looking to consolidate their place at the top of the Midland group of the League Cup, after taking five points from last week’s two meetings with the Ipswich Witches.

The main action is followed by a four team tournament, between the Scunthorpe Stags, Halifax Dukes, Hull Vikings and Buxton Hitmen, with the mix of riders including many stars of tomorrow, plus the likes of Scorpions’ former captain and club legend Wayne Carter.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “Our local derby meetings with Sheffield at the Eddie Wright Raceway are often hotly contested and something a bit special, and I don’t see this meeting as anything different.

“Sheffield are tipped to have a good season, and it would be a real boost to our confidence if we can overcome them. There’s absolutely no reason why we can’t beat them.”

Carl Wilkinson (pictured), who suffered a small break to his collarbone in last Sunday’s meeting against Ipswich, is set to ride through the pain barrier, having already competed for his Elite League club, King’s Lynn, on Good Friday.

Meanwhile, Sheffield bring in Lasse Bjerre in place of injured No 1 Simon Stead.

Admission prices for this afternoon:

Adult: £17.00
Student/OAP: £15.00
Child (10 – 17): £5.00
Child (0 – 9) Free (accompanied by paying adult)
Family Ticket £39 (2 adults, 2 Children 10-17)
Match Programme: £1.00

Expected teams for this afternoon:

Henderson Insurance Scunthorpe Scorpions: 1. Josh Auty, 2. Nicolai Klindt, 3. Alex Davies, 4. Zdenek Holub, 5. Ryan Douglas, 6. Carl Wilkinson, 7. Josh Bailey.

Sheffield Tigers: 1. Lasse Bjerre (guest), 2. Dimitri Berge, 3. Kyle Howarth, 4. Josh Bates, 5. Jason Garrity, 6. Richard Hall, 7. Nathan Greaves.

Teams for four team tournament:
Scunthorpe Stags: 1. Dan Greenwood, 2. Alex Wilson, 3. Andrew Blackburn, 4. Sam Chapman.
Halifax Tigers: 1. Wayne Carter, 2. Jack Parkinson-Blackburn, 3. Paul Burnett, 4. Krys Bialecki.
Buxton Hitmen: 1. Ryan Blacklock, 2. Shelby Rutherford, 3. Ryan Burton, 4. James Hitchen.
Hull Vikings: 1. Chris Widman, 2. Adam Sheppard, 3. George Rothery, 4. Luke Whitehead.