Scunthorpe Scorpions v Sheffield Tigers preview

HENDERSON INSURANCE Scunthorpe Scorpions’ promoter Rob Godfrey is optimistic that his side can end the recent Indian Sign that big-city rivals Sheffield Tigers have over them, when the two clubs meet in a local derby at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Sunday (5.30pm).

Scorpions went on a winning spree against Tigers between 2012 and 2014, but in the last couple of seasons that trend has been reversed.

Josh Auty returns to Scorpions’ colours, following the expiry of his 14-day-ban for taking some time out of the sport. Meanwhile, Nathan Greaves has been booked to guest for Josh Bailey, although Greaves received a knock at Ipswich on Thursday (Edit: it has now been confirmed that Greaves has been ruled out and David Wallinger will guest for Scorpions).

Godfrey says: “It’s another tough meeting on Sunday against a Sheffield side that has already won here a month ago.

“I’m sure the Tigers will be expecting to win again, given the respective league positions of the two teams, and I’m sure plenty of their fans will make their way up the M18 hopeful of seeing another away win.

“But I’m optimistic about our chances. Before the heavens opened last Sunday, we were performing really well – between them, Michael Palm Toft, Tero Aarnio and Lewis Kerr had won all five races.

“Plus we have Josh Auty back in our ranks on Sunday. What happened with Josh happened and it’s water under the bridge now.

“We’re looking forwards, not backwards, and after his break to get his head straight and sort a few problems out, I’m hopeful that we will get a fully refreshed and recharged Josh Auty back in the No. 5 race-jacket.

“I’m sure it’s going to be another cracking derby between the two sides, full of top-notch racing, although we’d like to be the team which emerges from the clash with the SGB Championship points.”

NOTE ON RE-ADMISSION TICKETS FROM SCORPIONS V PETERBOROUGH:

Please note that last Sunday’s Scunthorpe v Peterborough KOC match was halted FIVE races before a result could be declared (the completion of Heat 10). Re-admission tickets therefore come into effect.

Your tickets, which were stamped before your departure, will be valid for one of the next three home meetings, or the re-staging of the Scunthorpe v Peterborough KOC meeting (a re-staging date has yet to be agreed).

In this case, deductions to admission prices on reproducing a valid, stamped re-admission ticket are as follows: Adult, Student/OAP and Child (10 – 17) – all £5. That is, a deduction of £1 on each race not completed prior to Heat 10.

For example, the pricing structure for Sunday’s Scunthorpe v Sheffield SGB Championship meeting is as follows.

Full admission prices for those without a valid, stamped ticket:

Adult: £15.00
Student/OAP: £13.00
Child (10 – 17): £5.00
Child (0 – 9) Free (accompanied by paying adult)
Family Ticket £35 (2 adults, 2 Children 10-17)

Reduced prices for those WITH a valid, stamped ticket:

Adult: £10.00 (£5 deduction)
Student/OAP: £8.00 (£5 deduction)
Child (10 – 17) FREE (£5 deduction)
Family Ticket £20 (2 adults, 2 Children 10-17) (£15 deduction)

We’re also aware that some people left without getting their ticket stamped. In this case, please bring your programme from the meeting, PLUS your unstamped ticket, and we will arrange to re-admit you at the reduced price.

Expected teams for Sunday (Revised):

Henderson Insurance Scunthorpe Scorpions: 1. Michael Palm Toft (captain), 2. Carl Wilkinson, 3. Lewis Kerr, 4. Ryan Douglas, 5. Josh Auty, 6. Tero Aarnio, 7. David Wallinger (guest).

Sheffield Tigers: 1. Josh Grajczonek, 2. Todd Kurtz, 3. Lasse Bjerre, 4. Josh Bates, 5. Kyle Howarth, 6. Rob Branford, 7. Layne Cupitt (guest).