Scunthorpe Scorpions vs Berwick Bandits preview

DAVID HOWE BACK AT EDDIE WRIGHT RACEWAY

HENDERSON INSURANCE Scunthorpe Scorpions will be looking for their third victory of the season over the Berwick Bandits at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Sunday (5.30pm).

The meeting is notable, since it marks the first appearance of Scorpions’ legend David Howe at the Eddie Wright Raceway, since his return from retirement.

Howe spent seven successive seasons with Scorpions from 2009 to 2015, before injury woes forced him to quit the sport. But he has returned to action for the Bandits this season and top-scored with 11+1 for his new club at Peterborough on Friday night.

Scorpions have been involved in three away meetings, since they defeated local rivals Sheffield by 49-41 at the Eddie Wright Raceway a fortnight ago, and will be looking to record their second successive home victory.

Ryan Burton will cover for Scorpions in place of Josh Bailey. More news will be revealed very soon regarding the No 7 position for Scorpions.

Meanwhile, Kyle Howarth will guest for bottom-of-the-table Bandits’ injured No 1 Nick Morris, and Layne Cupitt comes in as a guest at No 7.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey says: “It’s fair to say that the season has not gone according to plan for either us or the Bandits, and both clubs find themselves at the wrong end of the table, which is where no-one wants to be.

“But our approach will stay the same. We set out to win every fixture we take part in, to finish as high up the table as we possibly can. Likewise, Berwick will be seeking a victory to close the gap on us.

“The presence of our old friend David Howe definitely adds some interest in the meeting.

“It is certainly going to be very strange seeing David park his bike on the ‘wrong’ side of the pits and come out wearing a white or yellow/black helmet colour!

“I’m sure it’s going to be a meeting containing the usual thrilling racing around the Eddie Wright Raceway. We won’t be under-estimating the Bandits and will be looking to ensure that we emerge from the meeting with the three points.”

There are 21 heats of action in total on Sunday, including a six-heat second half Northern Junior League match between Halifax Dukes and Berwick Border Raiders.

Admission prices for Sunday:

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)
Match Programme: £1.00

Expected teams for Sunday:

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

Berwick Bandits: 1. Kyle Howarth (guest), 2. Joe Jacobs, 3. Dany Gappmaier, 4. David Howe, 5. Kevin Doolan, 6. Rob Branford (guest), 7. Layne Cupitt (guest).

Northern Junior League teams:
Halifax Dukes: 1. Kean Dicken, 2. Dan Gilkes, 3. Jordan Palin, 4. Joe Thompson.
Berwick Border Raiders: 1. Kev Whelan, 2. Kieran Douglas, 3. Leon Flint, 4. Dan Thompson.