Crunch derby time for Scorpions

HENDERSON INSURANCE Scunthorpe Scorpions head into two crucial local derby fixtures with the Sheffield Tigers in the next couple of days, which are likely to either make-or-break their Championship Shield aspirations. Scorpions travel to Sheffield on Thursday evening, before the return fixture at Scunthorpe’s Eddie Wright Raceway on Friday evening (7.30pm).

Scorpions are the early leaders of their Championship Shield group, with only the group winners assured of progress to the semi-finals of the competition. While neither Redcar nor Newcastle can be discounted, the two favourites in the group are the Scorpions and the Tigers.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “The meetings against Sheffield are the two biggest fixtures of our season so far – and the good news is that the weather has finally taken a change for the better, and there is a warm, dry forecast for both days.

“We know what we need to do against Sheffield, and I have every confidence that the lads can pick up the results that we need.

“We have booked two excellent guests for the injured Steve Worrall. We have brought in Richard Lawson at Sheffield, since he is a real track specialist around Owlerton. Meanwhile, for our home meeting, we have a very familiar face in Thomas Jorgensen. Very few riders are as good around the Eddie Wright Raceway as Tommy The Gun, while he remains a good friend of the club and we know we will always get 100% from him.

“On the subject of Stevie Worrall and the time frame he has for getting himself back on track, he’s not talking long, I can tell you. He’s already out of hospital commencing his rehab and I’m sure he will more than likely be at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Friday, when we will be having a collection for him.”

Godfrey also took time to pay tribute to six-time World Champion Ivan Mauger, who passed away at the weekend.

He commented: “I was saddened to hear of the death this week of Ivan Mauger, who was – and possibly still is – the best-known speedway rider there has ever been.

“Ivan passed away in Australia at the age of 78 after sadly suffering from dementia in the last few years. His many record-breaking achievements in the sport are legendary. We have quite a few supporters come down from the Hull area every week, and of course he was a complete legend with the Vikings, winning his sixth World title with them in 1979.

“His passing is a sad loss to the sport, and on behalf of Scunthorpe Speedway, I pass on my condolences to his family and friends.”

Admission prices for Friday:

Adult: £16.00
Student/OAP: £14.00
Child (10 – 17): £5.00
Child (0 – 9) Free (accompanied by paying adult)
Family Ticket £37 (2 adults, 2 Children 10-17)
Match Programme: £1.00

Expected teams for Friday:

Henderson Insurance Scunthorpe Scorpions: 1. Thomas Jorgensen (guest), 2. Stefan Nielsen, 3. Josh Auty, 4. Jake Allen, 5. Jason Garrity (captain – pictured), 6. Danny Phillips, 7. Gino Manzares.

Sheffield Tigers: 1. Kyle Howarth, 2. Todd Kurtz, 3. Charles Wright, 4. Rider replacement for Josh Bates, 5. Lasse Bjerre, 6. Jack Smith, 7. James Shanes.